Preparing for a dangerous goods storage and handling inspection or audit

Last updated: 04 March 2025

This page is designed to assist industry prepare the required information necessary for a storage and handling inspection by dangerous goods officers.

Dangerous goods storage and handling inspections are conducted to look at compliance against the following legislation:

  • Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004
  • Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of Non-explosives) Regulations 2007

Necessary documentation

A storage and handling inspection will include an audit of the following documents. It is advised that these be made easily accessible:

  • emergency plan
  • induction or training records
  • safety data sheets
  • register of all dangerous goods kept on site
  • maintenance records
  • manifest and site plan
  • risk assessments
  • incident reports. 

The following suite of templates and guidance may assist you in preparing the necessary documents:

Accredited dangerous goods consultants

Accredited dangerous goods consultants are approved by the department’s Chief Officer to assess and endorse licence applications for the storage and handling of dangerous goods, explosives and security sensitive ammonium nitrate in compliance with the relevant regulations.

Companies may engage the services of an accredited consultant to prepare for an inspection, or be present during an inspection by dangerous goods officers.

In addition, the consultant can:

  • conduct a risk assessment for the site or operation
  • outline the risk control measures that will be applied
  • verify the risk assessment and risk control measures meet the requirements of the relevant regulations and section 8 of the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004.

Learn more about the role of accredited dangerous goods consultants, including a current list of approved consultants.

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