Dangerous goods

FRV and regulatory authorities have observed a recent increase in the demand and supply of alcohol-based sanitiser products.

Facilities manufacturing and storing these products in large quantities must be aware of their obligations under the Dangerous Goods Storage and handling Regulations (2012).

Handling and storing such products in amounts may require regulatory oversight. Please visit WorkSafe - Fire hazards when manufacturing or storing alcohol-based hand sanitiser for more information.

There are numerous reasons that may require an operator of a dangerous goods site to apply for written advice. Please review the following instances that may be relevant to your application.

• occupiers of premises that are required to be placarded in accordance with the dangerous goods regulations must seek written advice from FRV in relation to the location of these placards - if the location differs from those specified by the regulations
• occupiers of premises that store and handle dangerous goods for which a fire protection system has been established must notify FRV and seek written advice if the fire protection system becomes unserviceable or inoperative resulting in a reduction of its effectiveness.
• occupiers of premises that store and handle dangerous goods in quantities that exceed ‘fire protection quantities’ as specified in schedule 2 of the dangerous goods regulations and who intend to establish a fire protection system must seek written advice from FRV in relation to the design of the fire protection system for the premises.
• occupiers of premises with an established fire protection system must seek written advice from FRV before altering the fire protection system.
• occupiers of premises with an established fire protection system must seek written advice from FRV before making modifications that require a review of risk control measures in relation to:
  • any buildings or structures on the premises,
  • the types or quantities of dangerous goods,
  • the plant or processes including introducing new plant or processes associated with the storage or handling of dangerous goods
• occupiers of premises that store and handle dangerous goods in quantities that exceed ‘manifest quantities’ as specified in schedule 2 of the dangerous goods regulations must seek written advice from FRV when developing or reviewing the emergency plan for the premises. The occupier is required to review or update the emergency plan at intervals not exceeding five years.

To submit an application for written advice (AWA), you are required to complete the following application for written advice and submit with the appropriate documentation as per the explanatory notes.

Upon receipt of all documentation an FRV Dangerous Goods representative will review the submitted documents and advise the next stage of the application process.

FRV’s Dangerous Goods Department representatives can also provide advice and guidance on:

• development and review of the emergency plan and emergency procedures
• assessment of the adequacy of the installed or proposed fire protection system
• appropriate placarding meeting regulatory requirements, and
• appropriate information provided in the Emergency Information Book.

When reviewing Emergency Plans, FRV assess the adequacy of the plan to ensure:

• all occupants can evacuate safely
• safe and temporary refuge is provided in the event that a full safe evacuation is not achieved
• emergency responders are provided with safe approach
• environmental impact is reduced, and
• compliance with dangerous goods regulations and Code of Practice.

When installing or modifying fire protection systems, it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure:

• all hazards are identified
• all identified hazards are appropriately managed, and
• all proposed measures are fit for purpose.

Please visit the following for further information:

Code of Practice for the Storage and Handling of Dangerous Goods 2013

Victorian WorkSafe Authority – Dangerous Goods

The Emergency Information Book (EIB) is designed to ensure that key information is available to the emergency services in the event of an emergency or incident at your site.

The information contained in the EIB is designed to ensure the safety of emergency services personnel and help them make decisions regarding response actions and strategies.

Information contained within the EIB is required to be reviewed every five years and must be signed by an authorised FRV officer.

The EIB is required to be regularly updated if circumstances onsite change.

The details must be an accurate representation of the sites required information as contained within the EIB. Information and explanatory notes are listed here to assist you with required documentation.

EIB Folders

FRV are able to supply EIB folders specifically designed to arrange all your sites documentation in a systematic colour coded format.

FRV strongly advocates the use of this type of folder as it creates consistency of layout across your site (if several folders are in use) and affords emergency responders the ability to access information in a format and layout they are familiar with.