Under regulation 76B of the Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of Non-explosives) Regulations 2007, a Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) emergency response guide (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.
Refer to Schedule 1 of the Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of Non-explosives) Regulations 2007 for manifest quantity of dangerous goods.
What is a FES-ERG?
A FES-ERG is a fire and emergency services emergency response guide. It is designed to provide essential information to DFES for use in an emergency at larger dangerous goods sites. The FES-ERG is required to complete the licensing process for a dangerous goods site. 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.
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.
Distribution of the FES-ERG
The operator must ensure that:
- a printed copy of the site’s FES-ERG is held at the site
- copies are lodged with the department and the local office of DFES.
Lodging a FES-ERG
Registering for a FES-ERG
The operator must first register to access the FES Emergency Guides and Plans website. The operator must include proof of registration with their dangerous goods site licence application, the site’s trading name and address in the 'Details' section. Once registered, you will receive a reply from DFES with the operator’s username and password.
Lodging the FES-ERG
Once the FES-ERG for the site has been registered at the DFES website, the proof of registration should be included with the documentation if applying for a dangerous goods site licence.
See Applying for a dangerous goods site licence for more information.
Completing the FES-ERG
The FES-ERG must be prepared and/or revised in consultation with the officer in charge of the local fire station. You are able to upload your information on the DFES website which DFES then reviews. The FES-ERG should contain practical information, including acceptable site plan/s to facilitate the response by the attending fire brigade.
A list of DFES offices around the State is available from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
Need assistance?
If you require assistance in completing a FES-ERG for a specific site, contact the Department of Fire and Emergency Services through the local Career Fire Station or Regional District Office.
For information regarding the process for the emergency response guide, please contact DFES or Dangerous Goods.
Resources and guidance
- Overview of storage and handling regulations: Information sheet
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
This information sheet explains the 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).