The Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act 2001 requires Council to licence businesses that store and or handle flammable or combustible liquids.

Flammable Liquid

A flammable liquid is a liquid that has the potential to ignite at temperatures below 62°C. This ignition temperature is the liquid's flash point.

A common example of a flammable liquid is Unleaded Petrol.

Combustible Liquid

A combustible liquid is a liquid which has the potential to ignite or combust. It is defined as being a liquid other than a flammable liquid which has an ignition point less than its boiling point. The temperature at which ignition occurs, is known as the liquids flash point.

A common example of a combustible liquid is diesel fuel.

Licence

All premises that store or handle flammable or combustible liquids in excess of that described as "Minor Storage" Section 2 of AS1940-2004 "Minor Storage"), require a licence.

An application for a Flammable and Combustible Liquids licence is to be submitted to Council. Follow this link to Flammable & Combustible Licence Guide. The application form can be assessed here.

This guide is designed to help you understand: what FCL licensing is all about

• if you need a FCL licence for your business
• how to apply to Council for an FCL licence
• your safety responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the business owner and their staff to ensure compliance with all requirements of the relevant legislation. To assist in complying with these requirements, a range of tools and resources has been developed. You are encouraged to use these tools and resources in the day-to-day operations of your business. Completed templates and checklists should be filed and stored as part of your business records.

The business owner should also make application to Council for any changes to the Licence approval details. 

Please find below links to the relevant legislation:

• Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act 2001
• Dangerous Goods Safety Management Regulation 2001
• Local Government Act 1993
• Australian Standards
• Environmental Protection Act 1994
• Environmental Protection Regulation 1998 

A Food Business Licence is required for any premises, place or vehicle operating in the South Burnett Regional Council area in which food is prepared, stored, handled, or supplied.  The Food Act 2006 is in place to ensure food for sale is safe and suitable for human consumption.  This Act requires Council to monitor the standard of operations in food premises and this is achieved by providing the licensing of particular food businesses. Examples include

• Bakeries
• Cafés
• Caterers
• Food Manufacturers and packagers
• Food Shops, e.g. supermarkets
• Institutions and facilities that prepare meals for residents, e.g. child care centres, Aged Care facilities etc
• Commercial accommodation premises that prepare meals for guests
• Restaurants
• Takeaway food bars
• Bed and Breakfasts

Food safety fact sheets are available from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).

Mobile food premises and temporary food stalls are also required to be licensed if they fit any of the above categories.

The Food Act 2006 does not allow for  licences to be transferred from one operator to another.  If an operator owns more than one food premise, each premise must be licensed individually.

Food premises must be approved and licensed with Council before trading commences. 

A Food Business Licence is not required for the following:

• Packaged food only - premises that store or sell only food completely enclosed in unopened protective packaging (pre-packed by a licensed manufacturer or packager)

• Sale of drinks

Even though a licence may not be required, the operator still has a responsibility to ensure the sale of safe and suitable food and an obligation to comply with the Food Standards Code.  This includes the design, construction and fit out of the premises.

For further information, please contact Council's Environmental Health Services on (07) 4189 9100.