This website has been built to comply with current web standards, but is accessible to any browser, screen reader or Internet enabled device.

Department of Justice and Community Safety

GENERAL OVERVIEW

The Dangerous Substances Team of ACT WorkCover administers the Dangerous Substances Act 2004 and the Dangerous Substances (Explosives) Regulations 2004.

The Dangerous Substances (Explosives) Regulations 2004 provide a comprehensive regulatory regime for the handling of all types of explosives. Given the high-risk nature of this class of dangerous substances, the regime is based on licences and permits that allow the handling of explosives.

Explosives are defined as Dangerous Goods of Class 1. Explosives have a variety of uses that range from use of high explosives in quarry blasting to use of pyrotechnics designed to produce special effects in the entertainment industry.

There is provision for the use of fireworks by the general public during the Queens Birthday weekend.

Requirements Under Dangerous Substances Legislation

The Dangerous Substances (Explosives) Regulations 2004 provide for the issuing of licences and/or permits relating to all aspects involving explosives. Licences or permits covered include:

  1. Licence to store explosives
  2. Licence to supply explosives
  3. Licence to manufacture explosives
  4. Shotfirer's permit
  5. Blasting permit
  6. Fireworks display operator licence
  7. Fireworks display permit
  8. Special fireworks display permit

The Dangerous Substances (Explosives) Regulations 2004 also set specific requirements for the use of explosives in or by workplaces and deal with the following requirements:

  • training
  • safe handling
  • use of explosives
  • dangerous occurrences
  • injury and dangerous occurrence / reporting and recording requirements
  • offences and penalties.