The Occupational Safety & Health Regulations 1996 currently makes reference to the sixth edition of the Australian code for the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail (ADG). However, the seventh edition of the ADG came into effect on 1 January 2008 and the sixth edition will no longer be applicable after 1 January 2009.
Noticeable changes in the seventh edition are:
- there is no longer a distinction between packaged dangerous goods and dangerous goods in bulk
- containers are no longer defined by size but by the type of receptacle
- containers are divided into:
- packaging including intermediate bulk containers (IBC) and large packaging
- bulk containers (for solids only)
- portable tanks and multiple element gas containers (MEGC)
- tanks;
- tank vehicles;
- cylinders and pressure drums
- tubes
The impact of the changes in the seventh edition includes significant amendment to the scope and definition of ‘bulk container’. The changes mean that there are an increased number of receptacles that will no longer be considered to be bulk containers.
If the receptacles are not considered, a bulk container would then need to be labelled in accordance with NOHSC:2012 (1994).
If the regulations are amended to reference the seventh edition it is possible that regulation 5.1(1) may need amendment.