Are you dangerous-goods compliant?

It is regularly observed that consignors distributing goods are unaware of the many legal requirements applicable to the transportation of “UN-numbered” products, writes NIGEL WEBB.

Distributors are often shocked to discover that some common household consumer goods are actually both listed and regulated as “dangerous goods”. Examples of these include: aerosols, pesticides, paint, batteries, pool chemicals, disinfectants and hundreds of others.

Partial compliance in the road transport industry relates either to incorrect placards on trucks (usually involving the incorrect use of “mixed load” boards) and incompatible loads (usually involving hazard classes that may not be transported with other dangerous goods or foodstuffs; for example, toxic substances).

Vehicles are often fitted with some, but not all prescribed signage and equipment as required by the National Road Traffic Regulations, 1999 (Regulations 273 to 283B).

Non-compliance in this industry usually relates to dangerous-goods vehicles not being correctly registered (Category D) by the owner, not having municipal transport permits and little, if any, prescribed signage and equipment fitted to the vehicles concerned.

Equipment prescribed by the traffic regulations include: fire extinguishers, placards on left, right and rear, prohibition signs (e.g. no smoking, no naked flame, no cellphone), orange diamond (front), document box or bag, battery covers, battery-isolator switches and transport emergency card/s.

Fines, delays and repudiation of insurance claims are among the many consequences of either partial or total non-compliance.

www.fleetsolutions.co.za identifies suppliers that are able to provide solutions for the conveyance of dangerous goods as well as occupational health and safety requirements.