What Has Changed?
Australian Standards for dangerous goods and explosives have always required emergency plans, but this requirement has now been reinforced with specific legislation (Clauses 66 and 174ZC of the explosive and DG regulations respectively).
It is now mandatory for all sites containing greater than 'manifest' (i.e. notifiable) quantities of dangerous goods or explosives to have detailed written emergency plans. Emergency plans must be:
- Based on a risk assessment process.
- Updated at least every five years or whenever there is a change in circumstances.
- Accessible to emergency services (e.g. located at the main entrance in a weatherproof box with the site manifest).
- Delivered to the two nearest fire stations.
- Electronic copy sent to NSW Fire Brigades.
Role of the NSW Fire Brigade
The NSW Fire Brigade has a vital interest in ensuring that emergency plans are clear and contain all the necessary information to assist them to deal with any type of emergency. As such, they have produced a document on their website that sets out a recommended format for emergency plans.
The following paragraphs are copied from the NSW Fire Brigades Recommended Emergency Plan Format & Content document:
'Key tasks required to be undertaken in the development of a plan are the identification of the facilities specific hazards and risks, and to ensure that the effects of any incident are minimised. The consequences arising from an incident involving a facilities hazards and risks must also be appropriately addressed by the plan.'
'The development of an emergency plan by persons not familiar with dangerous goods hazards and consequences, and emergency planning in general may result in a deficient emergency plan. Unfortunately, shortcomings in emergency plans may not become apparent until an emergency incident occurs."
"If you are unfamiliar with the process of assessing dangerous goods hazards and risks, or not sure that you will be able to develop a comprehensive document, the NSWFB recommends that the services of a suitably qualified dangerous goods consultant be engaged to assist in the development of your emergency plan.'
How Can Advitech Help?
Advitech has prepared emergency plans for a number of organisations and has a template that closely follows the NSWFB recommendations, thus ensuring compliance and minimising preparation costs.
If you currently have an emergency plan, but are unsure if it meets the minimum requirements or would like it to be upgraded to follow the recommended format, please contact us for an assessment and proposal.
In addition, Advitech has competent persons who can conduct audits, reviews and risk assessments related to the storage and handling of explosives, dangerous goods and hazardous substances. Advitech has also developed templates for the preparation of site Security Plans for the safe storage of explosives.
Reference Material
- For further information on the NSWFB recommendations visit their website.
- For further information on dangerous goods in general, review Fact Sheet for Users of Dangerous Goods on the WorkCover website.
- Please refer to Advitech's Risk Aware Issue 14 for full details on changes to the DG regulations.
Contact Advitech for Assistance
For more info contact Jum Kelty, Senior Consultant, on 4961 6544 or email us.
|
