Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2011 - WorkSafe Victoria

More information aboutDangerous Goods (Explosives)Regulations 2011Key changes to the regulations explainedJune 2011The Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2011replace the Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations2000. Most of the requirements in the old regulations arethe same as the new ones, so if you are complying now, itis likely you will be complying under the new regulations.There are some changes you should be aware of and theseare outlined in this information sheet. These changes havebeen introduced to improve public safety and security andto clarify responsibilities so that the law is easier tounderstand.The changes come into effect on 26 June 2011. However,there is a 12 month transition period that means any activityunder the Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2000will remain lawful for 12 months after the new regulationscome into effect.More detailed information is available atworksafe.vic.gov.au/explosives.Licensing of explosivesThe new regulations have streamlined the number oflicences from 15 to 10.The following three licences will now be processed atAustralia Post outlets:• licence to drive a vehicle transporting explosives;• licence to use blasting explosives; and• licence to use fireworks.The licence for transporting explosives has been changedto one licence per vehicle (as opposed to one licence percompany).Storage of explosivesThere is a new requirement for pyrotechnicians in relationto the temporary storage of fireworks.Under the new regulations, quantities of fireworks whichwould normally require a storage licence can be temporarilystored by licensed pyrotechnicians outside of licensedstorage locations for up to seven days. The temporary storemust meet the safety and quantity threshold requirementsassociated with a medium scale storage facility (although amedium scale storage licence is not required). WorkSafemust be notified of the location of the temporary storagethrough submitting the ‘Notification of Intention todischarge Fireworks’ form.Sale of explosivesUnder the new regulations, people selling explosives mayonly sell to someone who holds a relevant explosiveslicence. The seller must also ensure the person they’reselling to can transport the explosives in accordance withthe regulations. These requirements do not apply to thesale of:• distress signals in a consumer package, cartridgeammunition, consumer fireworks or industrial safetycartridges; and• propellant or primers to a person who holds a firearmslicence.There are some additional record keeping requirements forpeople who sell explosives. This is to improve the trackingof the movement of explosives for security purposes andis consistent with the approach in other jurisdictions.The requirement will not apply to the sale of cartridgeammunition, consumer fireworks, industrial safety cartridgesor distress signals in a consumer package.Using explosivesBlast management plans are now mandatory rather thanjust recommended for all people with a licence to use blastexplosives. This reflects requirements in line with Australianstandards.To help licence holders meet this obligation, new guidanceon blast management plans and safe blasting distances isavailable at worksafe.vic.gov.au/explosives.Notification of fireworks displayThe minimum period for the notification of fireworksdisplays held outdoors to WorkSafe, the relevant fireauthority and local council remains at seven days prior tothe display. However, please check with your council aboutany additional requirements about the notification period.The notification requirement has been extended to coverindoor displays (including theatrical displays), to increasepublic safety at these events.Importing explosivesUnder the new regulations, the limit to the amount of safetycartridges a person can import into Victoria for their ownuse without an import licence has been removed. However,the importer must hold a firearms licence and comply withtransport and storage requirements set out in theregulations.(Continued over page)MIA029/01/06.11

More information about Dangerous Goods (Explosives)Regulations 2011Manufacturing of explosivesThe requirement to develop a safety management system(SMS) has been broadened to all manufacturers ofexplosives, excepting:• a firearms licence holder who is only manufacturingcartridge ammunition for his or her own use;• a holder of a licence to use blasting explosives thatauthorises the licensee to use ANFO provided thelicensee makes no more than 50 kilograms of ANFO ata time for his or her own use; and• a manufacturer using a mobile manufacturing unit ifthe worksite on which they are manufacturing has itsown SMS.A SMS is a description of the operator’s safety policy andspecific risk controls applicable to the manufacturingprocess. The detail required in the plan will depend onthe complexity of the manufacturing operation.Further informationFor more information about the Dangerous Goods(Explosives) Regulations 2011, please visitworksafe.vic.gov.au or call the WorkSafe AdvisoryService on (03) 9641 1444 or freecall 1800 136 089.This fact sheet provides information in relation to your health and safetyobligations under the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 (the Act) only. It shouldnot be viewed as a definitive guide to the law, and should be read inconjunction with the Act. You should seek advice about other legal dutiesthat may apply to your organisation.Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy andcompleteness of this fact sheet, the advice contained herein may not applyin every circumstance. Accordingly, the Victorian WorkCover Authoritycannot be held responsible, and extends no warranties as to the suitabilityof the information for your specific circumstances; or actions taken by thirdparties as a result of information contained in this fact sheet.2