Emergency planning

Under section 43 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (WHS Reg.), every workplace must prepare, maintain and implement an emergency plan (EP). In some cases there may be additional requirements for emergency planning.

In most cases, a workplace should prepare, maintain and implement their emergency plan (EP) in accordance with AS 3745–2010 Planning for Emergencies in Facilities. Facilities considered hazardous or offensive should also consider the Hazardous Industry Planning Advisory Paper (HIPAP) No 1 Emergency Planning. An Emergency Planning Committee’s role is to identify events that could reasonably produce emergency situations and to develop corresponding plans dealing with each emergency. An emergency planning consultant with relevant training, qualification and experience can assist with developing, reviewing and implementing the EP.

Emergency planning must be commensurate to the risks and hazards associated with each workplace, facility or industry. Depending on the case, emergency planning requirements may include the following:

Every workplace

Every workplace must prepare, maintain and implement an EP appropriate for the workplace in accordance with section 43 of the WHS Reg. FRNSW strongly recommends the EP be developed in accordance with AS 3745–2010.

Any additional standards, prescribed codes of practice, or other guidance materials applicable to a workplace will vary on a case-by-case basis, commensurate with identified risks and hazards. These are outlined in each section below, for the applicable site type or use.

Workplace with condition imposed

Any business or undertaking having a condition imposed under section 4.17 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979, by a relevant authority, must adhere to the terms of the condition.

The owner or operator of the workplace, facility or industry may be required to lodge their EP and associated documents with FRNSW for assessment. FRNSW may make recommendations as to the content and effectiveness of the plan.

Note: A condition may be imposed by way of a statutory instrument, code or guide.

Manifest quantity workplace (MQW)

A workplace that uses, handles, generates or stores hazardous chemicals that exceeds the manifest quantity for that hazardous chemical (i.e. Schedule 11 of the WHS Reg.) must:

  • prepare, maintain and implement an EP in accordance with section 43 of the WHS Reg.
  • lodge a copy of the EP with FRNSW in accordance with section 361(1) of the WHS Reg.
  • revise the EP in accordance with recommendations, if provided by FRNSW in accordance with section 361(3) of the WHS Reg.
  • prepare a manifest of hazardous chemicals in accordance with section 347 of the WHS Reg. and keep the manifest in a readily accessible location.

Note: Refer to request an emergency plans report for more information.

Workplace having lithium batteries

A workplace that handles or stores 25,000 kg or more of lithium batteries, which may be stand-alone, part of a battery pack or energy storage system, or part of an electric vehicle or item of plant used, charged or stored at the workplace, must:

  • prepare, maintain and implement an EP in accordance with section 43 of the WHS Reg.
  • lodge a copy of the EP with FRNSW in accordance with section 361(1A) of the WHS Reg.

A workplace that handles or stores 25,000 kg or more of lithium batteries should refer to the FRNSW position statement - Emergency plan requirements at sites having lithium batteries.

Note: A workplace that handles or stores lithium batteries is not an MQW and does not need to produce a manifest in accordance with Schedule 12 of the WHS Reg.

FRNSW recommends that any workplace that handles or stores 25,000 kg or more of lithium batteries should:

  • develop an 'emergency site plan' consistent with ESIP tactical fire plan and provide with the EP
  • develop a 'battery fire emergency plan' detailing the battery type, energy storage capacity, maximum number or volume, locations, manufacturer recommended guidance for extinguishing, and firefighting equipment or measures provided, or
  • develop an Emergency Services Information Package (ESIP) which includes an 'emergency site plan' and 'battery fire emergency plan' (recommended for sites with large number or volumes of lithium batteries).

Note: A workplace that handles or stores lithium batteries is not an MQW and does not need to produce a manifest in accordance with Schedule 12 of the WHS Reg.

Major hazard facility (MHF) - determined

The operator of a facility that is determined by the regulator under Part 9.2 to be a major hazard facility (i.e. a determined MHF) must.

Major hazard facility (MHF) - licenced

The operator of a facility at which Schedule 15 chemicals are present or likely to be present in a quantity that exceeds their threshold quantity (i.e. a licenced MHF) must:

Explosives site

The licence holder of a site where more than 50kg NEQ of explosives or more than 50 tonnes of explosive precursors is stored must:

  • consult with FRNSW when developing or reviewing the EP under section 42(3) of the Explosives Regulation 2024.
  • consider and implement recommendations provided by FRNSW.
  • lodge a copy of the EP with FRNSW when the site is located in a fire district, in accordance with section 42(5) of the Explosives Regulation 2024.

The EP should be tested and reviewed regularly (i.e. when modifications or alterations occur at the facility, changes to surrounding land use impact upon the EP, changes occur that will impact the execution of the plan) and revised as necessary.

The EP must be comprehensively reviewed every five (5) years.

Note: A copy of the EP must be lodged with the NSW Rural Fire Service if the site is located in a rural fire district.

Coal or underground mine

The operator of a coal or underground mine must:

  • develop an EP in accordance with section 91 of the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Reg. 2022 (WHS (M&PS) Reg.).
  • consult with FRNSW when preparing the EP when FRNSW is the primary emergency service responsible for the area in which the mine is located or may otherwise be required to participate in implementing the EP, under section 92(1) of the WHS (M&PS) Reg.

Note: Underground mines (except coal) with less than 5 workers and opal mines are excepted.

Refer to Request an emergency plans report for consultation requirements.

Additional resources

The following resources apply to emergency planning:

Further information is also available from: