We’ve all heard of ‘dangerous goods’, but are you aware of high consequence dangerous goods?
HCDG are classified as such because of their potential to cause severe harm. Because they have a higher risk than other dangerous goods, there are strict regulatory controls and enhanced security measures to mitigate risks.
Examples of High Consequence Dangerous Goods
While high consequence dangerous goods aren’t widely used, there are some industries where they are necessary, such as mining, agriculture, laboratories and bio-manufacturing.
While these goods are referred to as HCDG in Victoria, other states may refer to them as Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate (SSAN).
High consequence dangerous goods are:
- ammonium nitrate
- calcium ammonium nitrate containing more than 45% ammonium nitrate
- ammonium nitrate emulsions and mixtures containing more than 45% ammonium nitrate
Ammonium nitrate is largely used for the manufacture of fertilisers and for explosives.
If your ammonium nitrate products are recognised as Class 1 Explosives, they are not high consequence dangerous goods.
DID YOU KNOW In Queensland, 99% of ammonium nitrate is used in mining, while the remaining 1% is for the manufacturing of fertilisers?
Classification of HCDG
High consequence dangerous goods (HCDG) are materials that pose a higher risk to health, safety or property. This is due to the capacity of the goods to decompose, cause a fire or explode – which can result in immense harm and damage.
Due to the risk of explosions, ammonium nitrate, certain calcium ammonium nitrates and certain ammonium nitrate emulsions and mixtures are classed as high consequence dangerous goods and have stricter controls than other dangerous goods.
REMEMBER: If the product is regarded as Class 1 Explosive dangerous goods , they do not fall into the category of High Consequence Dangerous Goods.
Regulatory Requirements for Ammonium Nitrate and HCDG
As these goods don’t fall under the regular DG framework with Classes from 1 to 9 – they have special regulations that apply to them.
As these goods pose a greater risk of harm, there are further precautions and requirements for those who are managing them in the workplace.
This is to prevent harm occurring when workplaces are using or transporting ammonium nitrate products, and to decrease the likelihood and impact of a fire or explosion.
Controls for security sensitive ammonium nitrate have been agreed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in Australia and in each state and territory.
Regulations apply to:
- Licencing for those with access to these goods
- Duties of licence holder
- Importing and exporting requirements
- Storage specifications
- Manufacturing requirements
- Transport compliance
- Security breaches
- Supplier duties
- Safety management
- Security plans
REMEMBER: See your local regulator for more information on the regulations and laws that apply to your site. You can find your Australian Regulator on the Safe Work Australia site.
Licensing and Permits
Licenses are required for any workplace that sells, supplies, stores, handles, transfers, manufactures, imports, exports, transports or disposes of these goods.
You can find more information about the regulations, licenses and permits required for ammonium nitrate and high consequence dangerous goods in your jurisdiction here:
- Australian Capital Territory Licence for SSAN
- New South Wales License for SSAN
- Queensland Licence for SSAN
- South Australian Licence for SSAN
- Tasmanian Permit for SSAN
- Victorian Licence for HCDG
- Northern Territory DG Driver Licence for SSAN
Licenses and handling permits are required when dealing with these types of high consequence of security sensitive goods.
Incidents with Ammonium Nitrate
The hazards associated with these goods are significant — but the incidents where ammonium nitrate are involved can be fatal and highly destructive to the surrounding community and environment.
Angellala Creek, Queensland
In September 2014, a road train transporting 52 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was involved in a single vehicle accident, which resulted in an explosion.
During the Angellala Creek accident, bags of ammonium split and combined with diesel fuel, causing a fire. While the driver escaped the vehicle and was helped by passers-by and emergency services, the goods sparked two explosions. Luckily no one was killed in the accident.
Pilbara, Western Australia
In late 2023, a truck carrying ammonium nitrate exploded when it was involved in a two vehicle accident in Pilbara., Western Australia. The fire that was sparked produced significant radiant heat which prevented fire services from approaching the scene. The Hazmat emergency claimed the life of 3 people and a 2-kilometre exclusion zone was set up to protect the public and emergency services.
Goldfields, Western Australia
A tanker trailer working in mining operations in the Goldfields spilled ammonium nitrate emulsion, which led to a fire. After two hours, the goods detonated due to the prolonged heat of the fire.
Shrapnel was thrown hundreds of metres from the site, including a 31kg piece of the trailer – found 672 metres away.
No fatalities were reported.
Risk Management
Due to the heightened risks involved with the management of these high consequence dangerous goods, any organisation that works with them requires a licence. You must also prove that there is a legitimate need to have these products in your operations.
However, any business that carries any type or quantity of dangerous goods or hazardous substance must be able to ensure a safe working environment for their employees – as well as their surrounding communities. To do this, risk management systems must be put in place.
This usually starts with the clear identification of goods – to determine the hazards and appropriate controls that are required for safe handling, storage and transport.
If you’d like to learn more about risk management for your dangerous goods and hazardous substances, why not access this helpful free template pack? This easy-to-understand resource offers a wealth of information on the risk management process, so you can systematically work through the steps and create a healthier, safer work environment. Get your copy of the eBook today to find out more about DG management for your operation.
