Security plan for transporting explosives

What is a security plan for transporting explosives

A security plan for transporting explosives details how a licensee will control the security risks associated with transporting explosives.

A security plan is a combination of processes, plans and procedures in place to effectively manage the security risks associated with activities involving explosives.

When must a security plan be submitted

A security plan for transporting explosives must be submitted to WorkSafe where requested in relation to an application for a licence to transport explosives. This plan must also be reviewed and revised when you become aware that it no longer complies with the requirements.

What to include in the security plan

Your security plan for transporting explosives must address each of the following points:

1. The precautions to ensure explosives are secure at all times.
2. The names of all persons (including those employed or engaged by the licensee) who are allowed by the licensee to have access to explosives.
3. The procedures for instructing persons who are employed or engaged by the licensee and have access to explosives with regard to the security plan procedures.
4. The procedures for amending the security plan by the addition of names of new persons having access to explosives or the removal of the names of persons who no longer have access to explosives.
5. The details of a person who is designated to be responsible for maintaining the security plan.
6. The procedures for reporting to authorities (including the police and WorkSafe) any theft, attempted theft or unexplained loss of explosives or any other security incident involving explosives.
7. The systems or precautions that are in place to ensure that explosives are only received from a licensee authorised to sell, import or use the explosives and that the explosives are delivered to a person who is licensed under the Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2022.
8. The precautions in place to ensure that, if explosives are temporarily stored during the loading or transport process, they are kept in a secure storage identified in the security plan.
9. The precautions in place to ensure that explosives are transported at all times in locked containers or under constant surveillance by electronic means or by the licensee.
10. The procedures for undertaking sealing of explosives, if required by the security plan, and for regular assessments of sealing procedures to monitor their effectiveness.
11. The system to monitor the location of the consignment during transportation.
12. The systems and procedures in place to record each of the following:
    • persons authorised to drive road vehicles transporting explosives
    • the vehicles used for transporting explosives by road or rail on which seals can be fitted to detect entry to the vehicle
    • that explosives are only delivered to licensed persons, and
    • details of consignments by road or rail, including:
      • seal numbers and any changes in seals necessary for part deliveries
      • accurate weight measurement or other reconciliation (for example, the number of bags) of all explosives at loading and unloading
      • confirmation on a load-by-load basis of whether the load was delivered with all seals and locks intact
      • the system that ensures that both returns of explosives of merchantable quality and spillage recovery are accurately documented and appropriately accounted for
13. The protocols in place to refuse loading of any vehicle to which seals cannot be fitted to detect entry to the vehicle.
14. When explosives are being transported by road, there are procedures in place to ensure that the vehicle is not left unattended unless each of the following occurs:
    • the vehicle is left at a secure site
    • the explosives are in a locked container, and
    • the relevant locks are sealed with numbered seals to assist in the detection of theft or attempted theft
15. When explosives are being transported by rail, there are procedures in place to ensure that, unless the explosives are under constant supervision, each of the following occurs:
    • they are transported in locked containers or in locked rail cars
    • all openings of the containers or rail cars are sealed with substantial tamper-proof seals that require forceful breakage to enter the container or rail car, and
    • consignments have a schedule so that the location of the container or rail car is continually monitored for the duration of the transport
16. When explosives are being transported by rail, there are procedures in place to ensure that, unless explosives are under constant supervision, a licensed person is present:
    • at the dispatch and receipt of explosives, and
    • at any time when containers need to be opened before they reach their destination