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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
From 31 March 2013, codes of environmental compliance no longer have effect, and an environmental authority is required for this ERA.
The eligibility criteria and standard conditions of this code are taken to be eligibility criteria and standard conditions for the ERA until new eligibility criteria and standard conditions take effect.
Any new operation commencing from 31 March 2013 that meets the eligibility criteria in Section 2 of this code and that can meet all of the standard conditions can apply for a standard approval to carry out this activity. The conditions that apply to the standard approval will be the standard conditions.
Where the operation cannot meet all the standard conditions of this code, a variation application for an environmental authority can be made. The environmental authority will include the standard conditions as modified by any approved variations.
Information on applying for an approval is at www.business.qld.gov.au.
Anyone holding a registration certificate to operate under this code before 31 March 2013 is automatically taken to have an environmental authority for the ERA. The registration certificate becomes an environmental authority and the standard environmental conditions of this code will be the conditions of the environmental authority as standard conditions. The anniversary day of the environmental authority is the anniversary day of the registration certificate.
1. Introduction
The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection has introduced an improved environmental compliance framework for environmentally relevant activities (ERAs)1 with a relatively low risk of environmental impact by introducing codes of environmental compliance (codes) that set out standard environmental conditions. Codes are appropriate for those activities that can achieve a good level of environmental protection through established practices and compliance with standard environmental conditions.
The codes also include advisory notes to help operators understand the condition or measures that may be taken to ensure compliance. The advisory notes are a guide only and do not limit the range of measures that may be taken to comply with a condition.
This use of codes simplifies and speeds up environmental approvals for the businesses involved, while retaining appropriate standards of environmental protection and performance.
The Minister responsible for the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act), pursuant to section 549 of the EP Act, has approved the standard environmental conditions contained in this code. Approved codes are listed in Schedule 3 of the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 (EP Reg).
2. Scope of the code
This code applies to ERA 57 — Regulated waste transport, where the operation of the ERA will comply with the following criteria:
"Regulated waste is transported by road vehicles only (not by train, boat, aircraft, pipeline or other means)."
Where the operation of a particular ERA will not meet the above criteria, this code does not apply and a development approval is required to undertake the ERA.
The ERA — Regulated waste transport, is defined in Schedule 2 of the EP Reg as:
“ERA 57. Regulated waste transport consists of —
a) transporting on a non-commercial basis 250kg or more of regulated waste in a vehicle; or
b) transporting on a commercial basis any quantity of regulated waste in a vehicle.
3. When the code takes effect
This code applies immediately to all operators of ERA 57 (that meet the criteria in section 2 of this code) who
commenced activities on or after 1 July 2006.
Operators who were carrying out ERA 57 under a development approval before 1 July 2006, and continued to carry out the activity had a 12 month transitional period to ensure their operations complied with the code. The code became effective for those operators on 1 July 2007.
Version 4 of this code contains new and amended standard environmental conditions that took effect on 9 November 2012. Version 4 of this code applies immediately to all operators of ERA 57 (that meet the criteria in section 2 of this code) who commenced activities on or after 9 November 2012.
Version 3 of this code continues to apply for 12 months to operators who were carrying out ERA 57 under version 3 of this code. Those operators who continue to carry out the activity have a 12 month transitional period to ensure their operations comply with the new or amended standard environmental conditions of version 4 of this code.
Condition 3 - Incompatible Wastes
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Advisory Notes
In general, wastes are incompatible if they are likely to increase the risk to human health and/or the environment when mixed or brought into contact with each other e.g. acids and alkalis and mixing some solid wastes with liquid wastes. If a waste is classified as a dangerous good, the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail, 7th edition, (ADG Code), or more recent versions should also be observed. -
Incompatible wastes must not be:<br>a) placed in the same container; or
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<br>b) transported in such a way that mixing may occur.
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Condition 4 – Design and compatibility
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Advisory Notes
Design should take into account at least the following matters:
- the relevant design requirements prescribed in Schedule 8 of the Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Regulation 2000 (see Appendix 1 of this code);
- the corrosive nature of the waste being transported (e.g. acid waste must be transported in acid resistant containers);
- the physical state of the waste (e.g. liquids should only be transported in drums, tanks or tankers);
- the requirements outlined in the ADG Code; and
- any relevant Australian Standards. -
Regulated waste must only be transported in suitably designed vehicles, tanks, containers or secondary containers that are appropriate for containing the waste being transported.
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Condition 5 – Maintenance and cleaning
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Advisory Notes
Regular inspections, cleaning and maintenance programs should be documented and implemented. For example, tankers and tanks used for transporting liquid wastes should have appropriate integrity tests conducted at regular intervals. The operator will also need to comply with any workplace health and safety requirements in relation to this matter. Contact the Department of Justice and Attorney-General (Division of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland) for advice on telephone 1300 369 915. -
Are all vehicles, tanks, containers and secondary containers used to transport regulated waste:<br>a) maintained in a good condition at all times to prevent any spillage or leakage of regulated waste or other contaminants; and
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And <br>b) are all vehicles, tanks, containers and secondary containers used to transport regulated waste kept free of regulated waste residues at all times when not in use?
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Condition 7 – Disposal .
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Advisory Notes
Check with the operator of the receiving facility or the department to ensure that the receiving facility can lawfully accept the regulated waste. The transfer of waste between tankers is to be undertaken in accordance with conditions 47-49 of Table 8.7 Road tank vehicle conditions. -
Regulated waste must not be removed or released from any vehicle other than:<br>a) at a facility that can lawfully receive the regulated waste; or<br>b) for the purpose of consolidation grease trap and/or other oily wastes in a larger road tank vehicle where access to the waste source is restricted to smaller road tank vehicles.
Condition 8 – Prevention of spillage
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Advisory Notes
Adequate containment devices (e.g. spill trays or sumps) that are inspected and cleaned regularly should be fitted to prevent spills from leaving the vehicle. -
Regulated waste must not leak or spill from the vehicle.
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Condition 9 – Clean up of spills
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Advisory Notes
Any leakages or spillages should be contained, recovered and disposed of appropriately, not washed into the stormwater system, waters or onto the ground. -
Notwithstanding condition 8, any leakage or spillage of regulated wastes must be contained immediately, recovered and disposed of to a facility that can lawfully accept the waste
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Condition 10 – Spill kit
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Advisory Notes
A designated storage area within or on the vehicle and easily accessible in an emergency should be provided for this purpose. -
An appropriate spill kit, personal protective equipment and relevant instructions for the management of the regulated wastes transported must be maintained and kept in each vehicle.
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Condition 14 – Insurance
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Advisory Notes
If the regulated waste is classified as a placard load of dangerous goods, consult with the Dangerous Goods Unit in the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the ADG Code regarding any additional levels of insurance that may be required. -
All vehicles used to transport regulated wastes (that are not classified as dangerous goods, or as a placard load of dangerous goods), must be covered by a policy of insurance or other form of indemnity, for a sum that is not less than $100,000, in respect of:<br>a) personal injury, death, property damage and other damage (except consequential economic loss) arising out of fire, explosion, leakage or spillage of dangerous goods in, on or from the vehicle or a container on the vehicle; and<br>b) costs incurred by or on behalf of a Commonwealth, State or Territory government authority in a clean-up resulting from any event of the kind referred to in subparagraph a) of this condition.
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Condition 16 – Waste records
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Advisory Notes
Trackable wastes, as listed in Schedule 1 of the Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Regulation 2000, are covered by recording requirements in that Regulation instead of this condition. The regulation is available for viewing at www.legislation.qld.gov.au. Recording requirements for trackable wastes (under the waste tracking system established under the above Regulation) are similar to this condition. -
A record of all regulated waste (excluding trackable waste) must be kept detailing the following information for every load of waste transported:<br>a) date of pickup of waste;<br>b) description of waste;<br>c) quantity of waste;<br>d) origin of the waste; and<br>e) destination of the waste
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Condition 17 – Documentation
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Advisory Notes
Standards Australia publish numerous guides, including: · HB 76-2004 Dangerous Goods – Initial emergency response guide; and · emergency procedure guides (AS1678 series); which are available from SAI Global Business Publishing 1. The ADG Code may require additional documents to be carried if the regulated waste is also classified as a dangerous good. -
At all times, a copy of:<br>a) the Environmental Authority issued by EHP for regulated waste transport activities;<br><br>
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And<br>b) the appropriate emergency guides in relation to the waste transported must be carried in the cabin of each <br>vehicle used to transport regulated waste and when requested, be presented to an authorised officer of the EHP or relevant regulatory agency of the State or Territory in which the vehicle is travelling.
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Condition 18 – Training
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Advisory Notes
A copy of this code of environmental compliance should be available for reference at a vehicle depot, operations base or place where the vehicle is garaged. If permanent communication is not available to someone with this code, a copy of this code should be kept in the cabin of the vehicle. -
All vehicle drivers must:<br>a) have access to a copy of this code in the vehicle, or through direct communication with the vehicle depot or operations base; .
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and<br>b) be trained in the requirements of this code, including the use of all equipment and procedures necessary to comply with the conditions of this code, and document all training undertaken
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Condition 20 – Asbestos containment
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Advisory Notes
Additional condtions applying to the transport of asbestos waste under this code.
Refer to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Work Health and Safety (Codes of Practice) Notice 2011 for any additional requirements that may apply. These are available from the Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel website www.legislation.qld.gov.au.
In addition, the requirements of the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice on How to Safely Remove Asbestos 2011 or the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice on How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace 2011 or any subsequent versions, may also apply. These are available on the Safe Work Australia website www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au. Additional requirements may apply under the ADG Code. -
All asbestos transported must be:<br>a) double bagged and sealed in heavy-duty polythene bags (minimum 200 micro metres thickness); or<br>
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b) contained in sealed drums or bins that are lined with heavy-duty plastic (minimum 200 micro metres thickness); or<br>
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c) where the volume or size of asbestos waste (e.g. large asbestos cement sheets) is greater than the volume or size of a bag, drum or bin:<br>i) for friable asbestos waste, sealed in double lined heavy-duty plastic sheeting (minimum 200 mm thickness) prior to being placed into a waste skip, vehicle tray or similar container; or<br>ii) for non-friable asbestos waste, kept damp and contained in a waste skip, vehicle tray or similar container that has been double lined with heavy duty plastic sheeting (minimum 200 mm thickness) and then completely sealed with the plastic sheeting and adhesive tape.
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Condition 21 – Asbestos handling
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Advisory Notes
Additional condtions applying to the transport of asbestos waste under this code.
The Safe Work Australia Code of Practice on How to Safely Remove Asbestos provides the following example of a warning statement which might be used:
“Caution – Asbestos. Do not damage or open bag. Do not inhale dust. Cancer and lung disease hazard”
If repackaging is required due to rupturing, workplace health and safety requirements will apply. Contact the Department of Justice and Attorney- General (Division of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland) for advice on 1300 369 915. -
All asbestos transported must be:<br>a) labelled with a warning statement to indicate the presence of asbestos and that dust creation and inhalation needs to be avoided;
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b) securely loaded and stowed on the vehicle during transit in such a way that does not cause the packaging to rupture;<br>
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c) off loaded carefully to prevent the packaging from rupturing; and<br>
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d) repackaged immediately if rupturing of the packaging does occur.
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Condition 23 – Vehicle compartment Conditions applying to the transport of clinical waste under this code
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Advisory Notes
Conditions applying to the transport of clinical waste under this code
Refer to Appendix 1 of this code for specific design rules as required by the Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Regulation 2000. For interstate transport, refer to Australian Standard 3816:1998 — Management of Clinical and Related Waste (or subsequent versions) for any additional requirements that may apply. For radioactive wastes, contact the Queensland Health Radiation Health Unit on (07) 3328 9987 for any licensing requirements that may apply under the Radiation Safety Act 1999. For wastes also classified as dangerous goods, refer to the ADG Code. -
All clinical and related wastes must be transported in a fully enclosed load compartment of a vehicle that:<br>a) is bunded or otherwise designed to contain any spills and leaks;<br>
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b) lockable; and<br>
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c) has internal surfaces which are rigid and seamless to facilitate cleaning and disinfection.
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Condition 24 – Security
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Advisory Notes
Conditions applying to the transport of clinical waste under this code
This is required to prevent unauthorised access. -
Vehicles and load compartments must be locked when unattended.<br>
Condition 25 – Secondary containment
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Advisory Notes
Conditions applying to the transport of clinical waste under this code
Secondary containment may be achieved if the waste is fully contained in: · appropriate bags that comply with the design rules in Appendix 1 of this code (primary containment); and · a rigid-walled waste container that complies with the design rules in Appendix 1 of this code (secondary containment). Additional requirements may apply if the waste is also classified as a dangerous good (refer to the Dangerous Goods Unit in the Department of Transport and Main Roads or other relevant authority in the State or Territory in which the vehicle is travelling). -
All clinical and related wastes must be provided with rigid secondary containment during transport.
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Condition 26 – Cleaning and disinfection
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Advisory Notes
Conditions applying to the transport of clinical waste under this code
The local council should be consulted prior to the disposal of any effluent to sewer. The operator will also need to comply with any workplace health and safety requirements in relation to this matter. Contact the Department of Justice and Attorney-General (Division of Workplace Health & Safety Queensland) for advice on 1300 369 915. -
Secondary containers used for the transportation of clinical and related wastes must be effectively cleaned and disinfected before reuse.
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Condition 27 – Compaction systems
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Advisory Notes
Conditions applying to the transport of clinical waste under this code
Compaction may cause rupturing of containers and leakage of clinical and related wastes. These wastes need to be transported in totally enclosed, intact, and leak proof containers for treatment and disposal in accordance with the Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Regulation 2000. -
Clinical and related wastes must not be transported in vehicles fitted with compaction systems.
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Condition 28 – Odour nuisance
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Advisory Notes
Conditions applying to the transport of clinical waste under this code
Refrigeration may be necessary to comply with this condition. When determining if the waste should be refrigerated during transport, consideration should be given to any Queensland Health and workplace health & safety requirements and other factors such as: · specific type of clinical and related waste being transported; · time held in transit; · temperature; · distance travelled; and · state of the waste when received. -
Noxious or offensive odours must not be released from any vehicle transporting clinical or related wastes.
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Condition 31 – Vehicle tray
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Advisory Notes
Additional conditions applying to the transport of regulated waste in rigid vehicles and trailers under this code.
Trays should be inspected regularly and any corrosion or other defect should be attended to so that the integrity of the tray is maintained. Any containment system or sump should be designed to facilitate the collection and removal of spilt waste (e.g. by pumping liquids or shovelling solids). -
When transporting regulated waste in rigid vehicles and trailers, the tray of the vehicles must be:<br>a) constructed of an impervious material;<br>
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b) maintained in a sound condition;
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and<br>c) designed to contain any spills on the tray
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Condition 32 – Covers
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Advisory Notes
Additional conditions applying to the transport of regulated waste in rigid vehicles and trailers under this code.
The covers should be designed to prevent particulate matter becoming airborne and to prevent ingress of rain into the waste, which may result in dangerous reactions, or the runoff of contaminants. -
When transporting regulated waste in rigid vehicles and trailers, any waste not fully contained within weatherproof packages must be covered during transport to contain the load and protect it from wind and rain.
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Condition 33 – Securing of load
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Advisory Notes
Additional conditions applying to the transport of regulated waste in rigid vehicles and trailers under this code.
All loads should be restrained in accordance with the requirements of the National Transport Commission and Road & Traffic Authority NSW; Load Restraint Guide, 2nd Edition (or subsequent versions). The guide is available from the National Transport Commission website at www.ntc.gov.au Additional requirements may apply under the ADG Code if the waste is classified as a dangerous good. -
When transporting regulated waste in rigid vehicles and trailers, all regulated waste containers must be:<br>a) mounted securely to the vehicle; and<br>
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b) contained within the tray of the vehicle.
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Condition 34 – Containment.
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Advisory Notes
Additional conditions applying to the transport of regulated waste in rigid vehicles and trailers under this code.
These must be appropriate for the type of containers or cargo being transported and suitable to withstand the rigours of transport and heavy braking.
Under the Definitions of this code "Packaged Regulated Waste" means regulated waste in a container with:
a) a capacity of not more than 450 litres; and
b) a nett mass of not more than 400 kilograms -
When transporting regulated waste in rigid vehicles and trailers, the vehicle must be fitted with:<br>a) adequate cargo securing devices; and<br>
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b) in the case of vehicles transporting packaged regulated waste (see definitions in Advisory Notes above), rigid sides or gates that contain the load while in transit
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Condition 38 – Transfer equipment Additional conditions to the transport of liquescent and dry particulate regulated waste in road tank vehicles under this code
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Advisory Notes
Additional conditions to the transport of liquescent and dry particulate regulated waste in road tank vehicles under this code
Transfer couplings should be located in a position on the tank(s) that will minimise the risk of the couplings being damaged or severed by an impact. For further information, refer to the Australian Standard 2809 series. -
Waste transfer equipment, including discharge point and pipe-work on road tank vehicles, must be:<br>a) fitted to the vehicle so as to not extend beyond the outer body line of the vehicle; or<br>
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b) designed to provide sufficient inherent resistance to damage; or.
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c) provided with protection to prevent damage.
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Condition 40 – Transfer hoses
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Advisory Notes
Waste transfer hoses should be cleared before disconnection and maintained in good condition so as to prevent spillage or leakage of regulated waste.
The following are examples of how hoses can be transported to minimise the risk of spills:
- carry them in spill proof compartments on the vehicle;
- fit them with leak proof caps with captive chains;
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- connect them end-to-end.
In addition, the ADG Code may include the requirement for hose assemblies to be:
- inspected at least monthly; and
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Regulated waste material must not leak or spill from waste transfer hoses to the ground while the road tank vehicle is in transit.
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Condition 42 – Vacuum system
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Advisory Notes
Additional conditions to the transport of liquescent and dry particulate regulated waste in road tank vehicles under this code
Testing of the system should be carried out regularly and the results recorded, including details of any repairs and/or maintenance conducted. -
All road tank vehicle vacuum pump systems must be fitted with operational:<br>a) pressure and/or vacuum relief valves; and<br>
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b) pump shut-off valves.
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Condition 43 – Volume measurement
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Advisory Notes
Additional conditions to the transport of liquescent and dry particulate regulated waste in road tank vehicles under this code
Sight glasses are an example of a mechanism for volume measurement. Depending on the type of regulated waste, sufficient ullage space should be provided (e.g. 10% or more of the tank capacity) to allow for thermal expansion of the waste during transport. -
Where regulated waste is transported in road tank vehicles, the tank capacity must not be exceeded and a mechanism for volume measurement that is readily visible and calibrated to show maximum volume of waste in the tank must be fitted to each tank.
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Condition 45 – Outlets
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Advisory Notes
Additional conditions to the transport of liquescent and dry particulate regulated waste in road tank vehicles under this code
Road conditions, vibration and heavy braking are some considerations that should be taken into account when determining what is suitable. -
All filling and discharge points of road tank vehicles must be fitted with suitable leak proof caps and captive chains when regulated wastes are in transit.
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Condition 47 - Transfer of waste
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Advisory Notes
The person supervising the transfer of waste must be trained in the use of a spill response kit. Spill response kits should be easily accessible to allow for a quick response. -
The transfer of grease trap and/or oily wastes as<br>permitted in condition 7 must:<br>a) only occur directly from one road tank vehicle to another;<br>
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b) be conducted using a closed vacuum system; and<br>
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c) be supervised at all times.
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Condition 48 – Location of transfer
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Advisory Notes
It is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to cause an environmental nuisance and to deposit waste in (or in a place where the waste can move into) waters, a roadside gutter or stormwater drainage. This 10 metres is a minimal buffer and does not negate the need to use temporary bunding where there may be a release to any waters or stormwater drain inlet. -
The transfer of grease trap waste and/or oily wastes<br>must:<br>a) not take place at a sensitive place;<br>.
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b) not take place on a road adjacent to a sensitive place;<br>
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c) not cause odour nuisance at a sensitive place.<br><br>The transfer of grease trap waste and/or oily wastes must take place at least 10 metres up gradient from any waters or stormwater drain inlet
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Condition 49 – Temporary bunding
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Advisory Notes
In particular, bunding/containment devices must be used where the transfer takes place near a roadside gutter or stormwater drainage infrastructure. The type and size of bunding and containment devices should be sufficient to contain a spill and be placed close to the vehicles to minimise the clean up area if a spill occurs.
Variables to consider when assessing whether or not there is potential for a release to waters or stormwater during a transfer include distance from any waters or stormwater, slope, surface type and waste viscosity.
Examples of where there is no potential for a release to waters or stormwater include where the transfer is carried out:
a) on a bunded hardstand area;
b) on a large flat grassed area; or
c) in a hollow -
Where practicable the transfer of waste must be conducted on a bunded, hardstand area to minimise any releases of contaminants to land or water if a spill occurs.<br>
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Where there is potential for a release to waters or stormwater during a transfer, temporary bunding and/or containment devices must be used to minimise the potential for release
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Signature of Lead Auditor
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Select date
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Signature of Client or Client Representative
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NOTE THIS IS NOT A FULL AUDIT OF ALL THE CONDITIONS OF THE CODE
