Reporting a discharge of a scheduled substance

The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 is federal Government legislation that sets out the system of system of controls on the manufacture, import and export of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gasses and provide industry a framework for responsible management of scheduled substances so as to minimise their impact on the atmosphere.

According to Section 45B of the Act, there are certain circumstances where it is an offence (with strict financial penalties or civil penalties) for certain discharges of a scheduled substance.

In order to determine root cause of a discharge a report should be prepared by the relevant person (fire services contractor or property owner or owners agent).

The Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board provides a template for reporting a discharge of a scheduled substance. A copy of this form can be accessed online here;

• Report a Discharge, Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board

The Board also publishes a tips sheet for "Minimising accidental discharges of extinguishing agents" which includes the following advice;

1. Ensure all gas storage container valve discharge outlets are capped and are out of the way of pressure relief devices.
2. Use gas storage container valve discharge caps that are rated one and a half times the working pressure of the container.
3.  Ensure you remove actuators from container valves before carrying out maintenance work.
4. Check for leaks, worn down valves, hose lines, and loosely secured pins.
5. If you identify any defects that could cause an accidental discharge:
   • immediately advise the owner
   • where possible, take corrective action
   • record the issue and corrective actions in the maintenance record