Hazardous materials
Public consultation on chemicals of security concern
The Australian Attorney-General’s Department is inviting the community to provide feedback on a regulation impact statement (RIS) which analyses four options to reduce the security risks posed by 11 precursor chemicals. Businesses that import, manufacture, distribute, transport, handle or use products containing precursor chemicals for homemade explosives will find the RIS especially pertinent.
The RIS closed for comment on 30 March 2012. For more information and details of submissions made visit www.chemicalsecurity.gov.au/RIS.
Reporting incidents
Environment Line is the general enquiries and advice service operated by the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH). It also responds to community reports of pollution. A 24-hour emergency response and hazardous materials advice service is linked to Environment Line.
If you suspect any suspicious activity relating to the handling, storage or use of chemicals and/or would like information on chemical security in NSW, visit secureNSW.
Hazardous materials
OEH's hazmat register contains information offered by providers about resources, equipment, products and advice to minimise the environmental effects of hazardous materials incidents.
Householders in NSW sometimes need to dispose of materials that contain asbestos. Asbestos fibres are hazardous when inhaled. These fibres can be released into the air when asbestos products are incorrectly handled, stored or transported for disposal.
Dangerous goods
OEH administers the Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008, which adopts uniform national requirements for the transport of dangerous goods, including the requirements of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code. The Act and its Regulations ensure the proper classification, packaging, labelling and transport of dangerous goods, which put people, property and the environment at risk if they are not handled appropriately.
Under this Act, OEH maintains a dangerous goods register which contains information about dangerous goods licences for bulk dangerous goods vehicles and the drivers of those vehicles.
Radiation
The Radiation Control Act 1990, administered by OEH, aims to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of exposure to ionising and non-ionising radiation. On behalf of the Environment Protection Authority, the agency regulates the use of radioactive substances and radiation equipment in NSW.
Page last updated: 22 May 2012
