Public awareness could help avoid spills

IF THE general public was more aware, Africa might have fewer chemical spills and accidents involving hazardous cargo on the road. That’s the word from Hazel Briggs of HB services, which specialises in moving hazardous cargo into and around Africa. “The industry works very hard to comply with legislation and vehicle compatibilities. Governments are taking notice as well. I think the one area where we may be failing as an industry and where governments also come up short is in making the public aware of how to deal with a vehicle carrying hazardous chemicals,” she says. “I believe if people understood better, they wouldn’t act as foolhardy as they do. You certainly don’t want to swerve in front of a truck carrying hazardous, toxic chemicals. “The same goes for traffic officials. The KZN officers seem to understand this better than those in the Johannesburg area.”