“Dangerous goods” is now defined in the OHS Act as:
“(a) substances or articles subject to a national standard declared by the NOHSC; and
(b) any other substances or articles of risk to public safety.”
In addition, section 135A(2) of the OHS Act allows regulations to be made for any substance or article as dangerous goods - irrespective of quantities currently prescribed by the OHS Regulations and regardless of whether they are at a place of work.

Dangerous goods are substances or articles that are potentially dangerous to people, property and the environment. They may be:

• corrosive
• flammable (can ignite)
• explosive
• spontaneously combustible (burst into flames without being lit)
• toxic (poisonous)
• oxidising (help a fire to burn more fiercely)
• water reactive (produce gases if mixed with water)

Dangerous goods include items such as:

• petrol based products
• pool chlorine
• liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
• ammonium nitrate fertiliser
• articles that contain dangerous goods (e.g. batteries)

What are the different classes of Dangerous goods?

Please read the information here.

What are the Dangerous Goods Legislations?
The legislation relating to the storage and handling of dangerous goods has recently changed. The Dangerous Goods Act 1975 has been repealed and the following legislation has commenced.

• OHS Amendment (Dangerous Goods) Act 2003 and the supporting OHS Amendment (Dangerous Goods) Regulation 2005. These changes have been incorporated into Chapter 6A of the OHS Regulation 2001.
• Explosives Act 2003 and the supporting Explosives Regulation 2005

Dangerous Goods (excluding Class 1 & Class 7)
The recent changes to the dangerous goods legislation require anyone using or storing dangerous goods to adopt a risk management approach. The requirements for the use of dangerous goods now replicate the requirements for the use of hazardous substances at work, i.e:

• a register of dangerous goods must be maintained with a copy of the MSDSs for each material used;
• all dangerous goods must be labeled in accordance with set protocols;
• risk assessments must be carried out for each task involving the use of dangerous goods; and
• people working with dangerous goods must be provided with adequate training and supervision to ensure their safety.

Who is affected?
The amended Regulation applies at all workplaces and, with some minor exceptions, non-workplaces. It covers:

• Dangerous goods of classes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.1, 8 and 9.
• C1 (but not C2) Combustible Liquids to AS 1940.
• Goods too Dangerous to be Transported (from Appendix 5 of the ADG Code).

What must you do?
Dangerous goods licenses will no longer be required for premises in NSW. All previously issued licenses will lapse on or before September 1, 2006.
In place of licenses, the occupier of premises where dangerous goods are stored or handled must notify WorkCover NSW of that storage when a legally defined “manifest quantity” is kept.
Depending on the class and packing group of the dangerous goods, the “manifest quantity” ranges from 500–10,000kg or liters.
Many sites that required DG licenses under the previous regulation will now not even need to notify WorkCover NSW of their storage. But risks must be managed at all workplaces.

Other Key Changes

• Risk Assessment: The occupier of the premises and the designer, manufacturer or hirer of plant must assess the risks associated with dangerous goods and eliminate or control those risks.
• Material Safety Data Sheets: Manufacturers or importers of dangerous goods must prepare Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) that detail any dangerous goods hazards.
• MSDS Provision: Except for some retail transactions, suppliers of dangerous goods must provide users with a current, compliant MSDS. The MSDS must also be provided on request to anyone who claims to be associated with the storage or handling of the goods.
• Register: A single register covering dangerous goods and hazardous substances kept on the premises must be prepared and maintained.
• Accessible Manifest: Premises with a “manifest quantity” of dangerous goods must keep a manifest readily accessible to the local fire service.
• Placarding: Placards are required at site entrances and each installation where there is a “placarding quantity” of dangerous goods.

Proper Shipping Names and UN Numbers
Proper shipping names and UN numbers are assigned by the United Nations Committee of Experts for the Transport of Dangerous Goods. They are used worldwide for the quick identification of dangerous goods.

T & V Grainger CopyRight @2003
3 Conifer Place, Engadine, NSW 2233
Tel: 02- 9520 4613, Fax: 02- 9548 2229 E-Mail: tgrainge@bigpond.net.au
Web Site Designed & Maintenance by ejireh.net