Who is responsible for dangerous goods compliance in a workplace?

Under Australian WHS legislation, the primary responsibility for dangerous goods compliance sits with the person conducting a business or undertaking. This includes ensuring dangerous goods are identified, risks are assessed, and appropriate controls are implemented. Officers and managers also have duties to exercise due diligence by understanding how dangerous goods are managed and ensuring adequate resources and systems are in place.

Does dangerous goods legislation apply to small quantities of chemicals?

Yes. Dangerous goods obligations apply regardless of business size. While some regulatory requirements depend on storage quantity thresholds, even small quantities must be stored, labelled, and handled safely. Regulators expect risks to be assessed based on the type of substance, how it is used, and the potential for harm, not just the volume stored.

What is the difference between hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods?

Hazardous chemicals refer to substances that can cause health effects such as toxicity or irritation, while dangerous goods are classified based on immediate physical or chemical hazards such as flammability, explosiveness, or corrosivity. Some substances fall into both categories, which means both hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods requirements may apply in the workplace.

Do Safety Data Sheets need to be reviewed during a dangerous goods assessment?

Yes. Safety Data Sheets provide critical information on classification, storage conditions, incompatibilities, and emergency response. Reviewing current Safety Data Sheets is an essential part of understanding how dangerous goods should be stored and handled and whether existing controls remain suitable.

How often should dangerous goods storage arrangements be reviewed?

Storage arrangements should be reviewed whenever there are changes to the types or quantities of dangerous goods, changes to storage locations, or modifications to work processes. Periodic reviews are also recommended as part of routine WHS system audits to ensure controls remain effective over time.

Can dangerous goods be stored in general work areas?

In many cases, dangerous goods must be stored in designated areas designed to control risks. Storing dangerous goods in general work areas without appropriate controls can increase exposure risks and may not meet regulatory requirements, particularly for flammable or corrosive substances.

What records should be kept for dangerous goods compliance?

Records typically include a dangerous goods register, Safety Data Sheets, inspection records, training records, and documentation of risk assessments. Maintaining up to date records helps demonstrate compliance during inspections and supports effective ongoing management.

How does dangerous goods storage impact emergency response planning?

The type and quantity of dangerous goods stored directly influence emergency planning. Emergency procedures must consider fire risk, spill response, evacuation requirements, and the information needed by emergency services. Poor storage practices can significantly complicate emergency response.

Are contractors and visitors affected by dangerous goods risks?

Yes. Employers must ensure that contractors, visitors, and other non-employees are not exposed to risks from dangerous goods. This includes providing appropriate information, controlling access to storage areas, and ensuring emergency procedures account for all people on site.

What training is required for workers handling dangerous goods?

Workers who handle dangerous goods should receive training appropriate to the substances they work with. This includes understanding hazards, safe handling procedures, emergency response actions, and the use of personal protective equipment. Training should be refreshed when substances or procedures change.

Do dangerous goods requirements apply to temporary storage?

Yes. Temporary storage still presents risk and must comply with relevant requirements. This includes short-term storage during deliveries, maintenance activities, or project works. Temporary arrangements are commonly scrutinised during inspections because they are more likely to be overlooked.

How does ventilation affect dangerous goods storage safety?

Ventilation is critical for managing vapours from flammable or toxic substances. Poor ventilation can allow vapours to accumulate, increasing fire and health risks. Storage areas should be assessed to ensure ventilation is adequate for the substances stored.

Can dangerous goods be stored near ignition sources?

Generally no. Flammable dangerous goods should be stored away from ignition sources such as electrical equipment, hot surfaces, and open flames. Assessments often identify ignition sources that have not been considered during initial storage planning.

What happens if dangerous goods storage is found to be non-compliant?

If non-compliance is identified, regulators may issue improvement notices or, in serious cases, prohibition notices. Addressing issues early through assessment reduces the likelihood of enforcement action and supports safer workplace operations.

Does dangerous goods compliance affect insurance coverage?

Yes. Insurers may consider dangerous goods management when assessing risk and claims. Poor compliance can affect coverage or claims outcomes following incidents involving fire, spills, or chemical exposure.

Are waste chemicals considered dangerous goods?

Waste chemicals can still be classified as dangerous goods depending on their properties. They must be stored, labelled, and handled with the same care as new substances until they are safely removed from site.

How does dangerous goods storage relate to environmental obligations?

Improper storage can lead to spills and environmental contamination. Environmental regulators expect workplaces to prevent releases to land or water, making storage design, bunding, and spill response critical for environmental compliance.

Can existing storage areas be upgraded to meet compliance?

In many cases, existing storage areas can be improved through better segregation, improved containment, signage, or procedural controls. An assessment helps identify practical upgrades without unnecessary replacement of infrastructure.

Why do regulators expect site-specific dangerous goods assessments?

Every workplace has unique risks based on layout, processes, and substances used. Regulators expect assessments to reflect actual site conditions rather than generic templates, ensuring controls are appropriate and effective.

How does a dangerous goods assessment support ongoing WHS management?

A dangerous goods assessment provides a foundation for continuous improvement. It supports safer work procedures, informs training, guides emergency planning, and helps organisations demonstrate ongoing compliance as part of their WHS management system.

Dangerous Goods Storage & Handling Assessment

Dangerous Goods Compliance for Workplaces

At Audiometrics & Medical Personnel, we work closely with organisations across New South Wales and Victoria that are required to manage dangerous goods as part of their daily operations. Dangerous goods compliance is not limited to having chemicals on site in labelled containers. It requires a clear understanding of what substances are present, how much is stored, where they are stored, and how they are handled during normal and abnormal operating conditions. Regulators expect this understanding to be documented and supported by evidence.

Australian WHS legislation places a duty on employers to identify hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods and to ensure risks are eliminated or minimised so far as is reasonably practicable. When dangerous goods are stored or handled without a formal assessment, businesses are exposed to regulatory action, operational disruption, and preventable safety incidents. A dangerous goods storage and handling assessment provides a structured way to demonstrate compliance and proactive risk management.

Our role is to help workplaces move from uncertainty to clarity. By conducting practical, site-based assessments aligned with Australian regulations and Standards, Audiometrics supports businesses in meeting WorkSafe expectations while protecting workers and operations.

What Are Dangerous Goods

Dangerous goods are substances and articles that pose an immediate risk to health, safety, property, or the environment due to their chemical or physical properties. These hazards may include flammability, toxicity, corrosivity, reactivity, or oxidising potential.

Under Australian regulations, dangerous goods are classified into specific classes such as flammable liquids, flammable gases, toxic substances, corrosive substances, and oxidising agents. Common examples found in workplaces include fuels, solvents, acids, compressed gases, cleaning chemicals, laboratory reagents, and certain waste products.

Authoritative guidance on dangerous goods classification is provided by Safe Work Australia and state regulators:
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au
https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au

Understanding whether a substance is classified as a dangerous good is the first step in determining storage and handling requirements.

Do You Need a Dangerous Goods Assessment

Many organisations are unsure whether a formal dangerous goods assessment is required. In practice, an assessment is expected whenever dangerous goods are present in quantities that could pose a risk to workers or the workplace.

You may need a dangerous goods compliance assessment if:

Dangerous goods are stored on site in any quantity
New chemicals or products have been introduced
Storage arrangements have changed
A WorkSafe inspection has identified concerns
An incident, spill, or near miss has occurred
You are reviewing WHS systems or preparing for audit

If dangerous goods are present, regulators expect employers to understand what is stored, how it is stored, and whether controls are adequate. A documented assessment demonstrates this understanding.

When Is an Assessment Required

Under WHS legislation, a person conducting a business or undertaking must identify hazards and manage risks associated with hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods. This obligation applies in both NSW and Victoria.

A dangerous goods storage assessment is typically required when:

Storage quantities approach or exceed prescribed limits
Placarding or manifest requirements apply
Incompatible chemicals are stored in proximity
Bunding or spill containment is required
Dangerous goods are handled regularly by workers

Regulators do not require employers to wait for an incident. The requirement is risk based, meaning assessment is expected when the risk is foreseeable.

Dangerous Goods Storage Risks

Incorrect storage of dangerous goods is one of the most common compliance failures identified during inspections.

Typical storage risks include:

Exceeding allowable storage quantities
Inadequate ventilation for flammable substances
Storing dangerous goods near ignition sources
Inappropriate shelving or containment
Poor housekeeping and labelling

Dangerous Goods Handling Risks

Handling dangerous goods introduces additional risks beyond storage.

Common handling risks include:

Manual handling of corrosive or toxic substances
Decanting without appropriate controls
Inadequate training or supervision
Lack of spill response procedures
Exposure through skin contact or inhalation

A dangerous goods handling assessment reviews how substances are used in real work conditions and whether current controls are sufficient.

Industries We Assess

Audiometrics & Medical Personnel conducts dangerous goods storage and handling assessments across a wide range of regulated industries.

Industries with the highest likelihood of requiring assessment include:

Dangerous goods storage manufacturing facilities
Dangerous goods handling construction sites
Dangerous goods storage mining operations
Dangerous goods storage warehousing and distribution centres
Dangerous goods handling logistics and transport hubs
Dangerous goods storage laboratories
Dangerous goods storage fuel depots
Dangerous goods handling waste management facilities
Dangerous goods storage healthcare facilities

Each industry presents different risk profiles and regulatory expectations. Our assessments are tailored accordingly.

How Audiometrics & Medical Personnel Can Help

Audiometrics & Medical Personnel provides specialist guidance on the safe storage, handling, and management of dangerous goods and hazardous substances, grounded in current Australian regulations, codes of practice, and applicable Australian Standards. Our assessments are conducted by experienced professionals who understand how dangerous goods are managed in real workplaces, not just on paper.

Each dangerous goods storage and handling assessment focuses on how substances are actually used and stored on site. We review the types and quantities of dangerous goods present, verify labelling and placarding requirements, assess storage locations and conditions, and confirm that incompatible chemicals are appropriately segregated. We also examine whether storage quantities remain within regulatory limits and whether bunding and spill containment measures are suitable for the substances stored.

Beyond identifying compliance gaps, we provide practical advice on corrective actions and improvements. Our reports are written to support decision making by WHS managers and to withstand scrutiny from WorkSafe NSW and WorkSafe Victoria inspectors. For organisations seeking confidence, clarity, and defensible compliance, our assessments deliver more than a checklist.

Why Choose Audiometrics?

Audiometrics & Medical Personnel is an Australian provider of occupational hygiene and workplace health services with experience across regulated industries.

Clients choose us because:

Assessments are practical and site specific
Advice aligns with real regulatory expectations
Reports are clear and actionable
Services are delivered across NSW, Victoria, and nationally
We integrate dangerous goods assessments with broader WHS programs

How Dangerous Goods Assessments Work

A dangerous goods storage and handling assessment is not a paperwork exercise. It is a practical review of how dangerous goods are managed on site.

At Audiometrics & Medical Personnel, the process typically includes:

Reviewing the dangerous goods register and Safety Data Sheets
Identifying the quantity and classification of dangerous goods
Inspecting storage locations and containment systems
Reviewing handling practices and worker interaction
Assessing signage, placarding, and emergency equipment
Evaluating spill response and emergency procedures

This approach ensures findings reflect actual workplace conditions.

What Our Assessment Covers

Our assessments cover all core compliance elements required under Australian WHS laws and relevant Australian Standards.

Assessment scope includes:

Dangerous goods identification and classification
Storage location suitability
Separation and segregation of incompatible chemicals
Quantity limits and thresholds
Labelling and placarding compliance
Bunding and spill containment
Emergency planning and response arrangements

Regulations and Australian Standards

Safe Work Australia hazardous chemicals guidance

WorkSafe Victoria hazardous substances

SafeWork NSW hazardous chemicals

Australian Standards such as AS 1940 for flammable liquids

Related Chemical Risk Services

Dangerous goods assessments are often undertaken alongside:

Hazardous chemicals storage assessment
Chemical storage compliance reviews
Hazardous substances handling assessment
Emergency spill response planning
Safety Data Sheet management reviews

Integrating services improves efficiency and reduces disruption.

When to Arrange an Assessment

Organisations typically engage us:

Before WorkSafe inspections
During WHS system reviews
After changes to chemical storage
Following incidents or near misses
When expanding operations or facilities

Early assessment prevents reactive compliance issues.

Regulatory Context and Risk Data for Dangerous Goods

The table below summarises regulatory-backed data that highlights why dangerous goods storage and handling assessments are critical. These figures are commonly referenced by regulators and safety professionals.

Area of Risk	Key Statistic or Requirement	Source
Hazardous chemicals incidents	Hazardous chemicals remain a leading cause of serious workplace incidents in Australia	Safe Work Australia
Fire and explosion risk	Improper storage of flammable liquids is a frequent factor in industrial fires	WorkSafe Victoria
Regulatory expectation	Employers must identify and manage risks associated with hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods	WHS Regulations
Storage quantities	Exceeding prescribed quantities triggers additional controls such as placarding and manifests	Safe Work Australia
Enforcement focus	Storage, segregation, and spill containment are common non-compliance findings during inspections	SafeWork NSW

Our Services

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1. What is a dangerous goods storage and handling assessment?

A dangerous goods storage and handling assessment is a structured review of how dangerous goods are stored, used, and managed within a workplace. It examines whether dangerous goods are correctly identified, stored in suitable locations, segregated from incompatible substances, and handled in a way that minimises risk to workers, property, and the environment.

The assessment also reviews compliance with Australian WHS Regulations, relevant Codes of Practice, and applicable Australian Standards. This includes storage quantities, labelling, placarding, bunding, and emergency response arrangements. Audiometrics & Medical Personnel conducts these assessments on site, ensuring findings reflect real operating conditions rather than theoretical compliance.

2. Are dangerous goods storage assessments legally required in Australia?

Australian WHS legislation requires employers to identify hazards and manage risks associated with hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods. While the legislation does not always state that an assessment is mandatory, it does require employers to demonstrate that risks have been identified, assessed, and controlled where dangerous goods are present.

In NSW and Victoria, WorkSafe inspectors commonly expect a documented dangerous goods assessment when dangerous goods are stored or handled in quantities that could pose a risk. Audiometrics helps businesses meet this obligation by providing clear, defensible assessments aligned with regulator expectations.

3. How do I know if my workplace is storing dangerous goods incorrectly?

Incorrect storage is often not obvious until an inspection or incident occurs. Common indicators include unclear labelling, lack of placarding, chemicals stored together without considering compatibility, or storage quantities that exceed prescribed limits.

A dangerous goods storage assessment provides clarity by systematically reviewing storage locations, quantities, and controls. Audiometrics identifies gaps that may not be visible to day-to-day operators and provides practical guidance to bring storage arrangements into compliance.

4. What types of dangerous goods are commonly found in workplaces?

Dangerous goods are present in many workplaces, not just industrial facilities. Common examples include flammable liquids such as fuels and solvents, compressed gases, corrosive substances like acids and alkalis, oxidising agents, laboratory reagents, cleaning chemicals, and certain waste materials.

Audiometrics regularly assesses dangerous goods storage in manufacturing facilities, construction sites, warehouses, laboratories, healthcare facilities, fuel depots, and waste management operations across NSW and Victoria.

5. What does WorkSafe focus on during dangerous goods inspections?

During inspections, WorkSafe authorities typically focus on whether dangerous goods have been identified, whether storage quantities are within regulatory limits, and whether controls such as labelling, placarding, segregation, and bunding are in place. Inspectors also assess emergency preparedness, including spill response procedures and access to emergency equipment.

A dangerous goods compliance assessment conducted by Audiometrics helps ensure these elements are addressed before an inspection occurs, reducing the risk of notices or enforcement action.

6. How are storage quantity limits determined for dangerous goods?

Storage quantity limits depend on the classification of the dangerous goods and the total quantity stored at a workplace. Certain thresholds trigger additional requirements such as placarding, manifests, and enhanced storage controls.

Audiometrics reviews the type and quantity of dangerous goods on site and assesses whether current storage arrangements align with regulatory thresholds. Where limits are exceeded, we provide advice on controls or alternative storage options to maintain compliance.

7. Why is chemical compatibility and segregation so important?

Storing incompatible chemicals together significantly increases the risk of fire, explosion, or the release of toxic gases. Chemical compatibility requirements are based on how substances may react if they come into contact, particularly during spills or leaks.

As part of a chemical incompatibility storage assessment, Audiometrics reviews chemical classifications, storage locations, and physical separation measures. This reduces the likelihood of escalation during incidents and supports safer storage practices.

8. What role does bunding and spill containment play in compliance?

Bunding and spill containment are essential controls for liquid dangerous goods. They help prevent spills from spreading, reduce environmental impact, and protect workers during incidents.

Audiometrics assesses whether bunding capacity, construction, and maintenance are suitable for the substances stored. We also review spill kits, response procedures, and training to ensure workplaces are prepared to manage spills effectively.

9. Can dangerous goods assessments be combined with other WHS assessments?

Yes. Dangerous goods assessments are often conducted alongside hazardous substances assessments, chemical storage compliance reviews, or broader WHS risk assessments. Combining assessments reduces disruption to operations and provides a more comprehensive understanding of workplace risks.

Audiometrics regularly integrates dangerous goods storage and handling assessments with occupational hygiene, hazardous chemicals, and emergency management services.

10. How does Audiometrics & Medical Personnel support businesses after the assessment?

Our support does not stop at identifying issues. Audiometrics provides clear, practical recommendations that align with how workplaces actually operate. We help businesses prioritise actions, update documentation, and understand what regulators expect to see.

For organisations across NSW and Victoria, our assessments provide confidence that dangerous goods risks are being managed appropriately and that compliance obligations are being met in a defensible and practical way.

Need Clarity on Your Dangerous Goods Compliance?

Dangerous goods storage and handling requirements can vary depending on the type, quantity, and way chemicals are used on site. Even well managed workplaces can fall short of regulatory expectations without realising it, particularly as operations change over time.

For expert dangerous goods storage and handling assessments across NSW and Victoria, contact Audiometrics & Medical Personnel on 03 9819 4355 or email [email protected]. Our experienced consultants provide practical, regulator-aligned assessments and clear advice to help you protect your workforce, reduce risk, and demonstrate compliance with WorkSafe and Australian Standards requirements.

Alternatively, complete the enquiry form below and one of our team will be in touch to discuss your site and assessment needs.