Partner credentials are key to mitigating risks

Finding the right partner is crucial to mitigating risks in the transport of dangerous goods, says Justin Blythe, managing director of Manline Energy, a division of Barloworld Transport Solutions. “They need to be an accredited CAIA member and I would recommend that freight forwarders audit their facilities and business to ensure that the quality of their equipment and infrastructure meets all the required standards. It’s a good idea to obtain references from their customers too,” he says. Manline Energy is accredited with the Safety & Quality Assurance System (SQAS) through the Chemical and Allied Industries Association (CAIA), together with numerous industry- and customerspecific standards. The right equipment, skilled drivers and the relevant operational and technical support structures and staff are also key to lowering the risks of dangerous goods transport, Blythe added. “Dangerous goods can only be transported in specialised, customised equipment. Drivers moving the goods need specific product training, offloading and handling guidelines as well as the correct personal protective equipment,” he said. The bad condition of South Africa’s roads and the high accident rate are also major challenges, he added. “It is therefore crucial to instil a culture of safety and risk management in the business and to have 24/7 fleet monitoring in place and emergency response teams on standby.” Taking care of staff skills and competence, the company has a Driver Training and Support programme in place. Its Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) programme focuses on awareness, commitment and compliance – and from a risk management perspective has implemented an Integrated Risk Management System (IRMS). INSERT & CAPTION Audit their facilities and business to ensure that the quality of their equipment and infrastructure meets all the required standards. – Justin Blythe