Long gone are the days when a pair of gloves, a fire extinguisher and an orange diamond slapped onto the front of a vehicle are deemed sufficient compliance with the law, says Keith McMurray, a dangerous goods consultant. “How many operators check the accuracy of the placarding on their vehicle or go to the trouble of looking at the condition of the fire extinguisher? Do operators actually consider the dynamics of mixed loads that are then single loads by the end of a delivery cycle and the impact that has on the placarding?” McMurray says it is important to be aware of these important, but often hidden aspects of compliance. According to SANS 10231 all vehicles must carry a dangerous goods declaration – a standalone document that requires very specific information about the loads being carried. McMurray says it is not just about the transportation but also the packaging. “There are so many provisions – so take cognizance of them and make sure you know what is applicable to your business.”
