The NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently issue two Fact Sheets relevant for manufacture, packaging, and transportation of pool chemicals:
· Colour coded containers for pool chemicals
· Use of Black Plastic Stretch Wrap on Dangerous Goods Pallets
These fact sheets are available to download here, and also from the NSW EPA website: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Dangerous-goods/Controls-when-apply/segregation
The NSW EPA has recognised that while it is not a regulatory requirement, it is common industry practice for:
Pool chlorine to be packed in light blue 15L containers, and
Pool acid (hydrochloric acid) to be stored in black containers
They NSW EPA has become aware that recent supply shortages have lead to a supply of chlorine, sourced from interstate, which comes in black containers. This has resulted in handling risks from confusion and improper segregation.
NSW EPA Recommendations:
To minimise risks, Members should:
Clearly label all chemical containers, regardless of colour
Implement strict handling protocols to prevent accidental mixing
The NSW EPA is advising members that the practice of using black plastic stretch wrap, which obscures the contents of dangerous goods pallets, often known as an ‘overpack’, raises some concerns about:
Regulatory compliance
Safety risks
Proper Segregation
Australian Dangerous Goods Code Requirements
Unless all marks and labels on the package of dangerous goods in an overpack are visible, the overpack must be marked and labelled with:
The proper shipping name
UN number
Other marks as required by chapter 5.2 ADG Code
For each dangerous goods item in the overpack.
Incompatible classes of dangerous goods must not be transported together, or placed together within the same overpack.
For additional information on segregation and placard load requirements, please visit: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Dangerous-goods/Video-explainers
Members should always report concerns related to unsafe transport practices to the NSW EPA’s Environment Line at 131 555.