‘Transporters need to bone up on nature of cargo conveyed’

Knowledge of statutory regulations not enough RAY SMUTS LONG DISTANCE road haulage of chemicals is an “economic necessity,” and while many risks are associated with moving such cargoes, these can be contained and controlled provided the transporters are qualified and experienced. This is the definitive view of Arnold Reddy, MD of Reddy Cargo Services, a company involved with the daily transportation of tons of hazardous chemicals throughout the country and into Africa. Reddy believes regulations governing the transportation of hazardous chemicals are somewhat generalised, particularly with regard to road regulations which usually cover rules pertaining to the licensing of both truck-tractors and trailers, proper vehicle signage, the carrying of safety data sheets, tremcards and general hazchem training for drivers. He believes many companies involved in this specialised transport sector keep abreast of the regulations, due largely to the fact that should (regulation) standards be found wanting in the event of an accident, the company involved would face severe penalties and suffer potentially huge financial losses. The question Reddy poses is that while these statutory regulations offer some peace of mind, at the heart of the matter is whether they are sufficient to contain and control the inherent risks involved in the transportation of hazardous chemicals. “The key,” says Reddy, “lies in the level of training received by the drivers and support personnel of the transport company and both should receive training exceeding general regulatory standards.” The true differentiator lies in a transport company’s ability in this specific sphere to not only keep up with regulation standards but also with training levels related to the nature of the product conveyed. “This provides an advantage of having on-site an especially knowledgeable person who knows how to handle the load and has the ability to give real time information in the event of an emergency.” All the operations personnel at Reddy Cargo Services are trained and certified according to the basic requirements for the transportation of hazardous chemicals, in addition to which every driver and two senior operations personnel are trained in the specific products the company hauls on a regular basis. The company’s chemical storage facilities are inspected regularly and certified annually. This consistent philosophy of constant training is part of the reason why Reddy Cargo Services has transported hazardous chemicals for the past 15 years without incident or loss. Operations manager Sharlin Reddy has the final word: “Ours is a record we are proud of, which we intend to better each year.”