Quarantine Approved Premises
2.7 - Imported Grain Storage Facilities
Criteria
Version 2.0
QAP for Imported Grain Storage Facilities
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This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as: Approved Arrangements
section, 2016, QAP for Imported Grain Storage Facilities, (QAP for Imported Grain Storage Facilities Criteria
- prepared for the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources), Canberra.
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
Postal address GPO Box 858
Canberra ACT 2601
Switchboard +61 2 6272 3933
Web agriculture.gov.au
Inquiries regarding the licence and any use of this document should be sent to:
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Version control
Updates to this document will occur automatically on the department’s website and the revision table
below will list the amendments as they are approved.
Date
Version
Amendments
Approved by
04 July 2012
1.0
Revised document
Co-regulation and Support Program
30 June 2013
1.1
Updated to reflect DAFF
branding
Industry Arrangements Reform Program
8 February
2016
2.0
Updated template including
nonconformity ratings
Approved Arrangements section
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QAP for Imported Grain Storage Facilities
Table of contents
Guide to using this document
4
Definitions
4
Other documents
4
Nonconformity guide
4
QAP criteria
5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Purpose ......................................................................................................................................................5
Scope ..........................................................................................................................................................5
Premises location .......................................................................................................................................5
Prerequisite ................................................................................................................................................5
Security .......................................................................................................................................................6
Quarantine area .........................................................................................................................................7
Building and storage areas .........................................................................................................................7
Inspection area ...........................................................................................................................................7
Waste disposal ...........................................................................................................................................7
Operating requirements ...........................................................................................................................8
Office and record requirements............................................................................................................ 10
Administration....................................................................................................................................... 11
Isolation and hygiene ............................................................................................................................ 12
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Guide to using this document
This document sets out the requirements that must be met before the Director of Quarantine will
consider approval of a premises to operate as a place for the performance of quarantine under section
46A of the Quarantine Act 1908, otherwise known as a Quarantine Approved Premises (QAP).
This QAP criteria specifies the requirements to be met for the approval, operation and audit of this class
of QAP. Compliance with the QAP criteria will be assessed by audit.
In the event of any inconsistency between the QAP criteria and any Import Permit condition, the Import
Permit condition applies. If the Applicant chooses to use automatic language translation services in
connection with this document, it is done so at the Applicant’s risk.
Unless specified otherwise, any references to ‘the department’ or ‘departmental’ means the Department
of Agriculture and Water Resources. Any references to contacting the department mean contacting your
closest regional office.
Further information on QAPs, QAP regional contact details and copies of relevant QAP documentation is
available on the department’s website: agriculture.gov.au.
Definitions
Definitions that are not contained within the Approved Arrangements Glossary can be found in the most
recent edition of the Macquarie Dictionary or in the Quarantine Act 1908.
Other documents
The QAP Conditions of Approval and QAP General Policies should be read in conjunction with this QAP
criteria. They will assist in understanding and complying with the obligations and requirements for the
establishment and operation of a QAP.
Nonconformity guide
The nonconformity classification against each criterion is provided as a guide only. If more than one
nonconformity is listed against a criterion, the actual nonconformity applied will correspond to the gravity
of the issue. The nonconformity recorded against any criteria remains at the discretion of the Quarantine
Officer.
Nonconformity classifications are detailed in the QAP General Policies.
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QAP for Imported Grain Storage Facilities
QAP criteria
Criteria
Nonconformity guide
1 Purpose
1.1
Premises utilised for the storage and handling of bulk imported grain
commodities such as maize, wheat, barley and sorghum. Imported grains are
goods subject to quarantine where there is high risk of disease, which may
spread to plants in the community.
N/A
2 Scope
2.1
The premises are not approved for any other quarantine operations, except
where the establishment has separate approval under another class.
N/A
2.2
Class 2.7 are premises utilised to undertake the storage, handling and
treatment of imported grains as required by the department using approved
N/A
processing methods. Applications are subject to approval by the Director of
Quarantine and the Regional Manager, based on the recommendations of the
Imported Grains Operations Response Group.
2.3
The facility may be situated in a building separate from other facilities or
constructed as an isolated area within a building.
Minor
2.4
The class 2.7 criteria should be read in conjunction with the Imported Grain Procedural Manual Standard for Metropolitan Processing.
N/A
3 Premises location
3.1
The premises are to be located within the metropolitan areas surrounding a
proclaimed port in a city with a permanently based Quarantine Officer. The
department defines metropolitan areas on the basis of postcode. A list of
valid metropolitan postcodes for quarantine purposes can be found on the
department's website. Premises located outside of postcodes classified as
metropolitan areas will also have to show that they are able to comply with
the additional requirements that are applied to premises in these locations.
Further information on fringe rural and rural QAP requirements is available
on the department's website.
N/A
4 Prerequisite
4.1
The premises must provide the department with documentary evidence that
the facility complies with relevant design and construction standards in the
Building Code of Australia and any subsequent amendments or revisions to
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Nonconformity guide
these Standards. The premises is responsible for obtaining certification from
a local government or Council Building Surveyor or contracting a recognised
third party assessor to certify that the premises meets the standards under
the Building Code of Australia as specified by the Australian Building Codes
Board.
4.2
The operator must provide a document detailing the entire imported grain
pathway. This document will need to include the receival, intake, transfer
paths, and storage containers/areas for imported grain, domestic grain and
end products.
Major
4.3
The premises must have an office (for use by departmental officers) at the
grain receival area, adjacent to where grain is being discharged.
Minor
5 Security
5.1
Quarantine areas where goods subject to quarantine are stored or handled,
must display a quarantine sign (this includes storage racks or designated
locations in cold stores). These signs are to be:

permanently affixed

professionally made

made to state: Quarantine Area - Authorised Persons Only

on a yellow background, with black lettering approximately 5 cm in
height

secured on gates and/or doors and visible at all times.
Minor or major
5.2
Material subject to quarantine must be securely held, dealt with and
disposed of. When not being transferred, containers, silos, and buildings
must be securely locked to prevent the dispersal of matter subject to
quarantine.
Major
5.3
Storage areas must be isolated from contact with animals. This may require:

stock/animal-proof fencing; and/or

bird proofing.
Major
5.4
Access to the quarantine areas must be limited to persons employed by the
premises. Premises employees must accompany visitors to the quarantine
areas including Quarantine Officers.
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6 Quarantine area
6.1
The quarantine areas must be of a size commensurate with the proposed
quantity of goods being handled.
Major
6.2
Quarantine areas must have an impervious surface, which is free of
significant cracking.
Major
6.3
Quarantine areas must be managed in a way that facilitates the easy
inspection and identification of goods.
Major
7 Building and storage areas
7.1
Quarantine signs must:

be securely affixed

be durable

be prominently displayed and able to be clearly read by persons
approaching the area at all times

have black lettering on yellow background

contain the words 'Quarantine Area - No unauthorised entry or removal
of goods, Penalties Apply' or words to similar effect.
Minor
8 Inspection area
8.1
The quarantine area must be sufficiently isolated from the main thoroughfare
and clearly defined by either a:

painted yellow line on the floor

permanently affixed person-proof security fence

separate room or

other department approved method.
Minor
9 Waste disposal
9.1
Sufficient containers of an appropriate size labelled: Quarantine Waste, are
to be provided for loose items, residues, spillages or material of quarantine
concern. Such containers must have lids that remain closed and are to be
emptied and, if required, disinfected in accordance with any provisions set by
the department.
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9.2
Quarantine waste must be identified as such to the waste disposal company
and waste transporter. This will require the supply of contractual details
(between the premises and the waste disposal company) to the department,
in relation to the collection and/or treatment of quarantine waste.
Minor or major
9.3
The quarantine area must have a means of containing or directing any flow or
washdown water to the municipal sewage system or to another department
approved disposal method.
Critical
9.4
A document outlining the collection and disposal procedures of biosecurity
waste must be supplied with the application form. This document must be
approved by the Imported Grains Operations Response Group and must
include specific procedures for the disposal of waste that is not subject to a
separate quarantine direction (e.g. spillage, residues, bran/pollards,
screenings, dust and any unusable waste).
Major
9.5
Solid quarantine waste must be:

sterilised i.e. autoclaving (minimum autoclaving times after attainment of
temperature for goods, residues or quarantine waste must be 121C for
30 minutes) or by another department approved method;

incinerated in a high temperature, high efficiency, Environmental
Protection Agency approved incineration facility; or

deep buried (greater than 3 m at a department approved disposal facility)
under departmental supervision.
Major or critical
9.6
Each load of bulk waste will require:


departmental inspection and approval (premises operator to retain
documentation according to the records of this document) of the
cleanliness of the vehicle prior to and at the conclusion of transport
Major
the premises to record the registration number and the weight of the
product to be disposed of; the vehicle to follow the agreed route from
the premises to the disposal facility or other approved processing plant
(using the by-product).
10 Operating requirements
10.1
Procedures must be in place to reduce the potential for cross contamination.
This will require a documented cleaning schedule for all equipment that
comes into contact with material subject to quarantine.
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10.2
Access to the entire quarantine premises must be available to Quarantine
Officers.
Major or critical
10.3
The premises operator must provide written notification of the operating
hours for the receipt of imported grain along with any alteration to these
hours.
Minor
10.4
A document outlining the mode (or combination) of transport and the
proposed transport route to the processing premises must be provided to the
department at initial application and at the request of a departmental officer.
Minor
10.5
Premises staff handling imported grain must use overalls and appropriate
Minor
protective clothing that shall be retained on site in a specified central location
(quarantine area marked on site plan) until laundered.
10.6
There must be adequate equipment available (e.g. pressurised water/air,
brooms, shovels, vacuum systems) to:

carry out cleaning of delivery vehicles

enable maintenance of premises hygiene standards

if necessary, perform chemical disinfection operations as directed by the
department.
Minor
10.7
Vehicles and grain intake areas must be cleaned with vacuum systems or
compressed air connected to or fitted with dust extraction/control
equipment.
Major
10.8
The premises must have dust control systems on the intake, storage, out-load
and conveying systems, such that dust is controlled during the relevant
operation in all weather conditions.
Major
10.9
Chutes and equipment used to transport material subject to quarantine must
be constructed to ensure that spillage of residues is minimised (e.g. ensuring
that chutes and augers/belts/conveyors are completely covered).
Major
10.10
Procedures must be set in place for regular examination and maintenance of
equipment. This will require a documented examination and maintenance
schedule for equipment that comes into contact with material subject to
quarantine.
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11 Office and record requirements
11.1
An annual summary of records, which includes the above information, must
be provided, at audit and at the request of a departmental officer.
Major
11.2
Records must also be retained for details of the handling and removal of dust, Major
unusable spillage, and by-products such as bran and pollard.
11.3
Records for each consignment of goods subject to quarantine must include
details of the:

type of the regulated goods and the quantity

date of receipt of goods

location or part of facility where each quarantine consignment is held
and quantity

mode of transport and identity of transporting vehicle (such as vehicle
registration number or rail wagon number)

disposal including the disposal facility or approved processing plant, type
of waste and the signature and date of the Quarantine Officer who
released the waste

date and the department's permission for any movement of goods from
the facility

any breaches of goods subject to quarantine from the facility.
Major
11.4
The premises must maintain records of the quantities transported each day
along with daily records of any waste. These records must be readily available
for inspection by Quarantine Officers upon request and must be periodically
forwarded, electronically, to the department as specified by the Imported
Grains Operations Response Group.
Major
11.5
Office and general premises requirements must provide the department with
the confidence that applicable work health and safety standards have been
met, this is achieved by:

providing a first aid cabinet/kit which is fully stocked and meets the
minimum commercial Australian Standard (AS2675-1983: Portable first
aid kits for use by consumers)

providing vehicle parking for visiting Quarantine Officers (note: this may
require department identified parking or providing a parking permit)

ensuring adequate security for any departmental technical equipment
left on the premises
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Nonconformity guide
providing access and the availability of:
o
a desk, chair and a telephone with direct outside call access
o
toilet facilities
o
hand washing facilities and a hygienic means of drying hands
o
suitable arrangements to ensure amenities are clean.
12 Administration
12.1
Control and security of the quarantine area is the responsibility of the
nominated senior person of the company. The name, designation/position
title and contact details of the nominated person must be supplied with the
application and at each renewal.
Minor
12.2
Department instructions and relevant department Import Permit conditions
must be complied with. Where goods are handled for a third party, it is a
requirement of approval that establishment operators have an arrangement
in place that ensures they are aware of any relevant permit conditions.
Minor, major or critical
12.3
Applications are to be accompanied by scale drawings of the proposed area
and quarantine storage, treatment/processing facilities including parking for
Quarantine Officers. In the case of new constructions these plans must be
approved before any construction is undertaken.
Minor or major
12.4
To ensure conformance to the QAP criteria, the department must be notified
in writing, at least 15 working days prior to any:

alterations to QAP management arrangements

modification to, or closure of, quarantine areas where goods subject to
quarantine are stored or treated/processed or otherwise dealt with.
Major
12.5
Prior written departmental approval must be obtained to move, accept,
transfer or release any goods subject to quarantine from the approved facility
to another department approved facility. If the premises wish to move goods
from the facility, to another department approved facility the nominated
manager must apply in writing to the department providing details of the
intended transport route and any other relevant information to support the
case. The department may seek further information before making a
decision.
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13 Isolation and hygiene
13.1
Quarantine areas must be separate from other operations within the
premises.
Major
13.2
The quarantine areas must be maintained in a state of good repair and kept
clean.
Major
13.3
Buildings, storage, receival zones, chute and conveyor areas must be kept
clean and commodity/packing (for example cardboard and bags) residues,
contaminants and spillages must be cleaned up and correctly disposed of by a
department approved method.
Minor or major
13.4
An effective pest control program must be in place to ensure that goods are
not contaminated or infested by pests during storage. A document outlining
the control measures must be provided to the department upon request. The
document must include:

the use of insecticides, rodenticides, baits and/or traps

a site plan with numbered bait stations

if applicable, contract details.
Major
13.5
The premises must have a documented weed suppression program for:

grain storage areas

open areas within the premises boundaries

transport supply lines adjacent to the premises.
Major
This document must outline the control program, contract details if
applicable and be available for the department to audit.
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