Code of practice: The storage and handling of dangerous goods

What it contains

If your work involves the storage and handling of dangerous goods, there are specific duties and obligations you need to comply with under Victoria’s occupational health and safety legislation for the safe storage and handling of dangerous goods. This code of practice gives you practical guidance on how to comply with those duties and obligations.

This information is particularly relevant for you if you’re a manufacturer or supplier of dangerous goods, or an occupier of a premise where dangerous goods are stored and handled. It is also relevant for employees and health and safety representatives at these workplaces. It uses examples and tools you can apply to your own situation.

It includes information on:

•    what dangerous goods are
•    the duties for manufacturers and suppliers of dangerous goods
•    the duties for occupiers of premises where dangerous goods are stored and handled
•    how to control risks associated with the storage and handling of dangerous goods
•    planning emergency responses
•    medical examinations and biological monitoring
•    examples and technical information about storing and handling dangerous goods

Please note

The Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2022 (Explosive Regulations) came into effect on 18 June 2022. The Explosive Regulations replace the Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2011. The new Explosives Regulations:

• improve the clarity, and modernise the language and structure of the Explosives Regulations; and
• include a number of new definitions, including the new classification of propellant (class 1.4C), and additional provisions to clarify how approvals and determinations are made by the Authority (WorkSafe)

The Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2022 (Storage and Handling Regulations) came into effect 26 November 2022. Most amendments to the Storage and Handling Regulations aim to improve clarity and modernise the language and structure of the Storage and Handling Regulations.

The information in this compliance code has not yet been updated to reference or reflect any changes introduced by the Explosive Regulations or the Storage and Handling Regulations. Therefore, complying with this code after 18 June 2022 may not necessarily mean compliance with a duty under the Explosives Regulations, and after 26 November 2022 may not necessarily mean compliance with a duty under the Storage and Handling Regulations.

A full list of amendments incorporated into the Explosives Regulations and amendments made to the Storage and Handling Regulations is available on: