Dangerous goods regulations strengthened

From 1 July, the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2012 will require all duty holders occupying premises with prescribed quantities of dangerous goods to notify WorkSafe at least every two years.

Previously, notification was required every five years.

If there are significant changes, as prescribed in the Regulations, to a site where dangerous goods are stored and handled, an additional notification will also be required within three business days of the change occurring.

Prescribed changes include a significant change in the quantity or type of dangerous goods, changed ownership or control of the dangerous goods, and other prescribed changes that significantly alter the risk profile of the site.

The amendments will ensure information reported to WorkSafe about dangerous goods storage is never more than two years old and will provide more relevant information to WorkSafe to inform a risk-based approach to regulatory oversight of premises where dangerous goods are stored in significant quantities.

Existing duty holders will have six months from 1 July to submit a notification to WorkSafe that complies with the amended regulations, unless a prescribed change occurs within that period, in which case duty holders must notify WorkSafe within three business days.

An online notification form has been developed to assist duty holders and replace the digital and paper forms previously used.

Duty holders looking for more information on their new responsibilities can call WorkSafe's Advisory Service on 1800 136 089 from 8.30am to 6.30pm.

They can also visit WorkSafe's website from July 1, when more information will be available.