Having the knowledge to properly handle the dangerous goods on your farm will help you to minimise risks or prevent incidents.
The two key areas are: storage and handling; and transportation.
Storage and handling
Farms are required to meet the Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of Non-explosives) Regulations 2007.
Keep these in mind for storing and handling
- Segregate Avoid reactions between incompatible chemicals by separating different classes of dangerous goods.
- Secure Highly toxic chemicals like herbicides or pesticides are to be stored securely to prevent unauthorised access. Explosives and ammunition have more stringent security considerations (see Resources: For licensed gun owners).
- Protect (from impact) Keep dangerous goods away from vehicle or mobile plant traffic areas. Use physical barriers where appropriate.
Have safety data sheets (SDSs) readily available for all your dangerous goods and practice regular referral to minimise any risks. Refer to the SDSs prior to handling dangerous goods especially if the dangerous goods are used infrequently.
Transportation
Keep these in mind for safe transport.
- Segregation Segregation is important during transport (refer to Table 9.1, Australian Dangerous Goods Code).
- Ventilation Some chemicals create hazardous environments if not ventilated properly.
- Restraint Restrain your load to prevent goods from falling off, tipping over or leaking.
- Secure Securely lock away explosives to prevent unauthorised access to them.
Dangerous goods transported on public roads must meet the requirements of the Dangerous Goods Safety (Road and Rail Transport of Non-explosives) Regulations 2007. Our Road Transport Decoder app assists with the dos and don’ts of transportation.
https://decoderapp.dmirs.wa.gov.au.
Resources
www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Dangerous-Goods
For licensed gun owners. www.dmp.wa.gov.au/Black- powder-propellant-powder-18581.aspx
National Transport Commission Australian Dangerous Goods Code. www.ntc.gov.au.
Article kindly supplied by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
