‘Urgent need to standardise dangerous goods transport in Africa’

The controversial Merchant Shipping (Safe Containers Convention) Bill is a “very problematic piece of legislation” being challenged vigorously by the industry, Dr Laurrraine Lotter, executive director of the Chemical and Allied Industries Association, told FTW last week. “All it (the Bill) did was take international laws and apply them locally without examining local conditions,” she told FTW. Lotter said the legislation would lead to an increase in risk in respect of handling of container transport if there were more requirements put in place as demanded by the laws. The Bill proposes that an inspector appointed by the SA Maritime Safety Authority can board any vehicles, including a ship, train, truck or aircraft, or enter any premises if he believes that there is evidence that the condition of a container creates a risk to safety. “There must be a seamless approach to transporting of chemicals,” she said. Deliberations on the new legislation took place in Parliament earlier this month resulting in an amended Bill being sent to the National Assembly for approval on March 22. Meanwhile, Lotter said the association had spent the past decade discussing with government ways in which products should be classified – for example the different levels of flammable or toxic substances – instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. She also said there was on-going work between the association, the government and South African Development Community to “harmonise” the transporting of chemicals in the region. “For example, if one is taking goods into the Democratic Republic of Congo, one has to change documentation on the vehicle each time one passes the border. “There is an urgent need to have a harmonious system… this is something we are looking at, in addition to understanding the challenges that exist within the industry,” she said. Meanwhile, the association met with the worldwide voice of the chemical industry, the International Council of Chemical Associations, in Rosebank last week to work jointly to enhance the safe management of chemicals in South Africa and on the continent. “Our industry is committed to enhancing the safe use of chemicals in Africa and worldwide,” said Martin Kaiser, the association’s co-chairman. “Chemicals are basic building blocks for a sustainable future in developed countries as well as emerging economies. Our industry is committed to enhancing the safe use of chemicals worldwide – and this includes the handling of chemicals by manufacturers, distributors and downstream users in Africa,” he said.