Dangerous goods expert on call for CT industry

MORE AND more companies are adopting a proactive approach to dangerous goods compliance, says Eddie Crane of EC Logistics, a 25-year veteran in the field.
But there are still far too many taking the reactive route, which can be very costly. “The cost of compliance is often far lower than the money spent on fines,” says Crane who offers a ‘one-stop’ dangerous goods service ranging from client workshops and staff training to the provision of necessary equipment for vehicles.
And this is offered on a national basis with Johannesburg-based Crane stepping on the first plane to Cape Town or wherever there is a problem to offer his expertise.
“Being a small company I can turn 360 degrees if necessary,” says Crane.
In terms of training, this is offered on site and personalised to the company’s requirements.
Crane’s compliance workshops last 4-5 hours and cover legislation that fits with the customer’s requirements.
At the time of our discussion, Crane had just completed six audits for coastal customers to determine compliance of their facilities with the Act.
“Any deviation from legislation voids insurance cover. And the implications if they get it wrong could sink them.”
A recent example to illustrate the point involved the decanting of a highly flammable product from one tanker to another. No-one was supervising the transfer. The product overflowed, seeped into the pump which then caught fire and burnt out the tanker and the premises. The insurance claim was repudiated with no payout. Plenty of reason to ensure compliance at every turn.