From the 1st January 2000 it has become illegal for
relevant companies to transport, load or unload dangerous goods by
road, rail or inland waterway unless they have appointed an individual
as a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser.
Many companies are ignorant of these new regulations
and as such are operating illegally, with potential for prosecution
by the Health and Safety Executive.
What is
a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) ?
Our DGSAs are qualified individuals who have successfully gained the
relevant Vocational Training Certificate through a course of training
and examinations, approved by the Secretary of State, in accordance
with the Transport of Dangerous Goods (Safety Advisers) Regulations
1999 (TDGSA)
What is
the function of a DGSA ?
(i) Monitoring compliance with the rules governing the transport of
dangerous goods and waste.
(ii) Advising the employer on the transport of dangerous goods and
waste.
(iii) Ensuring that a full Annual Report to the employer on the activities
of the employer concerning the transport of dangerous goods and waste.
(iv) Proper training of the employers, employees and the maintenance
of records of such training.
(Examples extracted
from the TDGSA Regulations, Schedule 2)
Do I need
to appoint a DGSA?
The regulations state that if you are involved in the consignment
or transport (including loading and unloading) of dangerous goods
(waste) you may be required to appoint a DGSA to advise you on health,
safety and environmental matters in connection with the transport
of dangerous goods and waste. Certain threshold levels for volumes
of dangerous goods and waste are stated in the regulations, against
which we will check your compliance.
Companies typically covered by these regulations include
road vehicles and train operators, freight forwarders, warehousers,
or indeed any company loading or unloading dangerous goods on site.
How do
we help you comply?
For companies legally required to employ a Dangerous Goods Safety
Adviser, we provide a complete service including staff training, risk
assessment, specialist segregation and containerisation, supply and
completion of all relevant paperwork, vehicle signalisation, annual
reports etc. ensuring all consignors and operators comply with the
relevant regulations at all times.
If you are unsure of your legal obligations in this
respect, and you regularly consign goods classified dangerous for
transport, please contact Eco Technology Limited for urgent specialist
advice.
We cannot accept responsibility for acts or omissions
resulting from the information given on this web site. The information
is intended to be used as guidance only and has often been simplified
or abbreviated to enable user understanding. The relevant Acts, Regulations
or official guidance notes must be consulted for your own purposes
and understanding. It must be understood that only the courts can
interpret the laws with authority and that it is only Acts and Regulations,
which have the force of law.
