THE MERITS of examining the fine print in the myriad international policy documents that come through was borne out when Grain Trade Australia (GTA) had an important win on the classification of grain dust.
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While it may seem a relatively benign topic, a United Nations (UN) affiliated committee had pushed to have grain dust classified as a potential explosive, due to its flammability.
Geoff Honey, chief executive at GTA, said the reclassification could have had a massive impact on grain storage regulations within Australia.
“It could have been a big impost in terms of cost, which the entire supply chain would have to foot,” Mr Honey said.
GTA took a submission to the UN sub-committee on labelling and classification of chemicals arguing changes to current storage arrangements were not necessary.
“It is good to see common sense prevail,” said Dan Cooper, chairman of the grains section of the New South Wales Farmers.
It is good to see common sense prevail. We are pleased to see industry is on the ball when it comes to these issues, which can fly under the radar, but which can have a big influence on our businesses.
- New South Wales Farmers grain section chairman, Dan Cooper
“We are pleased to see industry is on the ball when it comes to these issues, which can fly under the radar, but which can have a big influence on our businesses.”
Mr Honey said GTA submitted that a move towards compulsory capture of grain dust was unnecessary given proven and well established industry safety practices.
“We had a win in that the work into combustible/explosive dusts will be developed as guidance only, so it will not be compulsory.”
Mr Honey thanked Safe Work Australia, who he said co-operated with the preparation of the GTA submission to the UN committee.
The UN committee is working to develop a globally harmonised system (GHS) for use in classification, labelling and safety data sheets.
- Stock & Land
