Handling dangerous goods: an overview

These are defined as any substance that has potential to harm living organisms, property, or environment. In fact many goods, including everyday items have the potential to be classed as dangerous if not packed, stowed, and identified correctly for transport (for example, perfumes and aftershaves which contain alcohol and have a high flashpoint). 

REGULATION VITAL TO ENSURING SAFETY OF ALL INVOLVED 

Owing to the hazardous nature of dangerous goods, rules and regulations needed to be implemented to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Although these regulations all vary depending on the mode of transport and type of goods involved, they are all based on the UN’s recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods put together by the United Nations Economic and Social Council’s Committee of Experts (UNECE), known as model regulations. Within the regulations are details on classification, packing and the consignment procedures.  

REGULATIONS APPLY TO ALL TRANSPORT MODES 

There are four sets of regulations that need to be adhered to when transporting dangerous goods.  

Air – the International Air Transport Association (IATA)  

Sea – International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) 

Road – Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) 

Rail – International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID) 

Here in the UK, operators must also adhere to the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and use of Transportable Pressure Equipment regulations (CDGTPE). 

MANDATORY TRAINING TAILORED TO ROLE 

Everyone who is involved in the transport of dangerous goods must undergo some form of training that is appropriate to their roles. From loaders through to the office staff that plan the loads, appropriate training is required to ensure that road safety is adhered to. Drivers are required to sit an initial ADR certification course which covers all nine classes of goods deemed as “dangerous”, which covers packages and, if required, an ‘in tank’ module to cover the delivery of bulk liquids. All training should be recorded, and records must be available to both the employee and the appropriate authority upon request. Training should also be refreshed on a regular basis; the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK recommends this is done every two years to ensure staff are kept up to date with any legislation changes. 

UN NUMBER DETAILS THE RISK OF EACH PRODUCT

Dangerous goods are assigned an identification number which is known as a UN Number and are assigned to one or more of nine classes, depending on the hazard they present. This UN number details the risks that each of the products poses, as well as how to transport the product safely; this also includes guidance on the correct type of packaging to be used. Carriers are responsible for making sure any dangerous goods that are being transported are moved in accordance with the relevant regulations. In addition, they must ensure that the correct vehicle is used, and official paperwork is issued before departure – any driver must be fully qualified to carry the goods in question. 

CHOICE OF TRAINING SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE

Logistics UK recognises the importance of safety when transporting these goods, and offers a variety of online and face-to-face courses to provide operators with the knowledge and qualifications required. These include the organisation’s Dangerous Goods Awareness e-Workshop, IATA, IMDG, ADR and RID training courses. As well as modal-specific and refresher courses, Logistics UK also offers training in the transportation of lithium batteries, receiving deliveries of petroleum products and a broader ADR course. The business group also offers a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) consultancy service, providing access to one of the organisation’s DGSAs to provide business advice and guidance. 

DGSAS MUST BE APPOINTED FROM 2023

From 31 December 2022, all those participating in the carriage of dangerous goods must appoint a dangerous goods safety advisor (DGSA), in addition to those businesses whose activities involve the related packing, loading, filling or unloading of dangerous goods, such as freight forwarders or warehouses. DGSAs can be employed as a consultant, owner or employee and their role helps to prevent the risks inherent in the duties involved in the carriage of dangerous goods, as well as monitoring compliance with legal requirements. Logistics UK also offers a five-day DGSA training course, to ensure that these employees are kept up to date on the latest legislative and operational regulations.  

Percy Thrower – Manager, Dangerous Goods Information, Logistics UK, said: “As a safety-critical industry, logistics is rightly governed by a strict set of legal, compliance and safety regulations. When it comes to transporting dangerous or hazardous goods, however, a far higher bar of safety must be met. Logistics UK can help you adhere to these stringent standards, via information through our Member Advice Centre and through our portfolio of training solutions.”

To see a full list of courses available, please visit the Logistics UK dangerous goods training page below.

*www.logistics.org.uk/dangerous-goods-1 

Published On: 17/11/2022 16:00:10

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