Victoria toughens dangerous goods regulations

From 1 July 2021, duty holders storing or handling hazardous material above certain quantities will have to follow strict new reporting requirements, due to amendments to the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2012. The new regulations will require all duty holders occupying premises with prescribed quantities of dangerous goods to notify WorkSafe Victoria at least every two years. Previously, notification was required every five years.

Significant changes, as prescribed in the Regulations, to a site where dangerous goods are stored and handled will require an additional notification within three business days of the change occurring. Prescribed changes include a significant change in the quantity or type of dangerous goods, changed ownership or control of the dangerous goods, and other changes that significantly alter the risk profile of the site.

The amendments will ensure that information reported to WorkSafe Victoria about dangerous goods storage is never more than two years old and will provide more relevant information to WorkSafe Victoria to inform a risk-based approach to the regulatory oversight of premises where dangerous goods are stored in significant quantities.

Existing duty holders will have six months from 1 July to submit a notification to WorkSafe Victoria that complies with the amended regulations, unless a prescribed change occurs within that period, in which case duty holders must notify WorkSafe within three business days.

WorkSafe Victoria has developed an online notification form to help duty holders and replace the previously used digital and paper forms. Duty holders seeking more information about their new responsibilities can call WorkSafe Victoria’s Advisory Service on 1800 136 089 from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm, or visit the WorkSafe Victoria website.

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