Computer system to improve dangerous goods management

12/6/94

New computer technology to be developed in the Department of Minerals and Energy will improve management of dangerous goods in Western Australia.

Mines Minister George Cash said today $185,000 had been allocated to develop the DEXIS system in the current State Budget and the Government planned to provide a further $55,000 in 1995-96 to complete the development.

The DEXIS system is the only one of its kind in Australia and when fully developed will include licensing functions, inspection management compliance levels and emergency services advice.

"DEXIS will make provision for the department's Explosives and Dangerous Goods Directorate to update information on dangerous goods at the storage site through computer notebooks," Mr Cash said.

"This information can then be quickly loaded into the main computer system and will provide timely and accurate information for all State emergency services."

Information gathered from 6,000 sites around the State will be entered into the new system.

Mr Cash said development of the DEXIS system was an important component of the department's public safety program involving the management of activities associated with the transport, storage and handling of dangerous goods and advice to emergency services.

Media contact: Caroline Lacy 222 9595;

Gino Valenti, DOME acting director of the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Division, 222 3383

Carole O'Dwyer, manager DOME public affairs 222 3660.