The provision of technical guidance has been identified by the Major Hazards Inter-Agency Committee (MHIAC) as being an integral part of the framework currently being developed for the control of Major Hazard Facilities (MHFs) in NSW. Consequently, a series of Major Industrial Hazards Advisory Papers (MIHAPs) are being developed by the Major Hazards Unit (MHU) of the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources. Five of these papers are now ready for release as consultation drafts:

1. MIHAP No 1 - Safety Assurance

This advisory paper provides guidance on the development and implementation of a safety assurance system. Such a system is important to ensure continual improvement of the Safety Management System (SMS) and effective ongoing management of the control measures for major accident prevention and mitigation. The paper provides specific advice on: The MHF operator's obligations to develop and implement a safety assurance system as an essential component of an effective safety management system;
• Review, audit and monitoring activities; and
• The expectations of the relevant public authority (RPA) in assessing the adequacy of the safety assurance system, as described in the operator's Safety Report.



2. MIHAP No 2 - Notification, Classification and Prioritisation - This paper details the MHF Operator's obligations to notify the MHU of the quantities of hazardous materials stored and handled at the site. It includes:
   • Samples of standard forms expected to be used by Operators (eg. Notification Form);
   • A detailed description and supporting explanation of the protocol used to identify facilities that may warrant classification as 'Major Hazard Facilities' (MHFs); and
   • A brief description of the prioritisation procedure to be used by the MHU.
   
   
   
3. MIHAP No 3 - Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control - This paper details the MHF Operator's obligations with respect to:
   • Hazard identification - the development of a comprehensive understanding of the hazards and events that could lead to a major accident at their facility;
   • Risk assessment - the analysis of the likelihood and consequences (including magnitude and effects) of any major accidents, and the analysis and assessment of the risks to people (on- and off-site), property and the environment; and
   • Risk control - identification and adoption of measures to prevent major accidents from occurring, or where not possible to prevent them, to minimise their likelihood and consequences.
   
   
   
4. MIHAP No 4 - Safety Management Systems

This advisory paper provides guidance on the development and implementation of a model SMS as well as outlining the expectations of the RPA in assessing the adequacy of the SMS as described in the operator's Safety Report. The paper provides specific advice on:
• Basic criteria for an effective SMS;
• The safety policy and management commitment to its implementation;
• Management and administration aspects of the SMS; and
• Operational controls related to process safety management.



5. MIHAP No 5 - Safety Reporting - This paper details the MHF Operator's obligations to demonstrate, in the form of a Safety Report, that hazards and events that could cause a major accident at their facility are clearly understood and that the necessary measures to both prevent those accidents and to limit the likelihood and consequences of any major accidents on people, property and the environment have been taken. This paper includes:
   • An outline of the Safety Report format and structure;
   • Assessment and management principles; and
   • Details of arrangements for staged submission of safety reporting documentation.
   
   
   
6. MIHAP No 6 - Training and Education

This advisory paper provides guidance on the MHF operator's obligations to develop and implement training and education programs as an essential component of an effective SMS. It also outlines the expectations of the RPA in assessing the adequacy of that program as described in the operator's Safety Report. The paper provides advice on:

• The case for effective training and education at MHFs and the consequences of the absence of such a program;
• Development of a program that addresses the essential elements to ensure that the program is comprehensive and based on solid foundations; and
• Critical issues to ensure the effective implementation of the program.



7. MIHAP No 7 - Emergency Planning - This paper provides guidance to industry on emergency planning and outlines specific obligations for the Operators of MHFs relating to the establishment, maintenance, testing and review of an emergency plan that addresses both on-site and off-site effects of a major accident. The paper discusses:
   • The principles of emergency planning;
   • Outlines issues that should be addressed when preparing a plan;
   • Provides a framework for documenting the emergency plan; and
   • Discusses aspects of its on-going management
   
   
   
8. MIHAP No 9 - Accident Reporting and Investigation - This paper details the Operator's obligations to notify the MHU of the occurrence of major accidents and near misses. This paper includes:
   • A discussion of approaches to ensure root causes are identified and similar incidents are prevented;
   • The requirements for investigation of major accidents and near misses, including sample report forms.

   These advisory papers have been developed with extensive consultation through the MHIAC's stakeholder consultation groups. It is now appropriate to give broader opportunity to provide input to the development of the technical aspects of the proposed major hazards framework. The early release of these (and subsequent) consultation draft papers is aimed at providing a wider distribution and additional stakeholder feedback prior to finalisation of the regulatory framework.

   Progressive release of the draft documents provides the opportunity to test the practical implementation of technical approaches outlined in the advisory papers in the early stages of the development of the regulatory regime. Lessons learned from these activities will assist in further improving of the documents. These advisory papers will be subject to future revision based on stakeholder input and developments related to the proposed regulatory framework. Your technical feedback on these papers would be appreciated.

   If you have difficulty using this site, or require further information, please contact the Major Hazards Unit on (02) 9762 8142 or email us on mihaps@dipnr.nsw.gov.au.

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