We agree, the laws and regulations associated with chemical storage, handling and transport are complex. However, they are necessary to avoid the risk of serious incidents occurring.

We are promoting compliance with these laws and standards. We appreciate some might think the chances of an accident are minimal, but when incidents occur, they do substantial damage to Australian society and the environment.

For example, a chemical facility in Melbourne’s west spilt 12,000L of detergent in 2022 resulting in:

  • 20 tonnes of dead fish in Cherry Lake
  • 36,000,000 L of water diverted to sewer
  • waterway, lake and beach closed for months

See news story ABC News. See EPA report here including details of the charges

Perhaps even more concerning than environmental incidents are the recent factory fires that result in environmental damage but also risk the health of emergency services personnel.

It is in our interest as individuals, organisations and more generally as a society that we do not allow these incidents to continue to occur.

Basic Rules of Engagement

Our fly-over videos show that some basic standards are not being followed by numerous organisations. As a minimum, if you are a chemical facility you should have implemented:

  1. All IBCs and large tanks should be stored within spill containment systems
  2. Do not store IBCs in driveways or paved areas that drain to stormwater
  3. Do not store IBCs in areas that are not fully contained and allow any spills to drain to the immediate environment
  4. Do not store chemicals of different classes immediately adjacent to eachother – provide safe distances
  5. Provide safe distances for large storage tanks and IBCs from neighbouring properties
  6. Install safety showers in the areas where personnel engage in chemical handling
  7. Display placards for each of the chemical types you are storing
  8. If you are storing manifest quantities then you represent a higher risk, follow the government requirements for a red information box and notification of the local authority
  9.  Do not store large quantities of combustible materials in the vicinity of chemical storage areas
  10. Identify your business so members of the public are aware of who to contact if they are concerned or in the case of emergency