Prosecution Details
| Defendant | Hoechst Australia Limited |
| Trading Name | Not Applicable |
| Regulation | 5.5(1)(d) |
| Offence Date | Friday, 11 April 1997 |
| Description of Breach(es) | Being a person who imports hazardous substances, namely Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide), for use at a workplace, failed to provide an initial copy of the material safety data sheet for each hazardous substance to the WorkSafe Western Australia Commissioner. |
| Background Details |
On 20 November 1996 a letter was sent by the WorkSafe Western Australia Commissioner to Hoechst Australia Limited advising them of their duty under regulation 5.5(1)(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996. This regulation requires that a copy of their material safety data sheet in relation to hazardous substances be forwarded to the Commissioner. A search of records at WorkSafe Western Australia on 11 April 1997 revealed that no copy of the material safety data sheet for Sodium Hydroxide had been received. It is essential that the material safety data sheets are audited by WorkSafe Western Australia to ensure they contain the correct information on hazards and necessary precautions. This auditing will prevent companies understating hazards. A plea of guilty was entered. |
| Outcome Summary | convicted |
| Conviction Date | 23 Oct 1997 |
| Court | Perth Court of Petty Sessions |
| Fine | $500 |
| Costs | $128.50 |
| Charge Number | 75031/97 |