Hard Quiz: Inside Australia's Dangerous Goods Consulting with Peter Hunt

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.

EP1 - The Future of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code

Australia’s Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code is undergoing one of the most significant reviews in decades. But what’s actually changing and why? In the first episode of Dangerous Goods Matters – The AIDGC Podcast, host David Irvine speaks with Matt Arkell, Principal Policy Advisor for Dangerous Goods Transport at the National Transport Commission, about the comprehensive review and restructure of the ADG Code. The discussion explores how dangerous goods transport regulation works in Australia, the role of the ADG Code as the national technical rulebook and why the National Transport Commission has undertaken a major rewrite to better align with international frameworks while still reflecting Australia’s unique transport environment. Matt explains how the code interacts with state and territory legislation, the typical update cycle driven by UN model regulations and the practical challenges businesses face when navigating more than 1,300 pages of technical requirements. The episode also unpacks the drivers behind the current review, including industry feedback, increasing international trade in chemicals and the need for a more sustainable structure for maintaining the code into the future. Listeners will gain insight into: • Why the ADG Code is being rewritten • How the new structure will better follow the transport supply chain • The role of international frameworks such as ADR • What the changes mean for consignors, transport operators and drivers • Expected timelines for implementation and transition You can learn more about the National Transport Commission and the ADG Code review at: www.ntc.gov.au [https://www.ntc.gov.au] ABOUT THE PODCAST Dangerous Goods Matters – The AIDGC Podcast is produced by the Australasian Institute of Dangerous Goods Consultants (AIDGC) and hosted by dangerous goods consultant, trainer and technology founder David Irvine. The podcast explores real-world issues in dangerous goods and hazardous chemicals through conversations with regulators, consultants, industry practitioners and technical experts. Topics include storage and handling, transport compliance, regulatory changes, incident learnings and emerging risks across the dangerous goods sector. Each episode aims to make complex regulatory and technical issues clearer and more accessible for industry practitioners while highlighting the depth of expertise within the dangerous goods community. Learn more about the AIDGC: www.aidgc.org.au [https://aidgc.com.au] ABOUT THE HOST David Irvine is a consultant member of the AIDGC, Managing Director of DG Trainer and CEO and co-founder of DGXprt, software designed to help organisations manage dangerous goods compliance for storage and handling across Australia. Learn more about DGXprt: www.dgxprt.com [https://dgxprt.com] STAY INFORMED If you work with dangerous goods or hazardous chemicals, subscribe to Dangerous Goods Matters to stay informed about regulatory changes, industry developments and practical approaches to improving safety and compliance. Follow the AIDGC and connect with David Irvine to stay up to date with the latest thinking in dangerous goods risk management.