Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS)

Welcome to the Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS)

HCIS is an internet advisory service that assists you to find information on chemicals that have been classified in accordance with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) by an authoritative source, such as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) or the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS), formerly the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS).

HCIS is provided for guidance only and is not a comprehensive database of all hazardous chemicals. Safe Work Australia monitors the quality of the information available on HCIS and updates the information regularly. However, Safe Work Australia does not make any representation or warranty about the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material contained within HCIS. The classifications in HCIS may include hazard properties which are not recognised under the model Work Health and Safety Regulations, including environmental hazard properties, and may not include hazard properties if they have not been assessed by the authoritative source.

It is the responsibility of the Australian manufacturer/importer to determine if their product is a hazardous chemical and if so, to correctly classify their product. If you are unsure about the classification of a chemical not included in this database you should contact your chemical supplier or the manufacturer/importer for more information or source independent professional advice.

HCIS also includes workplace exposure standards (WES). Mandatory exposure standards are also listed in the legal document Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants. No exposure standard should be applied without reference to the Guidance on the Interpretation of Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants and to the related documentation.