Dangerous Goods and Explosives

New dangerous goods laws at a glance

Changes to dangerous goods legislation require anyone using and keeping dangerous goods to adopt a risk management approach based on a nationally uniform approach to hazard identification, risk assessment, risk control, hazard communication and emergency preparedness. This includes communications requirements, such as Material Safety Data Sheets, placarding, site registers, site manifests, training and the provision of information as required.

Delayed commencement of certain obligations

The provisions of the OHS Amendment (Dangerous Goods) Regulation 2005 that consolidate provisions of the former legislation continue in force from the date of Gazettal: 1 September 2005. However, to provide obligation bearers with a reasonable period to comply with the new requirements a 12-month adjustment period has been allowed. The following clauses will not commence until 1 September 2006.

174K Manufacturer to provide MSDS

174M Supplier to provide MSDS

174ZC Planning for emergencies

174ZG Occupier to obtain MSDS

174ZJ Outer warning placards

174ZK Other placarding requirements

174ZL Different location permitted

174ZM Revision

174ZN Manifest to be maintained

174ZW Employer to keep register of dangerous goods

174ZX Employer to record risk assessments

New Explosives laws at a glance

Under the new legislation, all people with unsupervised access to explosives or concentrated ammonium nitrate must now be licensed, and must satisfy a national probity assessment undertaken by NSW Police and Commonwealth security agencies.

The new arrangements apply to anyone handling of explosives and security sensitive dangerous substances through the supply chain including importers, manufacturers, transporters, suppliers and users.

Under the new regulations, fertilizers and other ammonium nitrate products containing more than 45 per cent ammonium nitrate are designated ‘Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate’, and their access and use is restricted.

From 1 September 2005 Security Sensitive ammonium nitrate fertilizers may no longer be legally supplied to the general public. From 1 January 2006 it will be illegal to possess Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate without a valid WorkCover licence.

The legislation details specific controls to ensure the safe handling of explosives and security sensitive dangerous substances.