Skip to main content

Dangerous goods safety codes of practice

Last updated: 11 March 2025

Codes of practice and standards are approved and gazetted by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum under section 20 of the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 (the Act).

Codes of practice and standards issued under the Act may also apply to mining and petroleum operations and major hazard facilities.

Codes of practice are supplementary to requirements under the Acts and regulations. They are intended to supplement such requirements in a uniform way and, as far as possible, clarify any ambiguity or uncertainty in the Acts and regulations. Codes of practice also set out requirements and recommendations on aspects that are not explicitly covered by regulations.

These requirements and recommendations are based on industry best practice and are developed in consultation with industry, unions and the public. They are usually consistent with Australian and international standards, international guides and codes, and advice from regulatory authorities.

Although codes of practice do not have the scope for fines or other prosecution actions, they may contain specific applications of the Act or regulations.

There are some approved codes and standards for the dangerous goods safety legislation that are prescriptive either in part or in their entirety and are referenced in the relevant regulations either directly or indirectly. These prescriptive codes and standards must be followed. For all other approved codes, compliance is not mandatory.

Prescribed codes of practice and standards

For a list of prescribed codes of practice and standards see WA Government Gazette 28 August 2020, No. 143.

Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

Safe Work Australia

National guidance notes supporting the COAG agreement of 25 June 2004 against terrorism use of ammonium nitrate

Australasian Explosives Industry Safety Group

The goal of the AEISG is to continuously improve the level of safety throughout our industry in the manufacture, transport, storage, handling and use of, precursors and explosives in commercial blasting throughout Australia.

Print

Share

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

© Government of Western Australia 2017 to 2024