EXPORTERS AND sourcing agents are becoming increasingly aware of the implications of hazardous products not being handled and transported according to regulations, which often comes back to bite the cargo owner... and hard! “Legislation deadlines for drivers in the “D” category to produce a training certificate have again been put on hold by Department of Transport, with the accreditation of trainers still not processed presenting a precarious situation in the event of an insurance claim,” says Hazel Briggs of Gauteng-based HB Services. “Always check the credentials of the driver and transporters. It’s not worth the risk to just take a chance.” In the event of an accident, the implications are more serious and cleanup time is usually longer impacting on other road users. “The public needs to be made aware of the dangers of careless driving around trucks carrying these products. One can put up all the signage in the world, but the motorist still needs to realise the dangers and treat the trucks with more respect.”
