The obligation
PCBUs must identify all hazardous chemicals, conduct risk assessments, and implement the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Under the CoP (mirroring WHS Act 2012 (Tas) ss 17–19), PCBUs must: (1) identify all hazardous chemicals at the workplace; (2) assess associated health, safety, and physicochemical risks; (3) apply the hierarchy of controls — elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE — SFARP. This is the central operative obligation of the CoP and applies to any person conducting a business or undertaking where hazardous chemicals are used, handled, generated, or stored.
- What
- PCBUs must identify all hazardous chemicals, conduct risk assessments, and implement the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
- Source
- worksafe.tas.gov.au
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PCBU
duty of care
risk assessment
hierarchy of controls
SFARP
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
PCBU duty to manage hazardous chemical risks is a WHS requirement set out in Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace (TAS). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (TAS). The relevant provision is Code of Practice > Hazardous Chemicals > PCBU Duties.
What does this WHS obligation require?
PCBU duty to manage hazardous chemical risks is a WHS obligation under Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace (TAS). In short, PCBUs must identify all hazardous chemicals, conduct risk assessments, and implement the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
What changed recently?
PCBU duty to manage hazardous chemical risks was last updated on 27 August 2026.
