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
Further safety report information
- When is a dangerous goods site also a major hazard facility (MHF)
- Applying for a dangerous goods site licence for a major hazard facility (MHF)
- Revision of safety reports
- Does a site’s dangerous goods inventory exceed the critical quantity?
- Notifying that critical quantity of Schedule 1 substances will be exceeded
- What are the requirements for decommissioning a major hazard facility (MHF)?