The label says it all – “hazardous c a rgo”.And with hazards come risks – for cargo owners, transporters and storage operators alike.The risks are real – the United Nations estimates that half of all goods transported globally are classified as dangerous. Petroleum makes up the bulk, with significant quantities of chlorine, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, sulphuric dioxide, nitric acid, phenol and methanol also being transported by road, rail and sea. In response, governments have gazetted comprehensive regulations governing the movement of hazardous goods.A number have also developed tools for evaluating risks, which are available free online. In South Africa, several South African National Standards (SANS) codes provide a risk assessment guide:SANS 10231: Details the responsibilities of the owner/operator of the dangerous goods vehicle. SANS 10228: Identifies and classifies dangerous goods and substances.SANS 10229: Regulations governing packaging for dangerous goods and substances, including requirements for the testing of packaging and the correct marking and labelling of packages.SANS 10230: Statutory inspection requirements for all vehicles conveying dangerous goods. SANS 10232-1: 2007: Details of placarding requirements for vehicles transporting dangerous goods.
