{"id":"environmental-protection-fibre-reinforced-plastics-regulations-1998","name":"Environmental Protection (Fibre Reinforced Plastics) Regulations 1998","slug":"environmental-protection-fibre-reinforced-plastics-regulations-1998","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"wa","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":176589,"registerId":"wa-environmental-protection-fibre-reinforced-plastics-regulations-1998-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Environmental Protection (Fibre Reinforced Plastics) Regulations 1998","content":"![Crest]()Western Australia\n\nEnvironmental Protection Act 1986\n\nEnvironmental Protection (Fibre Reinforced Plastics) Regulations 1998\n\n- **Reprinted under the *Reprints Act 1984* as**\n- **at 7 May 2004**\n\n\nWestern Australia\n\nEnvironmental Protection (Fibre Reinforced Plastics) Regulations 1998\n\nContents\n\n1. Citation 1\n\n2. Interpretation 1\n\n3. Use of resins and solvents 2\n\n4. Use of low styrene emission resin 2\n\n5. Control of dust 3\n\n6. Disposal of waste material 3\n\n7. Offence 3\n\nSchedule 1\n\nTest procedure to determine styrene emission rates\n\nNotes\n\nCompilation table 6\n\nDefined terms\n\n  \n\n- Crest **Reprinted under the *Reprints Act 1984* as**\n- **at 7 May 2004**\n\n\nWestern Australia\n\nEnvironmental Protection Act 1986\n\nEnvironmental Protection (Fibre Reinforced Plastics) Regulations 1998\n\n##### 1. Citation\n\nThese regulations may be cited as the *Environmental Protection (Fibre Reinforced Plastics) Regulations 1998* 1.\n\n##### 2. Interpretation\n\n(1) In these regulations —\n\n  fibre reinforced plastic means plastic produced using a process in which fibres are used to reinforce a resin which has been pre‑treated with a catalyst;\n\n  fibre reinforced plastics manufacturing means the manufacturing of products from fibre reinforced plastic;\n\n  operator means a person carrying on fibre reinforced plastics manufacture;\n\n  resin means a solid, semi‑solid or liquid organic material which is used as a base in the manufacture of fibre reinforced plastics;\n\n  solvent means acetone, ethyl acetate, ethanol or any other chemical used for dissolving other chemicals in the manufacture of fibre reinforced plastics.\n\n(2) In these regulations a reference to the premises in relation to an operator is a reference to the premises at which the operator carries on fibre reinforced plastics manufacturing.\n\n##### 3. Use of resins and solvents\n\n(1) An operator must —\n\n(a) store all resins, solvents and products containing solvents kept on the premises in airtight containers; and\n\n(b) keep those containers sealed except when they are being filled or the contents are being removed.\n\n(2) An operator must not expose to the atmosphere at any time more resin than is necessary for the purpose for which the resin is being used.\n\n(3) An operator must —\n\n(a) keep a supply of absorbent material on the premises;\n\n(b) use that material to immediately mop up any spillage of resin, solvent or a product containing solvent; and\n\n(c) keep any material which has been so used in an airtight container until it is disposed of in accordance with regulation 6.\n\n##### 4. Use of low styrene emission resin\n\n(1) An operator must not use resin other than low styrene emission resin in fibre reinforced plastics manufacturing unless —\n\n(a) a particular application requires certain physical or chemical properties which cannot be achieved using low styrene emission resin;\n\n(b) the resin is a gel coat; or\n\n(c) the resin is being used in a closed moulding process.\n\n(2) In subregulation (1) —\n\n  gel coat means an outer layer of resin which is used on fibre reinforced plastic to improve surface properties;\n\n  low styrene emission resin means a resin with a maximum emission rate of 20 grams of styrene per square metre of resin per half hour at 23°C, as determined using the method set out in Schedule 1.\n\n##### 5. Control of dust\n\nAn operator must ensure that no visible dust created during fibre reinforced plastics manufacturing escapes from the premises.\n\n##### 6. Disposal of waste material\n\nAn operator must dispose of all waste produced during fibre reinforced product manufacturing at an appropriate landfill site or waste treatment facility the occupier of which holds a licence under Part V of the Act in respect of that site or facility.\n\n##### 7. Offence\n\nA person who contravenes these regulations commits an offence.\n\nPenalty: $5 000.\n\n[Regulation 7 amended: Gazette 11 Dec 1998 p. 6613.]\n\n[**8.** Omitted under the Reprints Act 1984 s. 7(4)(f).]\n\nSchedule 1\n\n[Regulation 4]\n\nTest procedure to determine styrene emission rates\n\n**Aim**\n\nThis test method gives an indication of the rate of styrene loss from a typical Chopped Strand Mat (CSM) contact moulded laminate, with a surface open to the atmosphere.\n\n**Theory**\n\nA single layer of CSM is impregnated with the uncatalysed resin and supported on an accurate direct reading top pan balance in a draught‑free room at 23°C. The loss in weight in grams per square metre is recorded against time.\n\n**Apparatus**\n\n1. Direct reading top pan balance accurate to 0.01 g.\n\n2. Polyethylene terephthalate film (Melinex).\n\n3. Glass fibre chopped strand mat — emulsion bound — 450 g/m2.\n\n4. A draught‑free room of 50 cubic metres minimum volume, controlled at 23°C ± 1°C.\n\n5. Optional shielding as shown in Figure 1.\n\n6. Suitable support platen 300 mm x 300 mm.\n\n7. Glass beaker.\n\n**Method**\n\n1. Set up apparatus in the draught‑free room.\n\n2. Cut and weigh a 250 mm x 250 mm section of CSM.\n\n3. Cut a 300 mm x 300 mm square of Melinex film and mark an area of 250 mm x 250 mm on the back of the film with a marker pen.\n\n4. Adjust the resin temperature to 23°C.\n\n5. Place the Melinex film on the support platen. Pour a quantity of resin equal to 2.0 times the weight of the CSM from the glass beaker onto the film and spread evenly over the marked area.\n\n6. Place the CSM sample into the resin and quickly ensure complete impregnation of the mat by gently pressing with the edge of a spatula. Within one minute, place the lay‑up and the support platen on the balance and note the reading.\n\n7. Record the weight at 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes and thereafter at 10 minute intervals for one hour, or longer as required.\n\n8. Repeat the procedure from 2 to 7 twice.\n\n9. From the results, plot a graph of mean cumulative loss in weight against time.\n\n**Items to be reported**\n\n1. Resin identification.\n\n2. CSM identification.\n\n3. Actual atmospheric temperature.\n\n4. Relative humidity.\n\n5. Atmospheric pressure.\n\n6. The amount of styrene (g/m2) emitted during 60 minutes.\n\n**Figure 1**\n\n![]()\n\nNotes\n\n1 This reprint is a compilation as at 7 May 2004 of the *Environmental Protection (Fibre Reinforced Plastics) Regulations 1998* and includes the amendments made by the other written laws referred to in the following table. The table also contains information about any reprint.\n\nCompilation table\n\n| **Citation** | **Gazettal** | **Commencement** |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| *Environmental Protection (Fibre Reinforced Plastics) Regulations 1998* | 17 Mar 1998 p. 1411‑13 | 17 Mar 1998 |\n| *Environmental Protection (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 1998* Pt. 6 | 11 Dec 1998 p. 6597-614 | 8 Jan 1999 (see r. 2) |\n| **Reprint 1: The *Environmental Protection (Fibre Reinforced Plastics) Regulations 1998* as at 7 May 2004** (includes amendments listed above) | | |\n\n\nDefined terms\n\n*[This is a list of terms defined and the provisions where they are defined. The list is not part of the law.]*\n\n**Defined term Provision(s)**\n\nfibre reinforced plastic 2(1)\n\nfibre reinforced plastics manufacturing 2(1)\n\ngel coat 4(2)\n\nlow styrene emission resin 4(2)\n\noperator 2(1)\n\nresin 2(1)\n\nsolvent 2(1)\n\nthe premises 2(2)\n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"summary":{"complexity_score":1,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Scope cannot be assessed as the legislative text was not available for review. No comparison between original intent and final form is possible."},"complexity_factors":["No legislative content was retrievable — the page returned a 'no longer available' error","Analysis is based solely on the regulation's title and metadata, not its actual provisions","Cannot assess true complexity without access to the text"],"plain_english_summary":"This regulation appears to set environmental controls related to fibre reinforced plastics (FRP) in Western Australia — likely addressing manufacture, use, disposal and emissions (for example, styrene vapours) associated with FRP. It would mainly affect manufacturers, businesses and tradespeople working with fibreglass/composite materials and matters because of potential pollution and hazardous emissions."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains tightly focused on its original purpose: controlling emissions and waste from fibre reinforced plastics manufacturing. The 1998 amendment (incorporated in this 2004 reprint) merely adjusted the penalty provision, not the substantive scope."},"complexity_factors":["Short length — only 7 operative regulations plus a technical schedule","Limited defined terms — 7 key definitions in section 2, all straightforward","Simple conditional structure — primarily 'must' obligations with three specific exceptions in regulation 4(1)","Single cross-reference — only refers to Part V of the parent Act (licensing) in regulation 6","Technical complexity concentrated in Schedule 1 — detailed laboratory testing protocol with specific apparatus, measurements, and reporting requirements that requires scientific knowledge to execute","No nested exceptions or recursive definitions","Clear penalty provision without tiered or alternative sentencing"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this legislation does:**\n\nThese regulations set specific rules for businesses that manufacture **fibre reinforced plastics** — the strong, lightweight materials used in things like boat hulls, car parts, and water tanks. The rules aim to reduce air pollution (particularly from a chemical called **styrene**), control dust, and ensure proper disposal of hazardous waste.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n*   **Operators** — anyone running a fibre reinforced plastics manufacturing business in Western Australia\n*   **Workers** in these facilities\n*   **Local communities** near manufacturing sites (who benefit from reduced chemical emissions and dust)\n\n**Key requirements:**\n\n*   **Storage:** All resins and solvents must be kept in sealed, airtight containers\n*   **Emissions:** Manufacturers must use **low styrene emission resin** (a special type that releases less of the harmful chemical styrene into the air). There are only three exceptions:\n    *   When the product needs properties that low-emission resins can't provide\n    *   When applying a **gel coat** (the outer surface layer)\n    *   When using **closed moulding processes** (where the resin is contained)\n*   **Spills:** Operators must keep absorbent materials on hand to immediately clean up any spills, and store used cleanup materials in sealed containers\n*   **Dust control:** No visible dust is allowed to escape from the premises\n*   **Waste disposal:** All waste must go to licensed landfill sites or waste treatment facilities\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nStyrene is a volatile organic compound that can cause health problems (headaches, respiratory irritation) and contributes to air pollution. These regulations protect worker health, reduce neighbourhood nuisance, and prevent environmental contamination — while still allowing the industry to operate safely.\n\n**The penalty:**\n\nBreaking these rules carries a fine of **$5,000**.\n\n**Technical detail:**\n\nSchedule 1 includes a detailed scientific test method for measuring how much styrene a resin emits — requiring specific equipment, temperature controls, and precise weighing procedures to determine if a resin qualifies as \"low emission\" (maximum 20 grams of styrene per square metre per half hour at 23°C)."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"These regulations narrow their effect to fibre reinforced plastics manufacturing by defining 'operator' and 'the premises' and imposing targeted controls (regs 2–6). They do not amend or extend the Environmental Protection Act itself; rather they set sector‑specific obligations (storage, material choice, testing, disposal) under the Act and link waste disposal to Part V licensed facilities (reg 6; Sch. 1)."},"complexity_factors":["Technical test procedure (Schedule 1) requiring controlled conditions (23°C room, timed weight loss measurements) — implementation and equipment burden.","Defined regulatory exceptions (reg 4(1): gel coat, closed moulding, special applications) that require operator judgement about applicability.","Operational duties with ongoing practices (sealed storage, spill response, dust control) creating continuous compliance and record/behavioural costs (regs 3, 5).","Cross‑reference to licensing under Part V of the Act for permitted waste disposal sites (reg 6) — administrative verification needed.","Enforcement relies on a single monetary penalty ($5,000) which is straightforward but may not scale with operation size (reg 7).","Some obligations (e.g. ‘no visible dust escapes’) are partially subjective and may create enforcement ambiguities (reg 5)."],"plain_english_summary":"These regulations require operators who manufacture fibre‑reinforced plastics to limit styrene emissions, control dust, store and clean up resins and solvents in sealed containers, and dispose of waste at licensed landfill or treatment facilities (regs 3–6). They mandate low‑styrene resin except for specified exceptions and prescribe a precise test method to measure styrene loss (reg 4; Schedule 1). Operators bear compliance costs and face a $5,000 penalty for breaches (reg 7)."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/environmental-protection-fibre-reinforced-plastics-regulations-1998","history":"/api/acts/environmental-protection-fibre-reinforced-plastics-regulations-1998/history","analysis":"/api/acts/environmental-protection-fibre-reinforced-plastics-regulations-1998/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/environmental-protection-fibre-reinforced-plastics-regulations-1998/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/environmental-protection-fibre-reinforced-plastics-regulations-1998/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/environmental-protection-fibre-reinforced-plastics-regulations-1998/documents"}}