• What are dangerous goods and who is responsible?
• Managing incompatible goods
  • Storage management
  • Segregation tool for dangerous goods
  • Segregation techniques
  • Other issues
• Classifying dangerous goods
• Notification and exemption
• Managing the risk
• Transport and storage of dangerous goods
• Handling and storage of dangerous goods
• Frequently asked questions
• Training
• Key stakeholder agencies

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Classifying dangerous goods

What classification is your premises?

If the quantities of dangerous goods and combustible liquids stored at your premises exceed the prescribed quantities set out in Schedules 1 or 2 of the Dangerous Goods Safety Management Regulation 2001, you will need to prepare an inventory of the types and quantities of dangerous goods and combustible liquids that are at the premises. Compare this inventory with the tables in Schedules 1 and 2 to determine your premises' classification.

Schedule 1 sets out the prescribed quantities for dangerous goods locations (DGLs) and large dangerous goods locations (Large DGL). Schedule 2 sets out the prescribed quantities for Major Hazard Facilities (MHFs).

DGSM Information Paper No. 5 (PDF, 250kB) provides a step-by-step guide for classifying your premises where it is a Minor Storage, DGL or Large DGL.

'Minor storage workplace' is the term used for a workplace where stated dangerous goods or combustible liquids are stored or handled in quantities less than those prescribed for a DGL in Schedule 1 of the Regulation. These workplaces have less onerous legislative requirements than for storage of larger quantities.

DGSM Information Paper No. 3 (PDF, 189kB) provides guidance for occupiers of 'minor storage workplaces' on how to meet their safety obligations under the DGSM Act. In particular, it addresses the question 'What is minor storage within the DGSM framework?'

DGLs are sites where medium quantities of dangerous goods are stored or handled. Typical examples include medium-size chemical or fuel processing or storage sites.

The legislation specifies threshold quantities above which a site would be classified as a DGL.

Workplaces that store or handle small quantities of dangerous goods also have certain obligations under the legislation.

A dangerous goods location is classified as a Large DGL if stated dangerous goods or combustible liquids are stored or handled at the location in quantities that are equal to or more than the quantity prescribed in Schedule 1 of the Regulation. Typical examples of Large DGLs are petrol stations or large chemical warehouses.

The occupier of a Large DGL has a legislative obligation to establish and document emergency plans and procedures, prepare an emergency manifest and to notify the Department of Community Safety about the premises.

If it appears that your premises is a Large DGL or a Possible Major Hazard Facility, then you should complete the appropriate notification form and forward it to the Hazardous Industries and Chemicals Branch.