Role of an approved emergency responder
An approved emergency responder (AER) controls and undertakes the clean-up response that may result from an incident involving a road or rail vehicle transporting the goods. It is a legal requirement when transporting placard loads to either be an approved emergency responder or have engaged one.
Emergency responders are approved by the Department’s Chief Dangerous Goods Officer after demonstrating compliance with the essential requirements regarding emergency response to a particular dangerous good or class or division of dangerous goods. They must be able to respond to emergencies at any location within the State where the client company transports dangerous goods.
In accordance with regulation 185 of the Dangerous Goods Safety (Road and Rail Transport of Non-explosives) Regulations 2007 (referred to as the regulations) it is an offence for a person who is a prime contractor or rail operator to transport a placard load of dangerous goods without being an approved responder or having a contract with a person who is an approved responder.
Note: This regulation does not apply to Classes 1 (explosives) and 7 (radioactive material) or Division 6.2 (infectious substances).
Who can apply?
A company can apply to be an approved emergency responder for their own transport of dangerous goods or to supply a service to clients. Prospective emergency responders must be able to respond to emergencies at any location within Western Australia where the client company transport dangerous goods.
It is an offence for a person who is a prime contractor or rail operator to transport a placard load of dangerous goods without being an approved emergency responder or having a contract with one.
Becoming an approved emergency responder
A formal application to become an approved emergency responder is required to be completed and submitted to the Department for assessment by a Dangerous Goods Officer. The application form and supporting documentation are required to demonstrate the applicant has the capacity to respond to any dangerous goods transport incident for which approval is sought.
Essential requirements for approved emergency responders
Prospective emergency responders need to demonstrate that they have the capacity to respond in a timely manner to a dangerous goods transport emergency involving the class/division for which they seek AER status. The basic requirements are described below. Approval may be granted for the following categories:
- All dangerous goods classes and divisions (except for Class 1, Division 6.2 and Class 7)
- Specific dangerous goods such as security sensitive ammonium nitrate (SSAN), chlorine, LP gas or LNG.
Apply to become an approved emergency responder
Prospective responders must demonstrate that they have the relevant experience and safety systems in place as outlined in the application form and guide.
Contact an approved emergency responder
List of approved emergency responders with the capacity to respond to other clients.
Report an incident involving dangerous goods and explosives
Any dangerous goods incident where people, property or the environment are harmed must be reported.
Section 9 of the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 states that any person who, to any extent, has the control or management of the dangerous goods involved in an incident must, as soon as reasonably practicable, report the incident to a Dangerous Goods Officer.
Find out how to report a dangerous goods or explosives incident.