OHSE Dangerous Goods Handling Regulations

Dangerous goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2000 were enacted in Victoria in 2000 replacing the 1989 set of regulations. The new regulations are performance based rather than being prescriptive like the 1989 regulations. They are based on the model regulations prepared by National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC, formerly known as WorkSafe). These regulations are additional to other legislation for the safe management of chemicals.

Legislative Overview

Chemical Classification	Based on dangerous physiochemical properties and the potential to cause immediate damage to people or property.
Application	Minimisation of storage quantities, placarding of storage areas, labelling of containers and tanks, segregation of incompatible chemicals, handling of chemicals, emergency procedures and training.

What Does The University Need To Do?

Departmental Chemical Storage	Over the last four years the University has upgraded the main departmental dangerous goods stores at the Clayton campus. These stores meet the requirements of the new regulations and have allowed many smaller departments to reduce their dangerous goods holdings. The upgraded stores are located in: Chemistry department - servicing Faculty of Science Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - servicing Faculty of Medicine Chemical Engineering - servicing Faculty of Engineering [Note: arrangements to use the stores can be made through the appropriate department]
Laboratory Chemical Storage	OHSE has developed a simplified set of storage requirements for laboratory areas. These were developed in conjunction with the departments who are the major chemical users of the University. The document is available in PDF format and is called "Storage Limits for Dangerous Goods in Laboratories"
Audits	OHSE commenced dangerous goods storage audits of all laboratories in mid/late 2000. Reports of actions that departments need to take are currently being supplied by the OHSE Consultants.
Signage	The 2000 regulations require significantly different signage than was previously required. OHSE are currently developing an implementation strategy for meeting the new requirements.
Spill kits	OHSE has purchased a large number of specialised chemical spill kits and these will be customised and supplied to departments based on the outcome of the storage audits.