Storage of safety cartridges, propellant for firearms and distress signals
This information bulletin provides a summary of the requirements of the Dangerous Goods Regulations 1985 and relevant standards relating to the safe storage of safety cartridges, propellant for firearms and distress signals.
Licence requirements
Quantities of up to 100kg for safety cartridges, propellant for firearms and up to 50kg for distress signals may be stored for sale without a licence.
Storage
Safety Cartridges
Where safety cartridges are stored for sale, they must be stored:
- in premises that is kept securely locked at all times when unattended
- in their original outer packaging (i.e. cases or cartons)
- separated from other dangerous goods by a partition or by a distance sufficient to prevent a fire or explosion in either the safety cartridges or the other dangerous goods spreading
- in intermediate packaging (i.e. individual boxes or bags) in or on a shelf, cupboard or similar, provided:
- they are located so that unauthorised persons are prevented from having access to them
- the maximum quantity of safety cartridges exposed for sale at any one time does not exceed 5 kg
- they are not located in or near a window
- such that egress from the building is not hindered by the explosives in the event of a fire, but allowing their easy removal in an emergency.
Propellant for firearms
Propellant for firearms, blasting explosives (other than detonators) and detonating cord shall be stored in a securely locked container accessible only to the person storing the explosive and no fuse-lighters or matches shall be stored in the container.
Distress Signals
Where distress signals are stored for sale, they must be stored:
- in a room which is:
- constructed of non-combustible material
- not accessible to the public
- not attached to a building used or partly used for habitation
- they shall not be stored within 3m of other dangerous goods
- a notice bearing the words EXPLOSIVES – DISTRESS SIGNALS in letters not less than 50 mm in height shall be displayed in a conspicuous place at the entrance to the room in which they are stored
- they shall be stored in their original outer packaging or a spark-proof container marked with the words DISTRESS SIGNALS in letters not less than 50 mm in height on the outside of the container
- not more than 25 kg of them shall be stored in an outer packaging or spark-proof container at any one time
- a fire hose reel or a water type portable fire extinguisher shall be installed in the room in which they are stored.
Further Information
Legislation
Contact us For further information please contact us on 1800 019 115, via email at ntworksafe@nt.gov.au or go to the NT WorkSafe website at www.worksafe.nt.gov.au.