New draft rules extend dangerous goods liability

Operational requirements for road transport under review JOY ORLEK A RANGE OF new operational requirements for the movement of dangerous goods by road in South Africa is likely to be implemented in the near future as revision of the standard goes ahead. In technical terms the SANS 10231, which relates to operational requirements, is the standard under review and the draft revision has significant implications in terms of liability, says Eddie Crane, MD of EC Logistics and a specialist in the field of dangerous goods transport. For example the draft suggests that a number of new parties be considered consignors. These include the product manufacturer, product owner, product custodian or person who has control of the goods at a particular time but does not own them, and the party that contracts the operator for the transportation of the goods. Drivers’ assistants The draft also requires drivers’ assistants to understand the requirements of the transport emergency card (tremcard) and to be trained in the emergency procedures and the handling of safety equipment What’s more, drivers of dangerous goods vehicles with a GVM of more than 3500 kgs must undergo annual training with an accredited service provider. The consignor is also given several added responsibilities - verifying that the vehicle used to transport the dangerous goods displays a Dangerous Goods Operator Card and providing the transporter with the correct tremcards and placards. If by mutual agreement the transporter supplies the placards, then the consignor is responsible for ensuring that he has the correct information to do so The draft introduces a new exemption for the transportation of dangerous goods by a bona fide farmer or an employee of the farmer if the goods are used in farming operations. This will be limited to a maximum of 1000 kgs or litres. Contract These are some of the proposed changes, which do not however make provision for an operational agreement. But some sort of contract will be required between all the parties involving their many duties and responsibilities, says Crane. Full details of the draft revision can be accessed on his website – www.eclogistics.co.za