THE TRANSPORTATION of hazardous chemicals requires special training of vehicle drivers who must comply with the Hazchem certificate of competency. This is valid for one year after which refresher courses are undertaken.
Forty percent of the drivers in our fleet have undergone Hazchem training, says Deon Weelson, Johannesburg branch manager of inland haulage operator Rail Road Africa. At the end of the first year they go through a refresher programme to pick up on any new changes in the law or modus operandi of dealing with this type of cargo.
We have invested in the necessary Hazchem equipment needed by the driver when moving such goods. But the challenge we face is the lack of understanding and complacency with regard to hazardous requirements from all involved, he says.
It is high time that customers and shipping lines be made aware of the laws and the need to be proactive in forwarding the correct information, including declarations, commodity and IMCO details which should be provided well before the cargo is moved.
This will ensure that the cargo is moved immediately after arrival and avoid delays.
There also appears to be a grey area where customers loading hazardous cargo are not always aware that Hazchem labels are to be affixed by themselves or the shipping line, and to know who is responsible.
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