Dangerous goods transporters warned of legal implications

Companies transporting dangerous goods must at all times be aware of the legal requirements as well as the implications of the law. This was the warning from Allan Dunn, technical and SHEQ executive at Unitrans, who outlined the maintenance and inspection aspects of transporting dangerous goods at the recent Responsible Care Workshop in Johannesburg organised by the Chemical and Allied Industries’ Association (CAIA). “You need to understand the implications of the law – and understand the definitions. For example the codes refer to and use the term ‘workplace’. The legal definition of that is any premises or place where a person performs his or her work – which can be the inside of a truck, so compliance with the law would extend beyond your office.” He said that dangerous goods transporters should not only be registered with the relevant government departments, but managers should also always know where vehicles are and what routes are being followed, as well who the responsible party is for the cargo. “If the document states that the consignor is the responsible party, you need to consider the implication – it could be the manufacturer, the owner, the person acting on behalf of those people, the operator moving the cargo or even the sub contractor.” He said legally it would have a variety of implications and therefore it was important to know the law and its implications when working in this industry. Dunn warned operators to comply with the law in minute detail as this would benefit companies and the industry as a whole in the long run. “Relevant government departments as well as local emergency centres should, by law, be contacted and informed of dangerous and or hazardous cargo moving through their areas. They don’t always acknowledge receipt of such information, but it must be done nevertheless.” He said it was also important when transporting dangerous goods never to assume that emergency services were trained to deal with emergency situations. “Ensure that you have the expertise on hand in case of an emergency. Ensure your drivers have the necessary training, that they are in possession of valid permits and registrations, that your vehicles are registered and that they have the necessary permits and equipment on board.” Dunn said as much as pre-trip inspections were a legal requirement they were also a way of ensuring one’s vehicles left the depots in perfect condition. “Safety is by no means negotiable,” he said.