WHEN IT comes to the handling of items listed as dangerous goods the shipper often finds himself only too happy to outsource the problems that arise.
And it is generally because their own staff have not had the proper training in that sector of the transport industry, says Neville Symons of Dangerous Goods Management.
Time and again we find ourselves being called upon to do the packaging and documentation of hazardous products. There is, of course, training available for shipping staff but they often don't have the time to release employees for training purposes.
Customs are extremely strict about the proper documenting and packing of these goods, and we find ourselves the party being outsourced on so many occasions.
IATA regulations governing airfreighting of these commodities call for every person involved, from the managing director down to the forklift driver, to have proper training in the handling of dangerous goods.
The European Union is drafting rules which will be law by the end of 2001 and which I am certain will eventually find their way into this country, he says. This requires that a safety adviser be appointed throughout the logistics chain, from point of manufacture to airport or seaport loading. This will clearly introduce yet another form of outsourcing as companies in fields such as our own, and security firms, will employ the type of person with the requisite experience to fill the role.
This is happening already in the UK where they have found people like retired fire fighters who are highly suited to the position with their training background.
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