When transporting dangerous goods, it is vital to consider every aspect of their journey to the customer, from appropriate packaging to high levels of safety training your staff members must receive. We at Welch's Transport have curated this helpful guide to ensuring your transportation procedure goes smoothly, no matter the cargo.
What are dangerous goods?
Any substance, product or material that poses a threat to health, safety, and property during the transport process is categorised as a dangerous good. Substances that have these features will have the related transport risks and their dangerous goods class on their Safety Data Sheets, obtainable from the manufacturer.
Items such as explosives or weapons may be the first thing to come to mind when asked how to define dangerous goods. However, due to the range of potential safety concerns surrounding each item, a product as innocuous as perfume or aerosol whipped cream can actually be classified as “dangerous” to a degree.
What are the different hazard classes?
The varying classes are laid out below, ranging from Class 1 to Class 9.
- Class 1 – Explosives
- Class 2 – Gases
- Class 3 – Flammable liquids
- Class 4.1-4.3 – Flammable Solids
- Class 5.1-5.2 – Oxidising Substances
- Class 6.1-6.2 – Toxic & Infectious Substances
- Class 7 – Radioactive Material
- Class 8 – Corrosive Substances
- Class 9 – Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles
Each class has different regulations affecting their packaging, storage and transportation; however, GOV.uk states that for those companies only shipping limited quantities, the rules are not as strict.
Permits and Documentation
Before transporting, it is a necessity to ensure that you have all of the required permits and documentation. Initially, transportation drivers must be qualified with an ADR Training Certificate, in order to be able to transport dangerous goods that are positioned above the designated threshold. Other transport documentation consists of: written emergency instructions, photographic identification for each individual in the transportation vehicle, as well as documentation for each dangerous product that is being carried.
Packaging and Labelling
Packaging
It is crucial that all packaging used has met the specific requirements of the country that they are being transported to (or transporting through, within the transport process). Also, in order to prove that these requirements are met, you must issue an approval mark by a certified inspection body, prior to transporting.
Labelling
It is essential to label hazardous products – for example, packaged chemicals - with the hazardous identification, hazard symbols, and warnings. Additionally, safety advice must be given alongside the hazard name, symbol, and warning. There is a vast variety of hazardous symbols, so it is vital to have every package labelled correctly and accurately.
Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA)
Do I need a DGSA?
You must have a DGSA if your business transports, packs, fills, loads or unloads dangerous goods, regularly. The form of transport applies to dangerous goods sent by road, rail, or inland waterway. You do not need a DSGA if any of the following apply to you:
- you are driving in a private vehicle
- you only transport dangerous goods occasionally, rather than regularly
- you are transporting the dangerous goods to a destination of a short distance
- you are receiving the dangerous goods, only
- the dangerous goods are in ‘limited quantities’
Who do I appoint as a DGSA?
A member of staff, who is trained as a dangerous goods safety adviser, can be appointed as your DGSA. Also, you can use a company that specialises in providing advice regarding dangerous goods safety.
What are the responsibilities of a DGSA?
There are numerous responsibilities of the DGSA, some of which include:
- Monitoring Responsibilities – A DGSA monitors the compliance in regards to the requirements governing the vehicle transporting the dangerous goods. The provision of training and advice given to other staff also has to be monitored.
- Investigating & Reporting – A DGSA has to investigate any accidents or violations associated to the regulations, and further report these to the Department for Transport.
A full list of DGSA responsibilities can be found in Chapter 1.8.3.3 within the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.
There are essential parts of your checklist for the transportation of dangerous goods. For more information on what qualifies as a dangerous good, or for information on how Welch Transport can advise the best DGSA for you, get in touch on +44 (0)1223 843011 or email us at [email protected].
