Preparing a safety report for a major hazard facility (MHF)

Operator’s duty to prepare a safety report

The safety report is a legislative requirement.

It demonstrates to the Chief Officer that the operator:

  • is aware of the risks associated with the operation of the major hazard facility (MHF) and
  • a rigorous system is in place to manage those risks.

The regulator views the safety report as being a commitment to safety that the operator is accountable to. It is a key instrument to manage safety.

A safety report is a legally binding document for the purpose of section 3 of the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004.

A safety report is only required if a site has been classified as an MHF by the Chief Officer.

For further information on classification as an MHF, refer to When is a dangerous goods site also a major hazard facility (MHF)?

Applicable legislation

Dangerous Goods Safety (Major Hazard Facilities) Regulations 2007

Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 - sections 3 and 10 (information on risk assessment)

Submission and approval of a safety report

The safety report must be submitted to the Chief Officer for approval.

See Section 4.1 and 4.2 of Development and submission of safety report – guide.

Applying for approval of a safety report for a MHF

Important: Operators are encouraged to engage in consultation with the department early and throughout the development of the safety case prior to submission to the Chief Officer.

The Chief Officer may request additional information or an on-site assessment to be satisfied the safety report is appropriate. See the Submission letter for approval of a safety report – template.

Resources

Submission letter for approval of a safety report – template - 29 Kb

Template for a covering letter that operators can utilise when submitting a safety report for the approval of the Chief Dangerous Goods Officer.

Safety report content map – template - 32 Kb

Template for a content map to assist operators in the development of a safety report.

Providing information to the community – guide - 716 Kb

Guide to assist operators to meet the requirement of communicating and providing information to the community surrounding a major hazard facility

Audits, review and continual improvement for major hazard facilities – guide - 1241 Kb

Guide to assist operators in the development and ongoing use of audit systems, management reviews and continual improvement

Development and submission of safety report – guide - 1229 Kb

Guide for the development and submission of a safety report as required under the Dangerous Goods Safety (Major Hazard Facilities) Regulations 2007

Further safety report information

Other related guidance

Risk assessment and management including operational risk assessment - 1585 Kb

Guide to assist licensees and operators to meet their obligations for effective risk assessment and management, including operational risk assessments