WorkCover Queensland emphasizes the regulatory framework for Major Hazard Facilities (MHFs) to ensure the safe handling of chemicals and compliance with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation).
Given the nature of chemicals stored at MHFs, Regulatory Framework for Major Hazard Facilities (MHFs) mandates:
- Licensing for all Major Hazard Facilities, with jurisdictions having the authority to impose fees for issuing licenses.
- Facilities possessing more than 10% of Schedule 15 chemicals must notify the regulator (via Form 536 – Notification of a facility exceeding 10% of schedule 15 threshold (PDF, 0.14 MB)) and undergo an inquiry process to determine their MHF status.
- Operators of MHFs must incorporate security measures in their safety case regime to prevent unauthorized access. They are also required to inform and consult with the local council, local community, and the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service regarding their operations and emergency plans.
Regulatory Framework for Major Hazard Facilities (MHFs) is conducted by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, adhering to the WHS Regulation and nationally endorsed key principles. The legislation aims to safeguard individuals and property from major incidents, employing a safety case regime akin to European and UK standards seen in Seveso II.
MHF licenses, granted for up to five years, are contingent on the regulator's satisfaction with the facility's safe operation and the efficacy of its safety management system in risk control.
For determined Major Hazard Facilities, a license application must be submitted within 24 months. During this period, compliance with Chapter 7: Hazardous Chemicals of the WHS Regulation is mandatory. Facilities must furnish a safety case outline within three months of determination, following which they must adhere to the approved outline and fulfill duties outlined in Part 9.3 Duties of operators of determined Major Hazard Facilities.
Form 578 Application for a major hazard facility licence (PDF, 0.2 MB) is to be utilized for applying or renewing an MHF license under s.578 or s.596 of the WHS Regulation.
Fees in Major Hazard Facilities
| Section | Application type | Fee* $ |
|---|---|---|
| Licences for major hazard facilities | ||
| 17 | Application for major hazard facility licence (s 578(3)) | nil |
| 18 | Relevant fee for grant of major hazard facility licence, for each year as provided under section 583A(a)— | |
| (i) for a tier 1 major hazard facility | 20,670.00 | |
| (ii) for a tier 2 major hazard facility | 37,916.20 | |
| (iii) for a tier 3 major hazard facility | 55,162.40 | |
| 18 | Relevant fee for renewal of major hazard facility licence, for each year as provided under section 583A(b)— | |
| (i) for a tier 1 major hazard facility | 20,670.00 | |
| (ii) for a tier 2 major hazard facility | 37,916.20 | |
| (iii) for a tier 3 major hazard facility | 55,162.40 | |
| 20 | Application for replacement of major hazard facility licence document (s 594(4)(c) | nil |
| 21 | Application for renewal of major hazard facility licence (s 596(2)(c)) | nil |
| 22 | Application for transfer of major hazard facility licence (s 600(2)(b)) | nil |
| 23 | Application to cancel major hazard facility licence (s 601(2)(b)) | nil |
| *On 1 July 2023 fees and charges made pursuant to the Queensland Treasury Principles for Fees and Charges (October 2021) have increased by 3.4%, as per the annual Government Indexation Rate (GIR) for the 2023-24 financial year. | ||