A guide to the Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act 2001

2
2.0 DEFINITIONS
2.1 Acceptable Level of Risk
An “acceptable level of risk” is considered to have been achieved when risk has been
minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.
The likelihood of harm to people, property or the environment, and the severity of that
possible harm, needs to be considered when deciding whether the risk is minimised as far
as is reasonably practicable.
Where an acceptable level is not specified or it is not practicable to estimate the level of
risk, the risk assessment should take into account good industry practice and compliance
with recognised standards.
2.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations
To make this document easier to read, where possible the use of acronyms has been
avoided. However it has been necessary to use a few acronyms and abbreviations to reduce
the size of this document. The following glossary should help:
ADG Code
CHEM Unit
DES
DGL
DGSM Act
DWHS
F&C
HAZMAT
MHF
MoU
MSDS
2.3 Dangerous Goods
Australian Dangerous Goods Code
Chemical Hazards and Emergency
Management Unit
Department of Emergency Services
Dangerous Goods Location
Dangerous Goods Safety Management (Act)
Division of Workplace Health and Safety
Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Hazardous Materials
Major Hazard Facility
Memorandum of Understanding
Material Safety Data Sheets
Dangerous goods are chemicals which have the potential to present an immediate threat to
people, property or the environment if not properly controlled.
They are divided into nine classes, some of which are divided into sub-classes according
to the nature of the hazard. For further information, consult the Australian Dangerous
Goods Code.
For the purposes of the Act, the term ‘dangerous goods’ also includes ‘goods too
dangerous to be transported’ under the ADG Code.
6