Segregation of dangerous goods in warehouses is vital Ð Symons

SOUTH AFRICA has fairly strict regulations pertaining to warehousing of
dangerous goods but there are very few warehousing companies which fully
comply with the regulations, according to Neville Symons of Dangerous Goods Management.
The regulations are found in the SABS Code of Practice, SABS 0263 - warehousing of dangerous goods; and SABS 4000 - National Building Regulation Standard (High Risk Storage/ Warehousing Facilities).
"Generally at some time or other, almost every transporter, shipper and freight agent has probably exceeded the exempted quantities," said Symons.
"The problem generally arises when cargo is held up for some reason, and then the cargo could be delayed in a general warehouse for a few days.
"With the implementation of Chapter 8 of the Road Traffic Act, the warehouse or transport operators will be required to nominate a qualified person with respect to all tasks pertaining to the receiving and dispatch of dangerous goods," he said. "Training is now mandatory for various categories of staff receiving, storing and dispatching hazardous cargoes."
Non-compliance of the required segregation of classes of dangerous goods in warehouses is a common problem, says Symons.
"This can be an accident waiting to happen.
"Transporters, shippers and freight agents are still fairly unconcerned about their responsibilities regarding the warehousing, handling, packing, storage of dangerous goods and the legal implications thereof," said Symons who is urging senior management to implement strategies of risk management, ensuring compliance of regulations of hazardous cargo.
"DGM is regularly consulted for assistance after a company has been involved in an incident or accident once the authorities have intervened.
"Only then does the company institute procedures for hazardous goods together with training, in an attempt to minimise the company's exposure to a hefty fine. Dangerous goods regulations exist to prevent, or minimise any potential harm to property, persons or to the
environment.
"The Occupational Health and Safety Act compliance is generally always noted in procedure manuals. Dangerous goods risk management procedures are also vital," he said.