DFES Emergency Response Guides (FES-ERGs)

Last updated: 09 January 2026

Under regulation 76B of the Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of Non-explosives) Regulations 2007, a Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) emergency response guide (FES-ERG) is required by dangerous goods sites (except petrol stations and mine sites) that store or handle more than ten times the manifest quantity of dangerous goods.

Refer to Schedule 1 of the Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of Non-explosives) Regulations 2007 for manifest quantity of dangerous goods. 

What is a FES-ERG?

A FES-ERG is a fire and emergency services emergency response guide. It is designed to provide essential information to DFES for use in an emergency at larger dangerous goods sites. The FES-ERG is required to complete the licensing process for a dangerous goods site. It includes site information on:

  • the operator
  • layout
  • construction of any structures
  • the dangerous goods present
  • equipment and resources to detect or deal with a fire or other dangerous situation.

The guide is also used as an inspection tool by local DFES fire stations and regional offices for risk management purposes.

Reviewing the FES-ERG

The operator must review, and if necessary revise, the FES-ERG:

  • whenever there is a significant change to the type or quantity of dangerous goods
  • whenever there is a significant change in the layout of structures on site
  • as soon as practicable after a fire or other dangerous situation occurs
  • in any event, at least every three years and notify DFES.

Distribution of the FES-ERG

The operator must ensure that:

  • a printed copy of the site’s FES-ERG is held at the site
  • copies are lodged with the department and the local office of DFES.

Lodging a FES-ERG

Need assistance? 

If you need help completing a Fire and Emergency Services Emergency Response Guide (FES‑ERG) for a specific site, contact DFES through your local Career Fire Station or Regional District Office.

For questions about the FES‑ERG process, contact DFES or the Dangerous Goods Branch (LGIRS) as follows:

Contact DFES via Email feserg@dfes.wa.gov.au for:

  • Support relating to the FES‑ERG portal (access, password resets, technical glitches).
    • General guidance on emergency response requirements.

Contact LGIRS (Dangerous Goods Branch) via email dgsb@lgirs.wa.gov.au for:

  • Site-specific dangerous goods queries (quantities, licensing requirements, safety compliance).
    • Incident reporting and regulatory advice.

Resources and guidance

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