The dangerous substances legislation references a number of standards and codes. These include the Australian Explosives Code, and Australian Standard AS2187.1, in relation to explosives.
With the expansion of the general regulations to cover other types of dangerous substances the list of approved codes will also be expanded.
In any case, the Dangerous Substances Act 2004 requires that all reasonable steps be taken in relation to the risk associated with dangerous substances. It specifically requires that when considering reasonable steps, the responsible person must consider the state of current knowledge in relation to the hazard and the method of controlling the risks.
Australian Standards provide a range of standards for the control of different classes of dangerous goods. Safe Work Australia provides a regulatory package on hazardous substances. All of these publications would be considered as sources of current knowledge in relation to hazards and the control of risks.
The following are available from Safe Work Australia or Australian Government Publications.
The Australian Dangerous Goods Code, seventh edition (ADG Code 7th Ed), is available for purchase from CanPrint in paperback and on CD. CanPrint contact details are:
CanPrint Information ServicesP.O. Box 7456Canberra MC ACT 2610
Telephone: 1300 889 873Fax: (02) 6293 8333E-mail : sales@infoservices.com.au
The following Codes of Practice are adopted under Section 219 of the Dangerous Substances Act 2004. They set a minimum standard for management of specific topics.
Asbestos
National Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos (2nd Edition) [NOHSC:2002 (2005)] (Current Edition commenced 1 May 2006)
Dangerous Goods
National Code of Practice for the Storage and Handling of Workplace Dangerous Goods [NOHSC:2017 (2001)] (Commenced 23 September 2006)
Hazardous Substances
National Model Regulations for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1005(1994)] (Commenced 24 April 1995)
National Code of Practice for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:2007(1994)] (Commenced 24 April 1995)
National Code of Practice for the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets [NOHSC:2011(2003)] (Current Edition commenced 19 July 2006)
National Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances [NOHSC:2012(1994)] (Commenced 24 April 1995)
See also the Codes of Practice for the ACT that have been adopted under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011