Mr Blackwell said the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Major Hazard Facilities) Regulation 2008 and could apply to more than  30 major hazard facilities.

“The regulation is designed to reduce the risk of major incidents and limit their consequences,” Mr Blackwell said.

“Under the new regulation, any site classed as a Major Hazard Facility will need to provide a safety report that justifies the measures taken to ensure the safe operation of the facility.

“Facilities are also required to have a safety management system, security plan and emergency plan.

“A significant incident at a Major Hazard Facility has the potential for devastating consequences, not only for workers, but surrounding communities,” he said.

The requirements will be implemented through a notification and registration process, which will provide the transitional steps to allow facilities to have the necessary time to achieve each of the safety milestones.

The  new regulation will commence on July 14 and will apply to sites including:

• oil refineries
• chemical-processing plants
• liquefied petroleum gas depots 
• large chemical warehouses with hazardous materials and explosives storage facilities

“The new regulation was developed following extensive industry consultation and is consistent with regulations used in other states and territories,” Mr Blackwell said.

“The regulation will also bring New South Wales into line with the National Standard for the Control of Major Hazard Facilities.

“The Major Hazard Facilities Unit of WorkCover NSW will provide help and assistance to facility operators in the development of their safety reports, safety management systems, emergency and security plans,” he said.

Fees associated with the new regulation  are to be determined by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.

Major hazard facilities and facilities requiring clarification of their status as a major hazard facility need to notify  WorkCover by December 2008.

More information on the regulation is available from the website at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 10 50.

Media Contact: John Kirby or Wendy Mckenzie on 02 4321 5474 or 0413 186 799