The Australian Code for the Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail (AE Code) sets out requirements that apply to the land transport of explosives by road and rail in Australia. The 3rd edition, AEC 3, was updated by the Australian Forum of Explosives Regulators (AFER) and endorsed for publication by the Workplace Relations Ministers Council (WRMC) on 3 April 2009.
The revised 3rd edition, the AEC 3, provides an updated listing of explosives, with standardised requirements such as; packing instructions, specifications for vehicles, including stowage provisions and safety and security measures, for the land transport of explosives by road and rail in Australia.
The updated code more closely aligns with:
- Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail, 7th Revised Edition (ADG 7)
- International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG)
- International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Technical Instructions (TI’s) for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air
- United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations, 15th revised edition. [The United Nations (UN) Model Regulations, including the UN listings for dangerous goods and explosives, are updated on a biennial basis by the United Nations Sub Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UNSCETDG) a link to the UN website is included on the homepage of this site].
It is envisaged that the revised AEC 3 will assist in enhancing the level of consistency in its application across the jurisdictions, as well as addressing security arrangements relating to the transport explosives within Australia.
Application of the Code
Currently, it is the prerogative of each jurisdiction to apply the AEC 3 as law in their state or territory. The majority of jurisdictions have advised that the AEC 3 will apply as law in Australia from 1 January 2010. For details on its application you should contact the relevant state or territory competent authority.