Drug Safe Compliance

Schedule 8 Drug Safe and Vault Compliance in Australia

Secure Storage of Schedule 8 Medicines – Full Legislation by State & Territory

All dangerous drug safes used to store Schedule 8 (S8) controlled drugs — including opioids, medicinal cannabis, and high-risk pharmaceuticals — must comply with specific laws set by each Australian state and territory.

At Safeguard Safes, we manufacture and install hospital-grade drug safes, S8 cannabis safes, and dangerous goods storage units that meet each region’s legal requirements word-for-word. Below are the exact legislative requirements, with working links to official sources.

State and Territory Legislation

Secure Storage for Schedule 8 (S8) Drugs — Vaults, Safes & Strongroom Doors

When it comes to storing Schedule 8 (S8) medicines and controlled substances such as opioids, cannabis-based pharmaceuticals, and other drugs of dependence, compliance with state and territory legislation is non-negotiable.

At Safeguard Safes, we specialise in providing certified, regulation-compliant safes, vaults, strongroom doors, and secure storage solutions to pharmacies, hospitals, medical clinics, pharmaceutical distributors, and cannabis industry operators across Australia.

We Meet Compliance Requirements for:

  • VIC – Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2017
  • NSW – Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008
  • QLD – Medicines and Poisons Act & Departmental Standards
  • WA – Department of Health Storage Standards
  • SA – SA Health Code of Practice
  • NT – NT Health Guidelines
  • TAS – Pharmacy Authority Guidelines

Key Compliance Features:

  • 10mm mild steel plate construction
  • Continuously welded joints
  • Flush-fitting doors with max 1.5mm clearance
  • 6-lever key, mechanical or digital locks
  • Hinge protection and reinforced locking bars
  • Anchoring systems to resist forced removal
  • Strongroom/vault options compliant with AS/NZS 3809:1998

Who We Serve

  • Hospitals and health networks
  • Pharmacies and compounding chemists
  • Dispensaries and clinics
  • Aged care and mental health facilities
  • Veterinary clinics
  • Cannabis producers and licensees
  • Remote healthcare centres
  • Transport and logistics firms handling S8 substances

Installation Options:

Our safes support day-use dispensing and secure overnight storage with installation options including wall-mounted, freestanding, floor-mounted, or built-in. Solutions are tailored by use case, location, and volume requirements.

We Also Offer:

  • Vault doors and strongrooms for wholesale S8 storage
  • Electronic locks with audit trail and user access control
  • Turnkey compliance solutions for licensed cannabis facilities

Why Compliance Matters

Non-compliance with your state's S8 drug storage regulations can lead to fines, licence loss, or prosecution. Each state outlines detailed requirements for safe design, installation, and operation — we make sure your setup meets them all.

Our team works directly with health regulators and facility managers to ensure compliant, audit-ready installations across Australia.

Trusted Since 1967

Safeguard Safes is Australia's most trusted name in secure storage, with products in every major hospital and hundreds of pharmacies and cannabis facilities nationwide. We offer nationwide delivery, professional installation, and support.

Speak With an Expert

Not sure what applies in your state? Talk to a compliance advisor today and we’ll guide you through:

  • Which S8 safe model fits your compliance requirements
  • Installation and integration best practices
  • Security features, inspection readiness, and upgrades

Contact us now to protect your team, your inventory, and your compliance status with confidence.