Carcinogenic substances are hazardous substances that can cause cancer. There are three classes of substance that WorkSafe issues licences for:
Class 1 (Schedule 10 carcinogen in a laboratory only)
Class 2 (Schedule 11 carcinogen in a workplace other than laboratory)
Class 3 (Schedule 11 carcinogen in laboratory only)
You must have a licence if you intend to use schedule 10 or 11 carcinogenic substances.
Class 1: Schedule 10 carcinogenic substances
2-Acetylaminofluorene
Aflatoxins
4-Aminodiphenyl
Benzidine (including benzidine dihydrochloride)
Bis(chloromethyl) ether
Chloromethyl methyl ether (technical grade)
4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene
2-Naphthylamine
4-Nitrodiphenyl
Class 2 and Class 3: Schedule 11 carcinogenic substances
Acrylonitrile
Benzene – when used as a feedstock containing more than 50% benzene by volume
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine and its salts
Diethyl sulphate
Dimethyl sulphate
Ethylene dibromide – when used as a fumigant
4,4'-Methylene bis(2-chloroaniline)
3-Propiolactone
o-Toluidine and o-Toluidine hydrochloride
Vinyl chloride monomer
Fee summary
$120.80
Per hour (up to a maximum of $1,328.70).
5 years
This licence is valid for 5 years.
You will be notified of this fee after your application has been processed and an inspection has been conducted in the intended workplace where the scheduled carcinogen will be used.
A licence processing fee of 7.9 fee units per hour with a maximum of 86.9 fee units applies to this application.
Fees for a carcinogen licence are based on fee units and subject to change each financial year on 1 July.
Apply or renew the licence
Note: You must complete a separate application form for each scheduled carcinogen.
If you have previously completed these identification forms, you do not need to complete them again, unless your details have changed.
A licence processing fee of 7.9 fee units per hour with a maximum of 86.9 fee units will apply (exempt from GST). You will be notified of the fee after your application has been processed and an inspection of the workplace where the scheduled carcinogen is intended to be used has been conducted.
Send your completed application, supporting documents, and identification form to WorkSafe's licensing branch by mail or email.
Site assessment before a licence is granted
WorkSafe will inspect all carcinogenic substance licence, and licence renewal, application sites to assess and verify the information provided in the application. The criteria for renewal are the same as for initial licence issue.
Risk profile
Employers and self-employed persons require a licence to use a Schedule 1 carcinogen in a laboratory. Use of Schedule 1 carcinogens is prohibited in workplaces other than laboratories.
Employers and self-employed persons require a licence to use a Schedule 2 carcinogen in a workplace other than a laboratory.
Applicant’s legislative requirements
To apply for a licence to use Schedule 10 or 11 carcinogenic substances, applicants must:
Provide all the information required in the Licence to use a Scheduled Carcinogen application form and submit the form to the Authority; and
Provide additional information if requested by the Authority to complete the application.
Contact WorkSafe's licensing branch
To check the progress of an application or if you need assistance, contact the Licensing Branch at: