Compliance, delivered....
Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor
Do you have milk in your coffee? Ah that's dangerous !
You have indeed read that correctly… milk.
Milk is deemed dangerous when in sufficient enough quantity whereby if it entered a pool of water inhabited by fish, the fish may die.
We’re not talking a four pint carton. Instead, it would need to be gallons upon gallons of milk – sufficient enough to starve water of oxygen.
In 2002, 19,000 litres of milk were at risk of entering a lake that was home to 50,000 fish after a tanker crashed into a bridge. Fire crews worked tirelessly to prevent the milk entering the water – otherwise the results could have been fatal.
In this case, milk in large quantities would be deemed to be environmentally hazardous – the hazard label for which depicts a upside down dead fish!
What do DGSA's really do ?
Employee Safety - By training staff on how to handle dangerous goods correctly, a DGSA helps prevent accidents that could harm employees.
Accident Prevention - They assist in implementing safety measures that reduce the likelihood of accidents, such as spills, fires, or explosions.
Environmental Protection - A DGSA ensures that hazardous materials are handled in ways that minimize their impact on the environment, preventing leaks or contamination.
Correct Documentation - Dangerous goods often require special labeling and documentation for transport. A DGSA ensures these are properly managed to avoid fines and ensure safety.
Safe Transport - They advise on safe transportation routes and methods, making sure that hazardous goods are moved without incident.
Emergency Preparedness - In case of an accident, a DGSA helps the company prepare with proper response plans to minimize damage and protect employees and the public.
Protecting Reputation - A company that safely handles dangerous goods is viewed more favorably by clients, regulatory bodies, and the public, helping protect its reputation.
Legal Compliance - Many countries require businesses that handle, transport, or store dangerous goods to have a DGSA to comply with safety regulations.
Risk Management - A DGSA helps identify and minimize risks related to the handling and transportation of hazardous materials, ensuring a safer working environment.
Do I need a DGSA?
You must have a dangerous goods safety adviser (DGSA) if you transport dangerous goods unless:
- You only do it occasionally, once a quarter for an example
- You’re only receiving the dangerous goods (you’re the ‘consignee’)
- They’re in ‘limited quantities’
- You’re moving them a very short distance by road, for example between buildings on an industrial estate
ROAD
ADR
Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road, you can see why everyone says ADR, As a DGSA I help you understand what is needed and how you can comply with the regulations and also do you need to do it in the first place.
There are some derogations that may ease the requirements.
IMDG
Ocean
Shipping dangerous goods is not difficult provided the rules in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and the booking procedures of the shipping line are understood and followed.
Road transport can also link to IMDG so its important to connect all areas for end to end travel.
Training
Classroom & Virtual
One of the main rules with danergous goods, even when moving limited quantity (LQ) is that personal must be trained in the requirements of ADR commensurate to thier role. This is oftern refered to as ADR aware, this applies to pickers, packers, warehouse staff, forklift drivers, and admin staff if they are dealing with dangergous goods.
We also offer tailor made training based on your needs for certain processes during your part in the hazardous chain.
About me
I have spent over 20 years in the transport and logistics sector holding a number of operational roles including planning, fork lift instructor, HGV Instructor, project manager, operations and contract manager. I am passionate about all things DG and nothing interests me more than supporting across businesses to ensure compliance.
As a DfT certified DGSA and a lead Auditor (ISO9001 & 14001) you can be sure you're in safe hands.
Fancy a coffee ?
Not sure if you need a DGSA?
Need some advice on Dangerous goods? shipping, handling, paperwork?
Need some training?
Your yearly DG audit due?
drop me a line....
Member of the British Association of Dangerous Goods Professionals
BADGP is a not-for-profit association serving people with a passion for dangerous goods transportation either as a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) or other qualified / interested person.
Whats on in the DG world?
10th September 2024 - Webinar - Dangerous Goods Enforcement - Hosted by BADGP - NOW PASSED
Elizabeth Shovelton, Department for Transport, Deputy Divisional Manager, Dangerous Goods and Roadworthiness
Ken Bickell, Hazken Training Limited & BADGP Committee Member
Sgt Jason Dearsley, vice-chair National Carriage of Dangerous Goods Enforcement Forum (NCGDPF) and Essex Police commercial vehicle unit (CVU)
If this appeals, a recording can be obtained via the BADGP website
26th November 2024 - Webinar - ADR 2025 Update - Hosted by BADGP
16th & 17th October 2024 - Seminar - Dangerous Goods Seminar - Hosted by The Vehicle Certification Agency
Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club, Northampton
27th March 2025 - Seminar - BADGP 15th AGM & Annual Industry Seminar
Stratford Upon Avon
21st - 22nd May 2025 - BADGP at ChemUK
NEC
17th - 19th June 2025 - BADGP at Multimodel
NEC
10th July 2025 - National Dangerous Goods Awareness Day
Dangerous Goods Regulations Changes for 2025: 5 Things to Look out For
In 2025 we will see the introduction of new regulations for the carriage of dangerous goods by air, road and sea.
As always, the changes will vary in relevance to every shipper. Here are five of the key changes we’ve identified so far:
- Changes to documentation requirements for ADR shipments
Vehicles carrying ADR loads will now have to carry documents in the driver’s cab. Previously the requirement under ADR 8.1 stated documents should be carried on the ‘transport unit’. In practical terms this may cause a headache for some as consignors today will often attach documents to packages. Mandatory from July 2025, shippers will have to make sure the driver is given a copy of the dangerous goods document for every consignment on the vehicle, in addition to other documents such as instructions in writing.
- Mandated driver training for limited quantities carriers
Drivers carrying dangerous goods in limited quantities must have a training certificate. There is set to be an additional requirement under the LQ provisions (ADR 3.4), to include the application of ADR 8.2.3, mandating personnel involved in the carriage of dangerous goods by road in LQ to have a training certificate.
Currently there is a little wiggle room in the regulations as vehicle crew training is not specifically referred to as a requirement for limited quantities transport. This change makes clear the requirement for training of vehicle crew and drivers of all vehicles ‘involved in the carriage of dangerous goods by road.’
- 11 new UN Numbers
11 new UN Numbers have been introduced into the regulations. From Vehicle, lithium ion battery powered (UN 3556) through to Fire suppressant dispersing devices (UN 0514), and Disilane (UN 3353). If you have any involvement in shipping batteries or fire extinguishers, it’s worth checking whether any of the new UN numbers apply to you.
- Sodium Ion Batteries – new Packing Instructions
Sodium ion batteries are another area where we’re seeing several new UN numbers enter the regulations. These will include Sodium ion batteries (UN 3551), Sodium ion batteries contained in / packed with equipment (UN 3552) and Vehicle, sodium ion battery powered (UN 3558). To go with those UN numbers there are also new packaging instructions for all modes of transport. Worth reviewing if you are already using sodium ion batteries or are looking at how they can be used in your products or operations in the future.
- State of charge changes
The requirement to ship lithium ion batteries (UN 3480) with a state of charge of no more than 30% is set to be expanded to include lithium ion batteries packed with equipment and vehicles powered by lithium ion batteries. This will be recommended for 2025, before becoming mandatory from 1 January 2026. This will create a number of challenges for shippers, and it will be interesting to see how organisations make the necessary changes to their supply chain processes.
In addition to these changes, there are also set to be 13 new special provisions under the ADR regulations, and a further 30 special provisions will see changes and amendments. Whichever dangerous goods you ship, it is worth checking if your operations are affected.
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