Agsafe has been in discussions with Work Safe Victoria regarding concerns the storage threshold for Paraquat products in Victoria – before a premises is classified as a major hazard facility (MHF) – was significantly lower than in other jurisdictions. 

These restrictive limits were negatively affecting the AgVet chemical sector in the state.

Previously, Paraquat was classified as an H1 chemical under Schedule 14, Table 2, with a threshold quantity of 20 tonnes. 

Work Safe Victoria proposed adding Paraquat to Table 1, a change aimed at reducing the regulatory burden on industry while aligning Victoria’s approach with other states and Agsafe supported this amendment.

The determination of whether a premises exceeds the MHF threshold is based on the total volume of products listed in both Table 1 and Table 2.

Since Paraquat is a major contributor in many premises, this change significantly increases the allowable storage volume before MHF requirements apply.

To assist Victorian members, Agsafe is developing a Victoria-specific MHF calculator.

This tool will help businesses easily assess their MHF status and determine whether they need to notify for exceeding 10 per cent of the MHF threshold or apply as an MHF.

To assist Victorian members, Agsafe is enhancing the existing MHF calculator to include a Victoria-specific assessment. 

This improved tool will help businesses accurately determine their MHF status and assess whether they need to notify for exceeding 10 per cent of the MHF threshold or apply as an MHF.