Dangerous goods specialists put operational safety first

Ken Beckwith and Martin Oliver are more than just nice guys. Specialists in the storage and transport of hazardous and dangerous goods, the two have been partners for more than 15 years and pride themselves on being able to offer their clients personalised and knowledgeable service. “Our background is chemistry and we have always worked in the field. Our decision to transport chemical and hazardous goods was all by chance,” says Beckwith from their Germiston head office. “We were asked by someone if we could transport some goods between Johannesburg and Klerksdorp and we said yes. From there we just became more established – we found warehouses and expanded our fleet. From the very first day of operation we have however always maintained responsibility, offering a service in a field we know and in which we are competent. “When someone talks to us about chemicals and the requirements we know what they are talking about. We are very passionate about what we do and believe in being responsible for the product from the moment we receive it until it reaches its final delivery destination,” says Oliver. In fact, they felt so strongly about it that in 2006 they joined Responsible Care, an international organisation aimed at improving health, safety and environmental performance of companies. “It is about having an ethic where we are dedicated to operational safety, responsible practice and personalised service,” says Beckwith. “Many companies dabble in the transportation of chemicals and other hazardous goods, but not many can call themselves specialists, and when nothing goes wrong, no-one will be any the wiser.” But, they say, the true test comes when there is a fire or an accident or a spillage of some kind. “We can deal with any unforeseen occurrence because we are specialists, because we are reputable and because we are operationally safe. Our employees are all well trained and we adhere to the legislation of hazardous goods to the letter. We don’t take chances.” Says Beckwith: “In essence this industry is not complicated – we get the goods and we store them before we transport and deliver. What is not simple is doing that well and responsibly. We are proud of our track record and the service we offer.”