As well as the necessity to Notify WorkCover if you are storing dangerous goods there are other obligations with regard to Manifest and Placarding requirements. These requirements are set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001, the OH&S Amendment (Dangerous Goods) Regulation 2005 (Schedule 6) and the Code of Practice for Dangerous Goods.
Appendix 3 of the Dangerous Goods Code of Practice shows the requirements for Placarding under Schedule 6 of the above OHS Regulations.
In the example depicted there is NOT a panel for the emergency phone numbers or specialist contact details. However, In AS1940-04, the Australian Standard for The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids (and widely accepted as the industry “bible”) Section 3.8.2 outlines requirements for signage and in this case the Emergency Contact details are required.
If I had a large inventory investment in Dangerous Goods I would most certainly have a sign or series of signs which gave the necessary information and advice to the first response and emergency services personnel to assist them in protecting or saving my investment.
If smoke was billowing out of my factory I would want a passer by to ring 000. I would make it easy by providing that number as well as the number of my security firm who has a list of my specialist advisors who can be contacted quickly in an emergency. By giving this number to my security firm several phone calls can be made at once which cuts down on response times.
Barry Boné |
