Explosive authorisations register 1991 to 2024

Introduction

WorkSafe Victoria has adopted the United Nations (UN) system for classifying explosives for transport, as a means of identifying explosive hazards. The classification system is outlined in the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code) and the Australian Code for the Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail (AEC) and it is used to categorises explosives into hazard levels by assigning different divisions – such as 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6. These divisions are further assigned to groups that are compatible with each other and allow safe storage and transport without increasing the risk or hazard associated with the explosives.

The full classification of an explosive is known as its classification code and comprises the hazard division followed by a letter, known as the compatibility group.

Hazard divisions

• Division 1.1 – substances and articles which have a mass explosion hazard.
• Division 1.3 – substances and articles which have a fire hazard with minor blast or projection hazard.
• Division 1.4 – substances and articles which present no significant hazard.
• Division 1.5 – very insensitive substances which have a mass explosion hazard.

Common compatibility groups encountered in Victoria

• B – articles containing a very sensitive primary explosive substance.
• C – an explosive substance used to propel projectiles out of a weapon.
• D – detonating explosive that can cause mass destruction.
• G – pyrotechnic substance or article used to give light, create smoke, or give a loud report.
• S – substance or article packed in a package in a manner that it will not present any significant hazard if it is accidentally functioned within that package.

An example of a most hazardous explosive is a detonator that has a classification code of 1.1B.

An example of a least hazardous explosive is a party popper, in its packaging, which has a classification code of 1.4S.

Section 54 of the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 provides that WorkSafe Victoria, as the regulatory authority, may register an explosive as an authorised explosive under the UN classification system outlined above.

Section 54(5) makes it an offence to handle explosives that are not authorised.

Section 54(6) makes it an offence to falsely represent an explosive as authorised.

In authorising an explosive WorkSafe Victoria, assigns a classification code and proper shipping name according to the UN system and places the commercial name or trade name, or description, of that explosive on a register. The register contains a list of all explosives that are currently authorised for use in Victoria and includes Commonwealth Defence Ordinances Classification listing (DOECL). The same explosives may appear in other jurisdictional explosive registers.

If a particular explosive is not listed by name, description or commercial name then it's not authorised in Victoria.