Malaysia opens public consultation on proposed revision of standards for the storage of hazardous substances

On 21 December 2023, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) in Malaysia is opened a consultation on a proposed revision to its standards for the safe storage of packaged hazardous chemicals. The deadline for the consultation is 19 January 2024 . Businesses should use the DOSH website to submit comments.

Purpose of the Consultation

The purpose of the consultation is to gather views on whether the guidelines are still relevant. The DOSH wants to make sure that the existing rules are appropriate, particularly with regard to the classification and communication of chemical hazards and the storage and management of warehouses. The goal of the update is to increase workplace safety as part of the DOSH's Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan 2021–2025.

Some background

The guidelines were introduced in 2005 by the Job Safety and Health Department, Malaysian (JKKP). They were prepared by officials from the Department of Environment, the Malaysian Chemicals Department , the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau, and the JKKP in collaboration with industry representatives such as the Chemical Industries Council of Malaysia and 3 M Malaysia. The guidelines are meant to assist businesses to comply with the following acts and regulations:

• Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1994.
• Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standards of Exposure to Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000.
• Occupational Safety and Health (Control of Major Hazards in Industry) Regulations 1996.