ERMA New Zealand commissioned Opus International Consultants Limited (Opus) to undertake a study of the handling of shipments of explosives at selected New Zealand ports. The objectives of the study were to determine recommended quantity limits for the handling of explosives for each of the ports studied using a consistent approach and providing for equivalent levels of protection of community safety. Accepted quantity limits for shipments of explosives will provide clarity and certainty for explosives importers and exporters, the shipping industry and the port companies.
The ports selected by ERMA New Zealand were located at: Auckland & Onehunga, Tauranga, Napier, New Plymouth, Wellington, Lyttelton, and Port Chalmers.
Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act, ports wishing to accept vessels carrying explosives or to handle consignments of explosives, must comply with performance based regulations contained within the Hazardous Substances (Classes 1 to 5 Controls) Regulations 2001. These regulations provide minimum standards that must be met to ensure that the health and safety of people, and property, are not endangered.
Recommended quantity limits, in terms of net explosive quantity (NEQ), were prepared for each port based on applying additional risk considerations, in a consistent manner, to protect certain neighbouring facilities or activities, where this was considered necessary.
The recommended maximum NEQ values for Class 1 cargoes, at specified berths at each of the ports studied are presented in the following table. Different NEQ values have been determined for the different categories of explosives.
It is emphasised that the quantities listed are recommended values and are not binding on the port companies. It is up to each company to determine how they will achieve compliance with the requirements of the regulations. It is known, for example, that some of the port companies have conducted their own studies and separately determined quantity limits. In this case, the relevant port company should be contacted to establish their requirements before arranging for the movement of explosives through that port.
Opus produced a Summary Report of their study and this is found here. Detailed reports were also prepared for each of the ports and these have been provided to the respective port companies.
Recommended Maximum Class 1 Quantities (NEQ) for Each Port
Note a. There is no limit on the amount of class 1.4 explosives that can be handled provided a fire safety zone of at least 25 m is maintained from all other goods. The designated transfer zone should be of radius 25 m, however consideration should be given in each case to the type of explosive and quantity (ie. the hazard presented) and any exposed sites to determine the appropriate transfer zone distance. Quantity-distance limits do not apply to retail fireworks that are controlled by the Hazardous Substances (Fireworks) Regulations 2001 or to safety ammunition (including pre-primed cartridges and primers) of classification 1.4S.
Note b. Propellant powders in quantities greater than 500 kg are classified as class 1.1C
Note c. On application to Lyttleton Port Company, shipments of class 1.1 of up to 48,000 kg may be accepted depending on berth availability and case by case consideration.
Email: explosives@ermanz.govt.nz
Tel: 0800 376234