I
ndividuals involved in the handling and transportation
of Dangerous Goods, whether they are consignors,
manufacturers, importers or distributors, operators
of road or rail vehicles or loading equipment, drivers
or employers, have specific responsibilities and must
adhere to a set of prescribed regulations and operating
standards that dictate how the goods are marked,
packaged, secured and transported.
The South African Dangerous Goods Act
The National Road Traffic Act 93 was implemented
in South Africa in 2000 and provides legislation for
Transporting Dangerous Goods by road.
The Dangerous Goods Act states that any person
transporting hazardous goods and substances in
quantities above the exempt quantity will have to
be fully compliant with the Act. The South African
Dangerous Goods Act also takes into consideration the
mix of products you are transporting.
How to comply with the Dangerous Goods Act
• Dangerous Goods transportation vehicles need to
be placarded to indicate the type of substances in
transit;
Transporting dangerous goods
Dangerous goods are articles or substances that are capable of posing a risk
to health, safety, property or the environment.
• Drivers of vehicles above 3500gvm require
Professional Driving Permits with category D;
• Drivers must carry specific documents including
a Transport Emergency Card and a Dangerous
Goods Declaration;
• Insurance must be in place to cover Civil Liability
and Recovery and Rehabilitation costs;
• Use a vehicle that is suitable for the goods and/or
substances you are carrying;
• There must be a planned route and have notified
emergency responders about the goods and/or
substances that are being transported;
• The driver must have suitable Dangerous Goods
Training;
• Multiloads must be compatible in terms of the
Dangerous Goods Legislation and special multiload
placards must be in place on the vehicle.
Dangerous goods handling experts in
South Africa
If you work in an industry that requires transportation
of dangerous goods, whether chemicals, explosives,
gases, or flammable goods, then you will need expert
assisstance.
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