Government Guideline and Legislation

To provide information for organisations and employees regarding work safety and protection of the environment, the Government has enacted several legislated 


Acts and Regulations:

• Model WHS Act 2011 - adopted by Australian Capital Territory.

• New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Commonwealth

https://www.epa.ie/our-services/compliance--enforcement/whats-happening/prosecutions-and-penalties/

• Western Australia: Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1998

• Victoria: Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 2017

• WHS laws, OSH/OHS Regulations and any amendments applying in your Jurisdiction can be resourced on line. Can be resourced on line.


 Environment Protection Act (EPA)

• Associated Regulations

• Australian Codes of Practice

• Australian Standards


The Environment Protection Act (general environment duty) states…

“A person must not undertake any activity that pollutes, or might pollute, the environment unless the person takes all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise resulting environmental harm”


Deliberate or negligent pollution results in prosecution and fines. So that person is YOU, even as an employee - must not cause pollution.


Taking “all reasonable and practicable measures” means following the instruction for correct storage and handling of chemicals and the company/organisation procedures, being trained and competent to clean up spills using the spill equipment.


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