From a worker's perspective, Major Hazard Facilities (MHFs) encompass sites like oil refineries, chemical plants, and extensive storage locations for hazardous materials. These workplaces involve the storage, handling, or processing of large quantities of potentially dangerous substances.
According to section 536 of the WHS Regulation, it is the responsibility of the facility operator to notify WorCover Queensland (WHSQ). This notification applies to various scenarios, including existing sites, modifications to existing sites, or facilities currently under construction. These workplaces fall under the category of a potential major hazard facility, initiating a determination process. This process assesses whether the workplace should be officially licensed as a major hazard facility.
The following table highlights MHF thresholds, the 10% threshold, and provides examples of the types of workplaces that might need to notify as a potential MHF.
| Material | MHF threshold (schedule 15) | 10% threshold quantity | Possible facilities captured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ammonia, anhydrous, liquefied, UN1005 | 200 tonne | 20 tonne | Larger meatworks, Big N sites for rural industry |
| Arsenic pentoxide UN1559 | 10 tonne | 1 tonne | Timber treatment chemical/ fungicide manufacturer/supplier |
| Chlorine UN1017 | 25 tonne | 2.5 tonne | Larger water treatment plants |
| LP gases | 200 tonne | 20 tonne | LPG distribution centres |
| Methane or natural gas | 200 tonne | 20 tonne | LNG plant |
| Formaldehyde (greater than 90%) | 50 tonne | 5 tonne | Manufacturing |
| Hydrogen UN 1049 | 50 tonne | 5 tonne | Power generators |
| Liquids that meet the criteria for class 3 packing group II or III | 50 000 tonne | 5000 tonne | Regional fuel depots/distribution facilities- e.g. regional port areas |
| Toxic solids and liquids (classified as toxic e.g. Oral LD50 5-50 mg/kg | 200 tonne | 20 tonne | Agricultural and veterinary product distributors and related transport depots |
| Toxic solids and liquids (classified as very toxic e.g. Oral LD50 < 5 mg/kg | 20 tonne | 2 tonne | |
| 1 tonne = 1000 kilograms | |||
Why do I have to notify?
The intent of notification is to ensure that all possible major hazard facilities are made known to the Regulator.
What does the determination process involve?
The determination decision is based on the potential for a major incident to occur at the facility having regard to any relevant matter, including:
- the quantity and combination of schedule 15 chemicals present or likely to be present at the facility
- the type of activity at the facility that involves the schedule 15 chemicals
- land use and other activities in the surrounding area.
The Regulator may also hold an inquiry if a notification discloses, or if for some other reason the Regulator reasonably suspects, that the operator of the facility may not be a suitable person to operate the facility.
Proposed facilities
A facility that anticipates having chemicals in excess of the threshold quantity should notify in sufficient time to comply with the Regulation. For example, if the facility is at the early design stage, plans for the facility may not be available and the number of workers and the types/amounts of schedule 15 chemicals may not be accurately known. The initial notification information may simply comprise design options under consideration, indications of the number of workers and estimates of the quantities of schedule 15 chemicals likely to be present. Dates that should be included are the:
- earliest date for introduction of schedule 15 chemicals
- earliest date for beneficial production
- earliest date that the facility may exceed the MHF threshold quantities.
Early notification facilitates the safety case and licensing processes.