How Outdated SDSs Increase the Risk of Chemical Fires, and How ChemAlert Helps Prevent Them

Outdated Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are anoften-overlooked contributor to chemical fire risk across Australianworkplaces, despite being a core requirement under the Work Health and Safety(WHS) Regulations. While many organisations focus on physical controls such asfire suppression systems and emergency response plans, the accuracy of chemicalhazard information is equally critical. An SDS is not simply a compliancedocument; it is the primary source of information on a chemical’s flammability,reactivity, storage requirements, and appropriate firefighting measures. Whenthis information is inaccurate or no longer current, the likelihood of unsafehandling and storage practices increases significantly, creating conditionswhere chemical fires are more likely to occur.

One of the most serious risks posed byoutdated SDSs is incorrect hazard classification. Chemical formulations,scientific understanding, and regulatory classifications evolve over time, andolder SDSs may understate flammability, omit reactivity concerns, or fail toreflect updated ignition or decomposition data. This can lead to chemicalsbeing stored under inappropriate conditions or near incompatible substances,increasing the risk of combustion, violent reactions, or fire escalation. Inmany chemical fire investigations, improper storage or unrecognisedincompatibilities can be traced back to inaccurate or outdated hazardinformation.

Outdated SDSs also compromise emergencyresponse efforts. During a fire or thermal incident, employees and firstresponders rely on SDS guidance to determine appropriate extinguishing agentsand protective measures. If the SDS contains obsolete firefighting recommendations,responders may use methods that are ineffective or, in some cases, dangerouslyreactive with the material involved. In fast-moving emergency situations, evensmall inaccuracies in chemical data can have serious consequences for workersafety and incident control.

From a regulatory perspective, maintainingcurrent SDSs is a legal obligation in Australia under the Work Health andSafety Regulations and the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of classificationand labelling. Safe Work Australia frequently emphasises the importance ofaccurate SDS management, particularly in workplaces handling flammable orreactive chemicals. Outdated SDSs not only increase the risk of fire but canalso lead to compliance breaches, penalties, and increased liability in the eventof an incident. As chemical inventories grow and suppliers frequently issueupdates, manual SDS management becomes increasingly unreliable, allowingoutdated documents to persist unnoticed.

ChemAlert helps address these risks byproviding a centralised and automated approach to SDS management that supportsboth compliance and fire prevention. By actively monitoring suppliers andmanufacturers for SDS updates, ChemAlert ensures organisations have access tothe most current hazard information without relying on manual tracking.Centralised, cloud-based access allows employees and emergency responders toquickly retrieve accurate SDSs when they are needed most, improving the qualityand speed of emergency decision-making. Enhanced visibility into chemical hazardsalso allows safety and WHS teams to better identify flammable and reactivesubstances, review storage and segregation practices, and take preventiveaction before an incident occurs.

Preventing chemical fires requires morethan physical controls and training programs; it depends on the accuracy of theinformation that guides daily chemical use and emergency response. OutdatedSDSs can quietly undermine safety systems, introducing hidden risks that onlybecome apparent after a fire has occurred. By ensuring SDSs are current,accessible, and reliable, Australian organisations can reduce the likelihood ofchemical fires, protect their workforce, and strengthen compliance with WHSrequirements. ChemAlert supports this proactive approach by transforming SDSmanagement from an administrative task into a critical component of effectivechemical fire risk prevention.