DMP's Dangerous Goods Safety Branch will focus its inspection program on Geraldton, Toodyay, Shark Bay, Port Hedland and Newman in the coming months.
| Date: | Friday, 28 August 2015 |
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Companies storing dangerous goods without appropriate fire control equipment can receive penalties of up to $50,000 for every piece of fire equipment missing or out of date.
The warning comes as the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) Dangerous Goods Safety Branch focus on Geraldton, Toodyay, Shark Bay, Port Hedland and Newman in the coming months as a part of its inspection program.
DMP Dangerous Goods Officer Dragana Vukmirovic said the inspection program aims to assist and educate operators to ensure the risks posed from dangerous goods to the community are minimised.
“Dangerous goods without proper safety equipment, placarding and paperwork increases the risks for the public and emergency service personnel,” Mrs Vukmirovic said.
“The majority of dangerous goods operators have high safety standards, but the department will continue to target companies and individuals that are not compliant and put people at risk.”
DMP will also focus on operators that don’t have at least a three metre firebreak around dangerous goods storage areas.
On the spot fines of $2500 can be issued to operators who don’t ensure the firebreak is kept clear of combustible material.
“Ultimately, this operation is not about issuing fines to companies, it is about preventing incidents from occurring here in Western Australia,” Mrs Vukmirovic said.
“It’s important that companies understand the requirements and we all work together to ensure dangerous goods are stored safely and securely throughout Western Australia.”
The department has about 20 dangerous goods officers responsible for education and enforcement.
More information about dangerous goods safety is available from the department’s Resources Safety Division.
The department's inspection program aims to assist and educate operators across Western Australia.
