Perth Hazardous Materials Bylaws - Storage & Transport

Public Safety Western Australia 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia requires businesses and property owners to comply with both state dangerous-goods laws and local municipal rules when storing or transporting hazardous materials. This guide explains the relevant enforcing agencies, typical permit and notification paths, inspection and complaint routes, and practical steps to reduce enforcement risk in the City of Perth and surrounding metropolitan area. For state technical requirements and licensing see the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) guidance on dangerous goods.DMIRS Dangerous Goods[1]

Overview

Storage and transport of hazardous substances in Perth is governed by state dangerous-goods statutes and regulations together with municipal local laws addressing land use, environmental health and public safety. The City of Perth enforces local planning controls, building approvals and health-related rules; DMIRS administers dangerous-goods licensing, classification and technical controls for storage, handling and transport.

You may need approvals from both state and local authorities depending on quantity and type of material.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is shared between the state regulator and the City of Perth depending on the breach: DMIRS inspects and enforces dangerous-goods technical offences and licensing conditions, while the City of Perth handles local-law breaches, planning and environmental health matters. Exact monetary fines and statutory penalty amounts are not specified on the cited DMIRS guidance page.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; review the relevant Act and regulations for exact penalty figures.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence treatment not specified on the cited DMIRS guidance page; prosecutorial discretion and court-imposed penalties may apply.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: prohibition or improvement notices, stop-work orders, seizure or removal of goods, licence suspension or cancellation and court injunctions are enforcement tools referenced by regulators (see DMIRS guidance).[1]
  • Enforcers and contacts: Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) is the primary state regulator; local enforcement is by City of Perth Environmental Health and By-law teams.
  • Appeals and review: appeal rights against licensing decisions or notices are governed by the enabling Act or administrative review processes; specific time limits are not specified on the DMIRS guidance page and must be checked on the formal decision notice or statute.[1]
Keep records of storage volumes and SDS to support compliance and any appeal.

Applications & Forms

DMIRS publishes guidance on licensing and notifications for dangerous goods; however, specific form names, numbers, fees and lodgement steps are not comprehensively listed on the cited guidance page and should be obtained from the regulator or the City of Perth depending on the approval type.[1]

  • State licences/notifications: check DMIRS for licence application forms and instructions.
  • Local permits: contact City of Perth Planning or Environmental Health for building, storage and trade waste approvals.

Common Violations

  • Storing quantities above exempt thresholds without a licence or notification.
  • Poor bunding, ventilation or spill containment for liquid hazardous substances.
  • Missing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) or inadequate emergency plans.
  • Improper packaging or labelling during transport that fails to meet ADR or state requirements.
Document permits, SDS and transport documentation on-site for inspections.

Action Steps for Compliance

  • Identify the materials and quantities on-site and compare with state exemptions and thresholds.
  • Contact DMIRS to confirm licensing needs and obtain application forms if thresholds are exceeded.[1]
  • Implement storage controls: bunding, ventilation, secondary containment and signage per regulatory guidance.
  • Notify City of Perth Environmental Health or Planning if your activity affects development approval or local safety rules.

FAQ

Do I need a state licence to store hazardous liquids on my industrial site?
It depends on the type and quantity; check DMIRS thresholds and licensing guidance or contact their regional office for confirmation.[1]
Who inspects my premises for hazardous materials compliance?
DMIRS inspects for dangerous-goods technical compliance and licences; the City of Perth inspects for local-law, planning and environmental health matters.
How do I report an unsafe storage or transport incident in Perth?
Report immediate risks to emergency services; notify DMIRS for dangerous-goods incidents and contact City of Perth Environmental Health for local impacts.

How-To

  1. Identify all hazardous materials on-site and compile Safety Data Sheets for each product.
  2. Compare quantities to DMIRS published thresholds and determine if a licence or notification is required.
  3. Apply for any required state licences via DMIRS and lodge planning or building permits with the City of Perth where needed.
  4. Upgrade storage to meet containment, signage and ventilation requirements and train staff on emergency procedures.
  5. Arrange regular inspections and keep records of audits, deliveries and waste disposal.
  6. If issued a notice, follow the remediation steps, seek review if appropriate and lodge appeals within time limits stated on the notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Both state (DMIRS) and City of Perth rules can apply; check both regulators early.
  • Document SDS, storage volumes and controls to reduce enforcement risk.

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