Changes to Work Safe Victoria regulations on paraquat storage

Work Safe Victoria has recently amended Table 1 of Schedule 14 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 to include Paraquat products.

Extract of Table 1: Updated threshold quantities for Paraquat under Schedule 14

Item	Material	CAS number or UN number	Threshold quantity (tonnes)
39A	PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE equal to or greater than 10% concentration	CAS No. 1910-42-5	80
39B	PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE less than 10% concentration	CAS No. 1910-42-5	200

Agsafe has been in discussions with Work Safe Victoria regarding concerns that 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. 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 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% of the MHF threshold or apply as an MHF.

We will continue to keep members updated on the progress of this tool and any further regulatory changes. If you have any questions, please contact Agsafe for assistance.