Important Facts About Transporting Dangerous Goods

Transporting dangerous goods such as fuels, chemicals and explosives is an important and dangerous job. A job that requires varying licenses depending on which goods you are planning to transport. It also important to understand the requirements of storing and handling dangerous goods and hazardous chemicals.

We here at Nationwide Training provide a variety of certified courses in WA that will leave you confident in the transportation and storage of dangerous goods in Australia. Below you will find some of the important facts that you will need to know if you are going to transport dangerous materials.

The 9 classes of dangerous goods

In Australia all dangerous goods are separated into nine different ‘classes’.

It is important to know and understand these different classes of dangerous goods even if you only plan on transporting or storing one specific type. Nationwide Training offer a variety of training courses to guide you on your journey such as our Explosives Transport Drivers Licence, Dangerous Goods Driver’s Licence, Dangerous Goods Storage and Handling.

The nine classifications of dangerous goods are as follows:

  1. Explosive Materials
  2. Gases
  3. Flammable Liquids
  4. Flammable Solids
  5. Organic Pesticides and Oxidising Substances
  6. Toxic and Infectious Substances
  7. Radioactive Materials
  8. Corrosive Materials
  9. Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

Here at Nationwide Training we have a Dangerous Goods Segregation Wheel available for purchase that serves as an incredibly easy to use reference tool that can be stored in the cab of a truck. It complies with the Australian dangerous goods code and is an essential item for those who are dispatching or receiving and transporting dangerous goods.

Dangerous Goods Segregation Wheel - Nationwide Training Perth

What you need to know when transporting and storing dangerous goods

There are requirements you will need to know about when transporting dangerous goods to maintain the safety of yourself and others.

  1. Segregation

You will need to know how to keep your goods separated and in compliance with all rules and regulations. It’s important for you know what goods cannot be transported or stored with others, and specifically what those are, as this can lead to highly dangerous reactions like fires and explosions. Some goods may need to be stored in separate containers or separate vehicles entirely.

  1. Storage Temperatures

Some transported goods will have maximum storage temperatures. If these storage temperatures are not adhered to this can cause unwanted and dangerous reactions.

You must constantly be aware of the storage temperatures the materials must be stored at to maintain your safety.

  1. Flash Points

Much like storage temperatures you must be aware of the flash points of the materials you are transporting. A flash point is the minimum temperature it will take for materials, such as flammable liquids, to ignite and explode.

  1. Documentation

Transporting dangerous goods is a job that requires documentation. This documentation can be asked for at anytime so you must always possess the correct documents that outline what goods you are carrying and also contain the name and phone number of the consignor. There are also many states that completely prohibit the transportation of dangerous goods in certain zones, so this must be taken in to consideration when you are planning your routes.

  1. Correct Labels

This definitely goes without saying but all goods must be labelled accurately and match up to all documentation that is being carried.

Acts and Legislation

When transporting or storing dangerous goods in Australia you must be knowledgeable about and compliant with all respective Acts and Legislation.

The Australian Code for the Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail is a must have reference book that covers all legislation and code that must be adhered to when transporting explosive material.

Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail - Nationwide Training Perth

The Australian Dangerous Goods Code for Road & Rail is a must have reference book that covers all legislation and codes that must be adhered to when transporting and storing dangerous goods.

What do you need to have to hold a license

To transport dangerous goods you will first have to have undertaken the appropriate training such as our Dangerous Goods Drivers License before undertaking job specific training for jobs such as fuel, chemicals and explosives transportation.

To hold these licenses there are a few requirements such as:

  1. Be at least 21 years old
  2. Hold or have applied for a Western Australian dangerous good security card or a recognised security clearance
  3. Hold a current Australian drivers license
  4. Have a good driving history over the previous 5 years
  5. Have passed an approved explosives driver training course in the last six months
  6. Have passed a medical assessment meeting the required standards within the last six months
  7. Have passed the relevant offence requirements

Nationwide Training provides certified training to get you on the road and transporting dangerous goods confidently and safely. Contact us for more information or if you have any queries.