GoldFFX access

Access Chemwatch

  • What is a Safety data sheets (SDS)

    A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides information about the hazards (health effects) of a chemical and how to use it safely. It also helps the user of a chemical to identify, assess and control risks associated with the use of the chemical in the workplace.

    An SDS must be written in English, be in date and contain certain information. You can confirm that an SDS meets regulatory requirements using the Safety Data Sheet checklist.

    An SDS should not be confused with a product specification sheet, which provides information on characteristics of the product and directions for use.

    More information about SDS is available in the Chemical management guidelines.

    A chemical classed as a hazardous substance should not be purchased or used if an SDS is not available,* or if it is apparent that its SDS contains significant discrepancies or omissions.

    * Exception: a SDS is not required for a chemical that has been manufactured within and will only be used or supplied within the University of Melbourne.
  • Users of chemicals must have access to SDS

    Staff and students who handle hazardous chemicals or work where hazardous chemicals are stored must be provided with access to a current SDS. This access must be as close to the work area as reasonably practicable.

    • If computers are easily accessible in the work area, then an electronic SDS database can be used to fulfill this requirement. The electronic database in use at the University will usually be GoldFFX.
    • If computers are not easily accessible in the work area, paper copies of SDS may be required. If you are using paper copies, be aware that it is easy for them to be misplaced or to fall out of date. It is important to have a management system to review your paper copies regularly for currency and completeness.

    Electronic access to SDS

    Everyone with a University username and password can access SDS in GoldFFX.

    SDS for non-hazardous chemicals

    SDS are not required for non-hazardous chemicals, but such SDS still contain useful safety information. It is strongly recommended that SDS for non-hazardous chemicals are retained and consulted regarding safe use, handling, storage and disposal. A copy of an SDS also provides a method of determining whether a chemical is hazardous if this is unknown, or if this needs to be proven using documentation.

    Missing, incomplete or erroneous SDS

    If you have the manufacturer's SDS:

    • Your local administrator can log in to GoldFFX and submit a request to register the SDS to the system, using their online Registration Request Form.
    • This service is free of charge

    If you do not have the manufacturer's SDS and want GoldFFX to source it for you:

    • Email GoldFFX customer service to request the SDS be sourced and uploaded
    • This service currently costs $5 per SDS, payable by the requesting department.
    • GoldFFX will email you a quote for the cost. Once you have this quote, you must then supply a purchase order from Themis iProcurement (GoldFFX trades as UCORP PTY LTD). Please contact the purchasing officer in your department for assistance.

    If you want GoldFFX to create an enhanced 'Gold' SDS for you:

    GoldFFX Gold SDS are enhanced SDS with pictograms and improved usability. You may wish to order one because of the superior usability, or because you have manufactured a new chemical and need an SDS written for it.

    • Email GoldFFX customer service to request the Gold SDS be created
    • This service currently costs $80 per SDS, payable by the requesting department.
    • GoldFFX will email you a quote for the cost. Once you have this quote, you must then supply a purchase order from Themis iProcurement (GoldFFX trades as UCORP PTY LTD). Please contact the purchasing officer in your department for assistance.
  • Chemical inventories

    Most workplaces need a chemical inventory

    Victorian statute requires that all hazardous chemicals in a workplace must be recorded in a chemical inventory. A chemical inventory may be needed if emergency services enter your building, and can assist you in chemical stock management.

    A chemical inventory must have certain characteristics, which are detailed in the Chemical management guidelines. You can comply with these requirements by using GoldFFX to manage inventories, or by using the manual inventory template.

    Electronic access to chemical inventories

    Anyone requiring access to an electronic chemical inventory requires a GoldFFX user login and password. Please contact your supervisor for advice and  lodge a  ticket via  Chemwatch request  form in ServiceNow.

    Chemical inventories maintained electronically

    Areas not using GoldFFX must make sure that their chemical inventories comply with the requirements outlined in the Chemical management guidelines. Use the Chemical inventory form to complete.

  • GoldFFX Administrators and User Types

    Contact your GoldFFX Super Users for further details and access to your local manifest.

    User TypeAccess/Permissions
    Super User

    The super user (sdministrator) has all functionality and permissions assigned to all other user types.

    In addition, the super user can also:

    • Create Users
    • Assign defined roles to Users
    • Assign access to Folders in a Manifest

    Normally a local area Health and Safety Business Partner.

    Manifest/Chemical Inventory User

    The manifest/chemical inventory user has general user access.

    In addition, the manifest/chemical inventory user can also:

    • Assign read/write access to all users in their portfolio
    • Access and create local area manifests/chemical inventories
    • Create chemical risk assessments

    Normally a laboratory supervisor or post graduate student.

    General User

    The general user can:

    • Access the SDS repository
    • Print labels
    • Obtain emergency information related to a chemical

    Can be accessed by everyone with a University username and password.

    For more information to request super user access, please contact safety-chemical@unimelb.edu.au.

  • Access to GoldFFX manifests/chemical inventories

    Note: Under Victorian legislation, a manifest is used to describe a list of dangerous goods only. The GoldFFX manifest is used to list all chemicals, including hazardous substances that may or may not be classified as a dangerous good. Therefore, the GoldFFX manifest is referred to as a chemical inventory throughout University documents and guidance.

    View and edit chemical inventories for your area

    How to log in

    • Launch GoldFFX using Access GoldFFX button at top of this page - Initially you are logged in as EVERYONE (using a generic university login) and can only access general Safety Data Sheets.
    • Log out of GoldFFX
    • Log in using your unique user login and password provided by your Super User or Manifest/Chemical Inventory User (normally the laboratory manager) and this will provide you with access to the chemical inventory and folders for your assigned area.

    Bulk upload of chemical inventories into GoldFFX

    You may wish to use this service if you have extensive existing chemical inventories not in GoldFFX. Please contact safety-chemical@unimelb.edu.au for assistance.

  • GoldFFX guidance

    The following GoldFFX SDS database quick help topics provide step-by-step instructions on general user functions in GoldFFX:

    The following presentation provides user support for staff and students with access to GoldFFX manifests/chemical inventories: