Shot firers and truck drivers at risk of losing dangerous goods security clearance

More than 1,200 Western Australian mine workers are facing losing their security clearance if they do not renew their dangerous goods security cards.

Department of Mines and Petroleum Acting Resources Safety Executive Director Ivor Roberts said the security cards are due to expire next week (15 July) and there could be significant consequences for workers who miss the cut-off date.

“If workers do not submit the renewal forms on time, their security card will expire which will mean their security clearance will be automatically cancelled,” Dr Roberts said.

“Certain licences, such as those held by shot firers and truck drivers who transport explosives and ammonium nitrate, will also automatically expire.”

Re-applying for a security clearance takes on average eight weeks as it requires a full re-assessment by the police and other agencies.

“This could have significant impact on people whose employment is contingent on them holding a valid dangerous goods security card,” Dr Roberts said.

The cards were introduced in WA in 2009 in response to counter-terrorism measures established by the Council of Australian Governments and must be renewed every five years.

Around 6,000 out of a State-wide total of 18,000 dangerous goods security cards are due for their first renewal in the coming months.

“DMP encourages all workers to check the expiry date on their dangerous goods security card to see if it is due for renewal,” Dr Roberts said.

“Although we have sent letters out to card holders informing them if their card is due for renewal, some fly-in fly-out workers may have missed the letter arriving in the mail, or may be leaving it until the last minute.

“Cards can be renewed online for $42 at DMP’s website using the security code referenced in a card holder’s renewal notice letter.”

If a person’s dangerous goods security card expires, they will be required to pay $159 to reapply for their security clearance and will potentially be unable to work for eight weeks while their application is being assessed.

Please contact Resources Safety for more information on 08 9358 8002 or rsdcustomerservices@dmp.wa.gov.au.