Hazard identification and risk controls for dangerous goods storage at public events

Warning placards provide a visual warning of dangerous goods hazards at the premises. Occupiers must ensure that the correct placards are in place for any:

• container or other storage of dangerous goods in bulk, and
• storage of packaged dangerous goods that exceeds the quantities in Schedule 2 to the Regulations

Managing Schedule 2 quantities of dangerous goods at public events

Manifests and emergency plans are required if the amount of dangerous goods stored and handled at an event exceeds the quantities in Schedule 2 to the Regulations.

Managing Schedule 2 quantities of dangerous goods at public events

Occupiers must keep a register of all the dangerous goods stored and handled at the premises, regardless of quantities. The register must be kept up to date and located in an easily accessible place.

A dangerous goods register needs to list the following details of each dangerous good stored and handled at the premises:

• the product names
• the locations and quantities of each dangerous good
• if applicable, contain the current safety data sheet (SDS), with Australian contact information

Different types of dangerous goods may be incompatible with each other. Where incompatible dangerous goods are stored at the same premises, they need to be separated by distance and/or barriers.

Code of practice: The storage and handling of dangerous goods

The occupier needs to ensure event organisers, contractors, competitors, volunteers and associations are aware of and have received emergency response training.

Training for dangerous goods emergencies should be site specific and include:

• how to identify an emergency
• what to do in an emergency
• emergency communication procedures
• a warden structure defining responsibilities for coordination and implementation of emergency procedures such as evacuation procedures
• emergency practice drills as required
• spill containment training
• how to correctly wear, remove, use and maintain PPE
• use of fire protection equipment

Occupiers need to ensure suitably trained safety officers are available at the event. Safety officers are often responsible for implementing the event emergency procedures and assurance of the event safety plan.

Appropriate fire protection must be provided for any site or building where flammable or combustible liquids or gases are stored or handled. Fire protection may include portable or fixed fire extinguishers.

If the amount of dangerous goods stored and handled at an event exceeds the quantities in column 6 of Schedule 2 to the Regulations, additional duties apply.

Managing Schedule 2 quantities of dangerous goods at public events

Occupiers must ensure that dangerous goods and any:

• structure
• plant
• container, and/or
• pipework

associated with their storage and handling (such as bulk tanks) are protected against damage from impact with vehicles, mobile plant, ships or boats.

The most effective way to protect against damage by impact is to:

• locate the dangerous goods, structures, plant, container and or pipework away from high traffic areas, if possible
• prevent vehicle or mobile plant access to areas where the dangerous goods, structures and plant are located
• ensure adequate separation and protection of dangerous goods, structures, plant, container and or pipework from vehicles and mobile plant

Where vehicles or mobile plant are required to come close to the dangerous goods, structures or plant, impact protection devices need to be installed. The impact protection needs to be installed as per the site-specific engineering design or manufacturers recommendations. Impact protection devices include:

• railings
• bollards, or
• safety barriers

Occupiers must ensure there is spill containment in each area at the premises where dangerous goods are stored or handled. Spill containment must seek to eliminate the risk from a spill or leak so far as is reasonably practicable. If that is not possible, it must reduce the risk so far as is reasonably practicable. Provision must also be made, so far as is reasonably practicable, to contain, within the premises, the dangerous goods that have been spilled or leaked and any solid or liquid effluent arising from an incident.

In the case of dangerous goods contained in a tank, the spill containment for that tank must not be shared with any other dangerous goods or other substances that are not compatible with the dangerous goods in the tank.

For packaged dangerous goods, spill containment should be provided for the volume of the largest package plus 25 per cent of the storage capacity.

Spill response kits should contain instructions for use as well as the equipment and personal protective equipment necessary to clean up a spill. This can include absorbent pads, brooms, loose absorbent, and contaminated waste bags in a readily identifiable weather resistant container which are compatible with the liquids stored.

If there is a spill or leak of dangerous goods, the occupier must:

• take immediate action to reduce any risk associated with the spill or leak, so far as is reasonably practicable, and
• make sure the dangerous goods and any resulting effluent are cleaned up, disposed of and made safe as soon as reasonably possible

Bunding is a specified system for containing dangerous goods spillages in storage and handling facilities. Bunding is the preferred risk control system for above ground bulk storage installations. Bunds located outdoors should be constructed with additional capacity to deal with rainwater and run off and with a secure system for the removal of that water.

If bulk storage (over 500 L) in tanks is utilised, these tanks may be self-bunded however if they are not, the bunds need to contain at least 110% of the largest tank or 25% capacity of all tanks, whichever is greater.

Bunding needs to be kept clean and remain clear of debris and all excess water. The bund drain valve should remain closed at all times when dangerous goods are being stored.

First aid equipment needs to be provided and accessible where dangerous goods are stored, handled and opened. The following needs to be provided:

• eyewash facilities such as an eye irrigation wash bottle or equivalent
• a supply of clean water for washing
• safety showers or equivalent, where reasonably practicable

At venues where permanent buildings and infrastructure are limited a combination of fitted and portable self-contained units can be used.

Both safety showers and eyewashes need to be located:

• in an accessible and unobstructed location
• within 10 seconds and on the same level as where the handling occurs

Pathways to the safety shower and eye wash station need to be kept clear of obstructions and illuminated, for example using lighting or reflective floor markings. Highly visible signage needs to be in place to clearly show where the safety shower and eye wash station is located.

The safety shower and eye wash station equipment should be protected:

• to prevent temperature extremes in the flushing fluid, and
• protect the equipment from extreme environmental conditions, such as freezing, heating, pipework or equipment being impacted, rusting, flow obstructed

The safety showers and eyewashes need to be tested before the event to ensure they deliver the required volume and flow. Consideration needs to be given to the safe drainage/run off from a safety shower to prevent slips and trips, contamination or contact with incompatible dangerous goods.

Safety showers and eyewashes need to comply with AS 4775-2007 Emergency eyewash and shower equipment.

Other first aid equipment may also be required.

Compliance code: First aid in the workplace

Occupiers need to ensure persons who handle and store dangerous goods have appropriate PPE, such as:

• gloves
• high-visibility clothing
• protective eyewear
• goggles
• respirators
• face masks
• aprons
• safety footwear
• hard hats
• safety harnesses
• body suits
• earmuffs and earplugs

PPE limits exposure to the harmful effects of a hazard only if the PPE is worn and used correctly. Occupiers must not rely on PPE to eliminate or reduce the risk of working with dangerous goods. PPE should be used in combination with, and to increase the effectiveness of, higher level control measures. PPE should not be used in place of safe systems of work or other practical control measures.

Occupiers should refer to the SDS of each dangerous good to ensure the recommended PPE is available. All PPE must be:

• maintained in a clean and serviceable condition
• appropriate for the activities being undertaken

PPE should also be appropriate for the environmental conditions at the event.