Product Overview

Summary: This Dangerous Goods Storage Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical requirements for safely receiving, segregating, storing and handling dangerous goods on Australian workplaces. It helps your business control fire, explosion, chemical exposure and environmental risks while demonstrating compliance with WHS laws and dangerous goods regulations.

Dangerous goods storage is a critical risk area for many Australian workplaces, from small workshops and farms through to large warehouses, transport depots and laboratories. Poorly managed storage can quickly escalate into fires, explosions, chemical spills or toxic exposures that threaten workers, visitors, neighbours and the environment. This Dangerous Goods Storage Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step‑by‑step approach to how dangerous goods must be received, labelled, segregated, stored, handled and monitored on site.

The SOP translates complex legal and technical requirements into clear instructions that frontline workers and supervisors can follow. It addresses key issues such as compatibility and segregation, maximum storage quantities, ventilation, spill containment, placarding and signage, inspection routines and emergency arrangements. By implementing this procedure, your business can demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS legislation, reduce the likelihood and severity of incidents, and provide a consistent standard for training, audits and contractor management across all sites where dangerous goods are stored.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS laws, Dangerous Goods regulations and relevant Standards for chemical and hazardous substance storage.
• Reduce the risk of fires, explosions, toxic releases and environmental contamination arising from poorly stored dangerous goods.
• Standardise dangerous goods storage practices across sites, shifts and contractors, improving consistency and accountability.
• Streamline induction and refresher training by providing clear, role-specific instructions for workers who handle or access dangerous goods stores.
• Support regulatory inspections, insurer reviews and internal audits with a documented, defensible storage procedure and inspection regime.

Who is this for?

• Warehouse Managers
• Operations Managers
• Site Supervisors
• WHS Managers
• Dangerous Goods Safety Advisors
• Laboratory Managers
• Fleet and Depot Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Chemical Storekeepers
• Small Business Owners handling chemicals

Hazards Addressed

• Fire and explosion from flammable liquids, gases and combustible materials
• Chemical burns and skin or eye irritation from corrosive substances
• Toxic inhalation from gases, vapours or fumes released from stored chemicals
• Environmental contamination from spills, leaks or overflows into soil or waterways
• Reactivity and violent chemical reactions due to incompatible substances being stored together
• Cylinder rupture or projectile hazards from compressed and liquefied gases
• Manual handling injuries when moving drums, cylinders and containers of dangerous goods
• Slip, trip and fall hazards in and around dangerous goods storage areas
• Exposure to carcinogenic or sensitising substances from damaged or unlabelled containers

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Dangerous Goods Classifications
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Identification, Labelling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Requirements
• 6.0 Storage Design, Location and Infrastructure Requirements
• 7.0 Segregation, Compatibility and Maximum Storage Quantities
• 8.0 Receiving, Unloading and Acceptance of Dangerous Goods
• 9.0 Routine Storage Practices and Housekeeping Standards
• 10.0 Handling, Transfer and Decanting Procedures
• 11.0 Ventilation, Ignition Source Control and Hot Work Restrictions
• 12.0 Spill Containment, Leak Management and Waste Disposal
• 13.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Recordkeeping Requirements
• 14.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Health Monitoring
• 15.0 Emergency Preparedness and Response (Fire, Spill, Exposure)
• 16.0 Contractor and Visitor Management in Dangerous Goods Areas
• 17.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 18.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Procedure

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in Australian states and territories)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Labelling of workplace hazardous chemicals: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Preparation of safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals: Code of Practice
• AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
• AS/NZS 3833: The storage and handling of mixed classes of dangerous goods in packages and intermediate bulk containers
• AS 4326: The storage and handling of oxidizing agents
• AS/NZS 4452: The storage and handling of toxic substances
• AS 4332: The storage and handling of gases in cylinders
• State and Territory Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) legislation and regulations