Security clearances

A security clearance can be a licence or permit, or card issued in a State or Territory of Australia.

A security clearance application may involve strict identity and criminal history checks by Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).

Dangerous goods security cards are issued in Western Australia under the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 and associated regulations

This information sheet provides guidance on applying for a dangerous goods security card

Interstate security clearances issued under the following legislation may be accepted to be recognised as a security clearance in Western Australia.

Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2011

Dangerous Substances (Explosives) Regulations 2004

Further information: Maritime Security Identification Cards (MSIC) and Aviation Security Identity Cards (ASIC) are not recognised and holders of such cards must still obtain a dangerous goods security card for unsupervised access to explosives or security sensitive ammonium nitrate (SSAN), or hold an equivalent security clearance.

When is a security clearance required?

Under the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 and regulations, a security clearance is required for persons 18 years of age who:

• Are holders of licences for the manufacture, storage, handling, transport, sale, import and use of explosives and security sensitive ammonium nitrate (SSAN)
• Have unsupervised access to explosives and SSAN
• Are a secure nominee - where a licence is issued to a company or a partnership, a person or persons must be authorised as a secure nominee for the safety and security of explosives and SSAN.

For secure nominees, the licence holder must:

• Be satisfied the secure nominee is suitably trained to safely handle any explosives or SSAN that the secure nominee will have unsupervised access to
• Maintain written records of all secure nominees including when authorisations were granted or cancelled.

A security sensitive ammonium nitrate (SSAN) is a substance containing more than 45% ammonium nitrate

A dangerous goods security card alone is not an authority to possess or use an explosive or SSAN in Western Australia. An appropriate licence or authorisation is also required.

When is a security clearance not required?

A security clearance may not be required for people:

• who are supervised while having access to explosives or security sensitive ammonium nitrate
• from other States or Territories of Australia who hold an equivalent security clearance or licence.

There is also an exemption for people who supply or use widely available equipment or products containing explosives that are of low safety and security concern such as:

• marine distress flares
• cartridges for nail guns
• unrestricted fireworks, such as sparklers, party poppers and caps for toy pistols or starting pistols.

Licence holders under the Firearms Act 1973 are exempted from the requirement of a dangerous goods security card for the possession and use of ammunition and ammunition propellant.

Who can apply for a dangerous goods security card?

Individuals 18 years old and over may apply.

Applications for dangerous goods security cards must be made in person at participating Australian Post Offices.

The assessment process for security clearances includes identity checks, national criminal history checks, ASIO checks and other background checks by the WA Police.

Application fee

For information regarding applications fees refer to the Schedule of fees and charges. The fee payable covers the 5 year period of the card.

Lodging a dangerous goods security card application

You will be required to:

• Lodge your application in person at a participating Australian Post Office. No photocopies will be accepted
• Provide your original proof of identity for a 100 point identity check
• Sign the declaration in the presence of an Australia Post officer
• Have your photograph taken by an Australian Post officer for inclusion on the application form
• Pay the fee - Payments can be by EFTPOS, MasterCard, Visa, cash or cheque. Cheques are to be made payable to Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

For more information on applying for a DGSC, refer to the application for a dangerous goods security card from participating Australia Post outlets or call 13 13 18

Renewing a dangerous goods security card

Renewal notices are sent ten weeks prior to the card expiry date. Renewals are completed online in the Safety Regulation System. You may apply for a renewal online after you have received a renewal notice.

Renewing a recognised security clearance

For recognised security clearances (RSC) used as security clearances in WA for explosives or security sensitive ammonium nitrate (SSAN) licences, reminder notices to renew are sent 8 weeks prior to the expiry date of the RSC.

To avoid suspension of any explosives or SSAN licences held, a copy of the front and back of the renewed RSC is required to be lodged prior to the expiry date of the RSC. Suspension will not apply if you hold a dangerous goods security card.

If you choose to nominate a different RSC to use, the RSC will be pending approval by Resources Safety.

Contact details

For any enquiries please contact Dangerous Goods Licensing