Hard Quiz: Inside Australia's Dangerous Goods Consulting with Peter Hunt
Episode Description
In this episode of Dangerous Goods Matters, host David Irvine sits down with Peter Hunt, one of Australia's most experienced dangerous goods and hazardous chemicals consultants. Peter shares his career journey from chemical engineering in the 1960s through to becoming a founding supporter of the Australasian Institute of Dangerous Goods Consultants (AIDGC). The conversation covers the history of the industry, how regulations have evolved, why a genuine risk-based approach matters more than ticking boxes, and what the future holds for the dangerous goods sector.
Key Topics
Peter's Career
Peter began at ICI after graduating with a chemical engineering degree in the 1960s. He worked across maintenance, project management, design, and safety, including at the Botany plant. His final ICI role was Engineering Manager and Safety, Health and Environment Manager at CropCare Australasia.
The Origins of AIDGC
AIDGC emerged from a global shift toward risk-based OHS regulation, sparked by the UK's Robens Report and disasters like Seveso (1976) and Bhopal (1984). In Australia, WorkCover NSW moved from prescriptive licensing to accrediting consultants, then dissolved that scheme. AIDGC was incorporated in December 2001 and became active in 2002. Peter was an early supporter, with membership number 17.
AIDGC Membership and Activities
AIDGC offers Associate, Consulting, Student, and Corporate memberships. Consulting members pass a rigorous peer review and adhere to a code of ethics. The institute runs an annual September conference, regional events, and a monthly newsletter on regulatory changes, standards, and incidents.
Standards and Regulations
AIDGC sits on Standards Australia committees including CH009, ME17 (AS1940), hazardous area classification, and emergency eyewash. The institute makes submissions on the ADG Code and state and territory regulations.
Beyond "Dangerous Goods"
"Dangerous goods" is a transport term. Many hazardous chemicals fall outside that definition, and non-classified materials like combustible dusts also present serious risks. AIDGC consultants cover this full spectrum.
Why a Risk-Based Approach Matters
Legislation requires businesses to eliminate or minimise risks so far as reasonably practicable, demanding hazard identification, risk assessment, and the hierarchy of controls. Complex situations like flammable liquid storage cannot always be resolved by applying a standard alone.
Industry Change
Australia's chemical manufacturing base has contracted. Importation of pre-packaged materials has increased, bringing risks where importers lack WHS knowledge. Recent Victorian fatalities have been linked to unsafe flammable liquid operations.
Overlooked Hazards
Common examples include food manufacturers (combustible dust from flour, sugar, cocoa), food ingredient businesses (flammable essences), cosmetics businesses (aerosols and perfumes), and retail shops with aerosol products.
Choosing the Right Consultant
Only individuals can be AIDGC consulting members. Verify the actual consultant holds membership and that their specialisations match your hazards. Engage consultants early, before design is locked in.
Looking Ahead
Peter identifies two emerging issues: increasing importation of chemicals with non-compliant safety data sheets, and online purchasing where businesses unwittingly become consignors of dangerous goods.
