From 1999, SI257 (CDG) and more recently SI568 The Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road and Use of Pressurised Receptacles Act 2004 (CDG/TPR) embraced the ADR directives, the latest of which is ADR 2005.
These require companies that load, handle, transport, pack or fill receptacles in all but limited quantities as defined by these Regulations to appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser. (DGSA) It states: "Each undertaking, the activities of which include the carriage, or the related packing, loading, filling or unloading, of dangerous goods by road shall appoint one of more safety advisors for the carriage of dangerous goods, responsible for helping to prevent the risks inherent in such activities with regards to person, property and the environment." (1.8.3.1 ADR 2005).
What is not immediately clear from the above statement is that these regulations can apply to any person who allows dangerous goods to be carried by road, not just the transport operator. This could include anyone who consigns any shipments such as freight forwarders, warehousemen, manufacturers producing goods that will be collected from their factory or waste transfer operations.
The regulations also make it a legal requirement that any persons whose duties concern the carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road shall have received training in the requirements governing the carriage of such goods appropriate to their duties. (1.3.1 & 1.4.1 ADR 2005).
This is a very broad requirement that encompasses personnel employed by the road vehicle operator & the consignor and may include:
– Forklift truck drivers.
– Warehousemen/labourers who load or unload dangerous goods.
– Staff in freight forwarding or shipping agency offices.
– Staff working on waste transfer facilities that handle dangerous goods (such as Asbestos, lead acid batteries, waste oils, LPG Cylinders & clinical wastes etc).
– Drivers of vehicles up to 3.5t GVW are also included.
If you require any advice or training with regard to any of these matters Albion Environmental Ltd can assist you by:
– Conducting an initial audit to see if the regulations apply.
– Providing you with the services of a suitably qualified DGSA.
– Carrying out training for your staff.