What are DFES Emergency Response Guides (FES-ERGs)?

What is a DFES emergency response guide (FES-ERG)?

A FES-ERG is a fire and emergency services emergency response guide (formerly special risk plan). It is designed to provide essential information to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) for use in an emergency at larger dangerous goods sites.

It includes site information on:

  • the operator
  • layout
  • construction of any structures
  • the dangerous goods present
  • equipment and resources to detect or deal with a fire or other dangerous situation.

The guide is also used as an inspection tool by local DFES fire stations and regional offices for risk management purposes.

Which sites need a FES-ERG?

A FES-ERG is required by dangerous goods sites (except petrol stations and mine sites) that store or handle more than ten times the manifest quantity of dangerous goods.

See Lodging a DFES Emergency Response Guide (FES-ERG) for the template and instructions on creating and submitting a FES-ERG.

Refer to r. 76B of the Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of Non-Explosives) Regulations 2007 for information on DFES emergency response guides.

Overview of storage and handling regulations - information sheet - 492 Kb

This document is for guidance only and the definitive statutory requirements are contained in the Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of Non-Explosives) Regulations 2007 (the Storage and Handling Regulations).

Emergency planning for licensed dangerous goods sites - information sheet - 376 Kb

This information sheet explains the updated emergency planning provisions in effect from 1 January 2014 following amendment of the Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of Non-explosives) Regulations 2007 (Storage and Handling Regulations).

Reviewing the FES-ERG

The operator must review, and if necessary revise, the FES-ERG:

  • whenever there is a significant change to the type or quantity of dangerous goods
  • whenever there is a significant change in the layout of structures on site
  • as soon as practicable after a fire or other dangerous situation occurs
  • in any event, at least every three years and notify DFES.

A FES-ERG is revised in consultation with the officer in charge of the local fire station.

Refer to r. 76B of the Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of Non-Explosives) Regulations 2007 for information on DFES emergency response guides.

Distribution of the FES-ERG

The operator must ensure that:

  • a printed copy of the site’s FES-ERG is held at the site
    and
  • copies are lodged with the department and the local office of DFES.

 

Contact

For more information on FES-ERG send a blank email to feserg@dmirs.wa.gov.au
For more information on risk assessment send a blank email to ra@dmirs.wa.gov.au
and you will receive an automated reply with guidance information.