Regulation Update

DARREN WATSON, Senior Field Officer, Work Safe Victoria reports on the updated Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations.

THE Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2011 replace the Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2000. Most of the requirements in the old regulations are the same as the new ones, so if you are complying now, it is likely you will be complying under the new regulations.

There are some changes that have been introduced to improve public safety and security and to clarify responsibilities so that the law is easier to understand.

The changes came into effect on 26 June 2011. However, there is a 12 month transition period that means any activity under the Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2000 will remain lawful for 12 months after the new regulations come into effect.

Storage requirements for blasting explosives under the new regulations are substantively the same as under the old regulations.

However the following key changes may impact the quarry industry:

Blast Management Plans – Blast Management Plans are now mandatory rather than just recommended for all people with a licence to use blast explosives. This reflects requirements in line with Australian Standards.

Safety Management Systems – The requirement to develop a Safety Management System (SMS) has been broadened to all manufacturers of explosives, excepting:

• A manufacturer using a mobile manufacturing unit if the worksite on which they are manufacturing has its own SMS.
• A holder of a licence to use blasting explosives that authorises the licensee to use ANFO provided the licensee makes no more than 50 kilograms of ANFO at a time for his or her own use; and
• A firearms licence holder who is only manufacturing cartridge ammunition for his or her own use;

A safety management system is a description of the operator’s safety policy and specific risk controls applicable to the manufacturing process. The detail required in the plan will depend on the complexity of the manufacturing operation.

Licensing process – The following three licence classes will now be processed at Australia Post outlets:

• Licence to drive a vehicle transporting explosives;
• Licence to use blasting explosives; and
• Licence to use fireworks.

The CMPA has developed resources to assist members address these changes in the form two checklist books: Shotfirers Blast Management Book and a Magazine Management Safety Checklist.

These books are currently being trialed on quarry sites and will be available for purchase once the trial is complete.

More detailed information on the changes is available on the Work Safe website worksafe.vic.gov.au or by contacting the Work Safe Advisory Service on 1800 136 089.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login