SafeWork NSW seeks feedback on safe storage of ammonium nitrate

SafeWork NSW seeks feedback on safe storage of ammonium nitrate, inviting industry and community members to comment on proposed changes to how this hazardous chemical is regulated across the state.

SafeWork NSW seeks public input on new safety measures to strengthen current regulation of ammonium nitrate storage. Acting Head of SafeWork, Andrew Gavrielatos said the consultation aims to introduce mandatory separation distances between ammonium nitrate storage facilities and surrounding infrastructure.

Why the Consultation Matters

"Although there is unlikely to be an incident at an ammonium nitrate facility, international incidents such as the explosion in Beirut two years ago show that consequences can be catastrophic when ammonium nitrate is stored too close to residential, industrial, and other public infrastructure," Gavrielatos said.

Ammonium nitrate presents a genuine fire and explosion risk when handling, storage, or separation distances fall short of best practice. Poorly managed sites raise health risk exposure for nearby workers and residents alike, and inadequate hazardous material controls can turn a manageable situation into a major fire event within minutes.

What the Proposal Covers

"This 'Have Your Say' proposes to strengthen an already robust regulatory framework and ensure clarity and consistency for industry," he added.

Key elements under review include:

• Mandatory separation distances between storage sites and surrounding infrastructure
• Clearer requirements for handling and storage of ammonium nitrate at scale
• Consistency measures to reduce risk across different storage operators
• Alignment with broader hazardous chemical safety obligations

Businesses that manage bulk quantities of ammonium nitrate should review their existing Safe Work Method Statements against the proposed changes, particularly where handling procedures intersect with fire prevention and site layout planning.

How to Have Your Say

The comment period closes at 5.00 pm on Thursday, 3 November 2022. Feedback submitted during this window will help shape final separation distance requirements and reduce risk to workers, communities, and critical infrastructure near storage sites.

For more information, visit the SafeWork NSW website. Organisations seeking related updates may also find our coverage of NSW's demolition licensing regulation consultation and NSW's stakeholder feedback on its Towards Healthy Work Plan useful for tracking broader regulatory trends across the state.

Supporting Safe Handling Practices

Facilities handling hazardous materials such as ammonium nitrate benefit from documented procedures that address fire risk, ventilation, and emergency response. Reviewing site-specific safe work procedures alongside these proposed storage reforms gives operators a stronger foundation for compliance once new separation distance rules take effect.

Health outcomes for workers and surrounding communities depend heavily on how well handling protocols address both routine operations and fire emergencies. SafeWork NSW's proposed reforms aim to close gaps that could otherwise elevate risk at sites where storage volumes or proximity to infrastructure exceed current safe thresholds.