Frequently Asked Questions - Dangerous Goods
What are dangerous goods?
Dangerous goods are substances that may be hazardous to people, property or the environment and may cause accidents with significant consequences. Dangerous goods may be corrosive, flammable, explosive, oxidising or may be reactive with water. Regulation 8.04(3) of the Safety Standards Regulations defines dangerous goods in relation to the Commonwealth Legislation.
When does the employer need to have a register of dangerous goods?
The employer must maintain a register of dangerous goods if they store or handle any amount of dangerous goods. Regulation 8.59 of the Safety Standards Regulations requires the employer to keep an updated register listing each of the dangerous goods stored or handled at the workplace and the relevant Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). This register should be readily accessible to employees.
In addition, regulation 8.39 requires the employer to keep a register of manifest quantities of dangerous goods for emergency purposes when the total quantity of dangerous goods exceeds the manifest quantities in Schedule 7 of the Safety Standards Regulations. This register must be readily accessible to both Comcare and emergency services.
Note: Exemptions to the obligations imposed by Part 8 of the Safety Standards Regulations are listed in Regulation 8.02(2).
In what circumstances does the employer need to notify Comcare that they are storing or handling dangerous goods?
The employer must notify Comcare of the details of the dangerous goods stored when the employer has dangerous goods that exceed the manifest quantities listed in Schedule 7 of the Safety Standards Regulations.
For further information go to Comcare's Dangerous Goods and Explosives page.
Note: where there is a reference to the 'Safety Standards Regulations', it refers to the Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Standards) Regulations 1994.
Page last updated:July 31, 2008