OH&S. Occupational Health & Safety. Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

Transcription

1 OH&S Occupational Health & Safety Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

2 FOREWORD This booklet is to assist you to carry out your job role safely when handling, storing or moving dangerous goods. Please read it carefully. It has been written in plain English and targeted for specific job roles. This booklet is only a guide; please refer to the Australian Dangerous Goods Code and relevant legislation for legal requirements. Alex Gallacher Secretary Transport Workers Union Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know 1

3 CONTENTS WHAT THIS BOOKLET IS ALL ABOUT 4 What are dangerous goods? 4 1. WHO IS INVOLVED? 6 2. DUTIES OF YOUR BOSS 7 3. IF YOU DO ANY OF THESE THINGS 7 4. DUTIES OF PACKERS 8 Marking of packages and unit loads 8 5. DUTIES OF LOADERS 9 6. SEGREGATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS IN VEHICLES AND FREIGHT CONTAINERS 9 7. DUTIES OF DRIVERS 10 What drivers and supervisors need to know about the paperwork CONTRACTORS WHO OWN THEIR VEHICLES LABELS AND PANELS ON A VEHICLE CONTAINING DANGEROUS GOODS EQUIPMENT THAT DRIVERS MUST CARRY ON THEIR VEHICLE 13 Personal protective equipment 13 Portable warning devices 13 Eyewash kit 13 Fire extinguishers 13 APPENDICES 15 A. DUTIES OF YOUR BOSS: the rules in detail 15 Shipping documentation 15 Emergency information 15 Packaging and bulk containers 15 Packaging 15 Bulk containers 15 Freight containers 16 Unit loads 16 Vehicle placarding 16 Vehicle safety standards 16 Mixing dangerous goods with food goods 16 Segregation of incompatible goods 17 What does 'incompatible' mean? 17 Goods that must not be transported on the 17 same combination vehicle Stowage 17 Dangerous goods bulk vehicle licence 17 Emergency plan 17 2 Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

4 B. PACKERS: 19 MARKING ON INNER PACKAGING AND 19 DIMENSIONS OF LABELS AND SIZE OF LETTERING Marking on inner packaging 19 C. SEGREGATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS IN 20 VEHICLES AND FREIGHT CONTAINERS D. DUTIES OF THE DRIVER: the specific details 22 Bulk vehicle licensing and bulk driver s licence 22 Documentation and emergency information 22 Stowage, placarding and vehicle 23 Procedures during transport 23 Parking and standing 24 Unloading 24 Detaching a trailer from a prime mover or 24 combination road vehicle Operation of burners 25 Emergencies 25 Definition of dangerous situation 26 F. LABELS AND PANELS ON A TRUCK 28 CONTAINING DANGEROUS GOODS Definition of placard load 28 Aggregate quantity 28 Packaged dangerous goods 28 Size of class and subsidiary risk placard 29 Other requirements 29 Removal of placarding 29 Bulk goods 29 Bulk dangerous goods 30 Size of panels 30 Divided panels 30 Explanation of an emergency information panel 30 Hazchem emergency action code interpretation 31 G. EQUIPMENT THAT DRIVERS MUST CARRY 32 ON THEIR VEHICLE Guide to personal protective equipment and safety equipment on road vehicles 33 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 34 E. CONTRACTORS WHO OWN THEIR VEHICLES 26 Who is an owner? 26 What is a tanker vehicle? 26 Vehicle safety standards 26 Equipment 27 Insurance 27 Personal protective and safety equipment 27 Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know 3

5 WHAT THIS BOOKLET IS ALL ABOUT This booklet is for road transport workers who prepare, ship, load or transport dangerous goods or supervise others to do so. In recent years there have been changes to the rules about dangerous goods. This booklet gives you an opportunity to see whether your knowledge is up to date. The information in this book was accurate at February What are dangerous goods? Substances or articles with hazardous properties which may, if handled incorrectly, explode, asphyxiate (choke), burn, make explosive mixtures, poison, eat skin or metal, pollute the environment or become unstable if mixed with other products. 4 Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

6 Dangerous goods classifications Each dangerous goods class is represented by a distinctive and specific class label in the shape of a diamond. Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know 5

7 1. WHO IS INVOLVED? Consignor. Driver. Packer. Loader. Contractor. Prime contractor. Clearly, while a lot rests on your boss's shoulders, remember that you are also expected to understand what you have to do and know about dangerous goods. There's more about this later in this booklet. If your boss takes responsibility for consigning dangerous goods by road, he or she becomes what is known as the consignor. Consignors have major responsibilities, including an obligation to inform you as a supervisor or driver that the goods are 'dangerous goods'. The consignor must also ensure that the packaging for the goods is approved and appropriately marked. This means that packers and loaders must also be told about the goods, and know about aspects of the paperwork and how such goods ought to be packed and loaded onto trucks. If you are a contractor using your own vehicle, you also have responsibilities relating to your vehicle's safety standards, equipment, insurance and protective and safety equipment. Your boss is also legally known as the prime contractor, that is, the person conducting a business for or involving the transport of dangerous goods by road, who undertakes to be responsible, or is responsible, for the transport of the goods by road. 6 Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

8 2. DUTIES OF YOUR BOSS 3. IF YOU DO ANY OF THESE THINGS As the consignor, your boss should understand his or her responsibilities, and make sure that if you are supervising work the right things are done in relation to: Shipping documentation. Emergency information. Packages and bulk containers. Freight containers. Unit loads. Vehicle placarding. Vehicle safety standards. Mixing dangerous goods with food goods. Segregation of incompatible goods. Using a segregation device. Stowage. The dangerous goods bulk driver s licence. The dangerous goods bulk vehicle licence. Emergencies involving placard loads. The emergency plan. There are special rules about each of these aspects. They are contained at the end of this booklet to help you understand what is involved. The more you know about them the better it will be for you. The law says that, even though your boss is responsible, you also 'reasonably ought to know' about the rules, so it is in your interest to read about them. Your boss is responsible to instruct, train and supervise you so that in your job you can handle dangerous goods safely and legally. If you do any of these things, you are involved in the transport of dangerous goods: Packing dangerous goods or marking packaged dangerous goods and unit loads. Consigning dangerous goods. Loading or unloading dangerous goods into or out of a vehicle or into or out of a container to be put into a vehicle. Placarding (putting labels or panels) on containers or vehicles in which dangerous goods are transported. Preparing shipping documentation. Maintaining vehicles and equipment used in the transport of dangerous goods. Driving vehicles and equipment used in the transport of dangerous goods. Being the consignee (the receiver) of dangerous goods. Following the legal procedures in a dangerous situation. If you're not sure, look in Appendix A under this heading for more details. Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know 7

9 4. DUTIES OF PACKERS A packer is a person who packs dangerous goods or other goods for transport by road who: Puts the goods in packaging. Puts packaged goods in an outer packaging or unit load for transport by road. Manages, controls or supervises such activities. An acceptable shipping document A packer must not pack dangerous goods if: The packaging is unsuitable or not approved. The package will not be appropriately marked when the goods are transported. The markings are false or misleading. Marking of packages and unit loads A standard marking for a package, when specified in a flow chart for a package, is a marking that includes: (a) the proper shipping name of each type of dangerous goods in the package; and (b) the UN Number for each type of dangerous goods in the package, prefaced with either UN or UN No. ; and (c) a class label for each class of dangerous goods in the package; and (d) at least one each of any subsidiary risk label that is applicable to the goods in the package and that is not the same as any class label applicable to the goods in the package; and (e) the name and address in Australia of the manufacturer or consignor of the dangerous goods, or their agent. If you're not sure about: marking on inner packaging; and/or dimensions of labels and size of lettering; please refer to the heading Marking on inner packaging and dimensions of labels and size of lettering in Appendix B. 8 Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

10 5. DUTIES OF LOADERS In this job you would load dangerous goods or other goods for transport either by: Loading a bulk container, freight container, or tank that is part of a vehicle where the goods are to be transported by road. OR Managing, controlling or supervising such activities. Loaders must ensure that: The load is appropriately placarded (has the correct labels or panels attached) if required. The placarding is not false or misleading. The load is not placarded if it does not contain dangerous goods. If the packaging is damaged or defective, dangerous goods shouldn't be loaded for transport. If you would like to know more about placarding, turn to Appendix F Labels and panels on a truck containing dangerous goods. 6. SEGREGATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS IN VEHICLES AND FREIGHT CONTAINERS Packers, loaders, their supervisors and drivers need to know about the characteristics of certain dangerous goods so that when they are packed and loaded they do not cause danger. Some dangerous goods are too dangerous to be packed with other goods in the same vehicle or freight container. Most explosives, flammable gases, spontaneously combustible goods, oxidizing agents, and organic peroxide and radioactive substances are incompatible. This means that they must not be loaded into the same vehicle or freight container without appropriate segregation from other dangerous goods. A table contained in Appendix C under the same heading as the top of this page illustrates what you need to know about a very wide range of dangerous goods. Supervisors and loaders should keep it in a prominent place and use it as a checklist. Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know 9

11 7. DUTIES OF DRIVERS If you are a driver and you work or propose to work with dangerous goods, you may require a dangerous goods bulk vehicle driver s licence. The tests that you pass to obtain it, and the refresher courses that you undertake every three years, will mean that you 'reasonably ought to know' about these things: The bulk driver s licence. Documentation and emergency information. Stowage, placarding (labels or panels) and your vehicle. Procedures during transport. Parking and standing. Unloading your vehicle. Detaching a trailer. Operation of burners. Emergencies. Definition of a dangerous situation. If you are a supervisor, you may be asked to supply it to the driver on the consignor's behalf. You must ensure that documentation is carried in the Emergency Procedure Guide/Emergency Information holder in the vehicle s cabin. If there is any incident, the driver must give this to any emergency services personnel or other authorised person if they ask. An acceptable shipping document If you want to refresh your memory, or you are a supervisor and wish to find out more about the bulk driver s licence, read about all of these aspects in Appendix D. What drivers and supervisors need to know about the paperwork If you are a driver, your boss (the consignor) must describe the dangerous goods on a shipping document and supply this to you. 10 Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

12 8. CONTRACTORS WHO OWN THEIR VEHICLES Four important points to remember: 1. A separate document must be completed and accompany each consignment of dangerous goods. 2. One document may be used for multiple consignments from one consignor when they are carried on the same vehicle. 3. When dangerous goods and non-dangerous goods are transported on the same vehicle, the dangerous goods must appear first on the shipping document, or be on their own shipping document. 4. If part of a load of dangerous goods is unloaded from your vehicle, the shipping document should be amended after each unloading to provide an estimate of the remainder. If you own your vehicle and use it in the transport industry as a contractor or subcontractor, there are some important things you need to know if you work with dangerous goods. These are detailed in Appendix E under the same heading. To find out more about a driver's duties, please turn to Appendix D. Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know 11

13 9. LABELS AND PANELS ON A VEHICLE CONTAINING DANGEROUS GOODS Your boss must know the laws about the labels and panels that must be fixed to a truck or trailer containing dangerous goods. The attachment of these labels and panels is called 'placarding'. But the law says that if you do any type of work with dangerous goods in the transport industry, then you too probably ought to know something about these labels and panels. For example: When and where they are to be fixed to the truck. How the type and amount of dangerous goods on the load may determine which labels and panels should be used. Where they should go. A vehicle should be placarded if these quantities are to be carried: a. the load contains dangerous goods of Class 6.2; or b. for another load containing dangerous goods of Class 2.1 (except aerosols) or Class 2.3 or dangerous goods of Packing Group 1 (potential for great danger) the aggregate quantity of dangerous goods in the load is at least 250 kg; or c. for any other load the aggregate quantity of dangerous goods in the load is at least 1000 kg. Emergency information panel There's a lot more to know, so if you are in doubt, ask. If you can't get the answers, the detail is contained in Appendix F under the same heading as appears at the top of this page. 12 Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

14 10. EQUIPMENT THAT DRIVERS MUST CARRY ON THEIR VEHICLE All drivers must carry personal protective and safety equipment and fire extinguishers if they carry any class of dangerous goods in a placard load, that is: a. the load contains dangerous goods of Class 6.2; or b. for another load containing dangerous goods of Class 2.1 (except aerosols) or Class 2.3 or dangerous goods of Packing Group 1 the aggregate quantity of dangerous goods in the load is at least 250 kg; or c. for any other load the aggregate quantity of dangerous goods in the load is at least 1000 kg; or d. the load is a bulk load. Personal protective equipment This equipment must be carried in the cabin in a place where it is easy to reach. All heavy items of safety equipment (for example, self-contained breathing apparatus) must be secured to prevent them causing injury to the driver in the event of an accident. For a more detailed guide of what is necessary, please read Appendix G. Portable warning devices The vehicle must carry three double-sided reflector signs that comply with Australian Standard AS3790. Eyewash kit The vehicle must carry an eyewash kit of at least 250 millilitres, filled and ready for use. Fire extinguishers Vehicles transporting packaged dangerous goods must have at least one 30B stored pressure type fire extinguisher, complying with Australian Standard 1841 parts 1 and 5, in an accessible position. Vehicles which transport bulk dangerous goods must be fitted with the minimum of a 10B dry powder type fire extinguisher in the cabin, in addition to: (For vehicles with flammable goods in bulk on a vehicle with a capacity greater than 10,000 litres or kg): Either two 60B dry powder type or one 80B dry powder type and one 20B foam type extinguisher. (For vehicles with non-flammable goods in bulk or flammable goods in bulk on a vehicle with a capacity less than or equal to 10,000 litres or kg): one 60B or two 30B dry powder type extinguishers. Important note An additional towed bulk trailer is treated for these purposes as an individual vehicle and requires an additional set of extinguishers. They must be readily accessible, remote from hose connection points and be secured by quick-release attachments. Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know 13

15 APPENDICES 14 Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

16 A. DUTIES OF YOUR BOSS: THE RULES IN DETAIL As the consignor, your boss should understand his or her responsibilities and make sure that supervisors, packers and loaders understand and do the right thing in relation to: Shipping documentation. Emergency information. Packages and bulk containers. Freight containers. Unit loads. Vehicle placarding. Vehicle safety standards. Mixing dangerous goods with food goods. Segregation of incompatible goods. Using a segregation device. Stowage. The dangerous goods bulk driver s licence. The dangerous goods bulk vehicle licence. Emergencies involving placard loads. The emergency plan. Shipping documentation The prime contractor is the person conducting a business for or involving the transport of dangerous goods by road, who undertakes to be responsible, or is responsible, for the transport of the goods by road. In many cases this is also the consignor. Shipping documentation must be provided to the prime contractor or driver with separate documents for each part of the load if the load is to be split for transport on different vehicles. The consignor must ensure the information on the shipping documentation is not false or misleading. For example, if a person is named as consignor of the dangerous goods but is not the consignor of the goods, that would be false information. Emergency information The consignor must not consign (intend to deliver) a placard load of dangerous goods if the required emergency information is not on the vehicle. Check Emergency Procedure Guides for fire and/or specific substances, or the Australian Standard HB 76. Packaging and bulk containers Packaging A person must not consign packaged dangerous goods for transport by road in packaging unless the packaging is suitable for transport, and is an approved or permitted container and, if plastic, the packaging is not older than five years, unless otherwise approved. Bulk containers Goods listed as too dangerous to be transported in bulk are not to be consigned in bulk. Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know 15

17 A bulk container used to transport dangerous goods: Must be approved and constructed from material compatible with the dangerous goods. Must not be damaged or defective to the extent that it is not safe. Must be maintained, tested, inspected, and used in accordance with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code), Volumes 1 and 2, available from Commonwealth Government bookshops. If you can t locate a copy, ask your boss to provide one. If it is an intermediate bulk container of liquid dangerous goods, it must have a bottom discharge valve and the outlet must be securely sealed with a secondary closure. Freight containers Freight containers used to transport dangerous goods must be: Suitable for transport of the goods. Free of any defect. Clean and dry inside. Free of dangerous goods residues. Unit loads Packaged dangerous goods transported in a unit load must be safe and prepared in accordance with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code and appropriately marked. Vehicle placarding The vehicle carrying the dangerous goods load must be appropriately placarded as required. (If you're not sure about these details, see Chapter 7 of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code about labels and panels on a vehicle). Vehicle safety standards A consignor must not consign dangerous goods unless the vehicle and its equipment complies with vehicle safety standards. Mixing dangerous goods with food goods Dangerous goods of these classes must not be transported by road with food or food packaging: Class 2.3 (toxic gas). Class 6 (toxic and infectious substance). Class 8 (corrosive). Food includes a substance prepared or intended for human or animal consumption, and (except dangerous goods) intended to be an ingredient of food. Food packaging means a food container or material designed or intended to be used in a food container or actually containing food. 16 Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

18 Segregation of incompatible goods What does incompatible mean? Goods are incompatible with dangerous goods of a particular type if they are likely to interact with the dangerous goods to increase risk when mixed or otherwise brought into contact with them. If a placard load of dangerous goods must be transported on the same vehicle with incompatible goods, it must be segregated within an approved segregation device in accordance with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code. Ask your boss for a copy or call your nearest Commonwealth Government bookshop. For further information on compatibility, see the chart in Appendix C called Segregation of dangerous goods in vehicles and freight containers. Goods that must not be transported on the same combination vehicle The following goods must not be transported on the same combination vehicle: Class 5.1 or with subsidiary risk of 5.1 (oxidizing agent) or Class 5.2 (organic peroxide) in bulk, with Class 3 or subsidiary risk of 3 (flammable liquid), or a Combustible Liquid. Class 6.1 (toxic) that are cyanides, with Class 8 (corrosive) that are acids. Class 2.1 (flammable gas) in bulk, with Class 3, Class 4 being Class 4.1 (flammable solid), Class 4.2 (spontaneously combustible), Class 4.3 (dangerous when wet) or Class 5.1 and Class 5.2 in bulk. Stowage A consignor mustn t consign dangerous goods unless the goods are stowed in accordance with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code. Ask your boss for a copy or call your nearest Commonwealth Government bookshop. Dangerous goods bulk vehicle licence A consignor mustn t consign dangerous goods in bulk unless the vehicle is licensed. Emergency plan An emergency plan is a written plan for dealing with any dangerous situation arising from the transport of the goods. It should contain a list of nominated people, their contact details and responsibilities. The plan should be tried, tested and easily enacted, with nominated people being fully trained in their responsibilities. Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know 17

19 A person must not consign a placard load of dangerous goods for transport by road unless an emergency plan has been prepared. If a vehicle transporting a placard load of dangerous goods by road is involved in an incident resulting in a dangerous situation, the consignor must, as soon as practicable after being asked by an authorised officer, or an officer of an emergency service, give information about: The properties of the dangerous goods. Safe methods of handling, containing and controlling the goods. Provision of the equipment and other resources necessary to control the dangerous situation and to contain, control, recover and dispose of the dangerous goods that have leaked, spilled or accidentally escaped. If the prime contractor has the same resources and information, it is sufficient for them to provide the information or resources. Consignors must be aware that packers, loaders, prime contractors, vehicle owners and drivers also have certain duties if they know or reasonably ought to know that dangerous goods are carried. In most cases, this knowledge starts from the consignor. 18 Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

20 B. PACKERS: MARKING ON INNER PACKAGING AND DIMENSIONS OF LABELS AND SIZE OF LETTERING Marking on inner packaging Inner packaging containing 20ml/g or more of Packing Group 1 (PG1) substances (defined as having the potential for 'great danger') must be clearly marked with the proper shipping or technical name, the appropriate class label and (if appropriate) the subsidiary risk label. When packages are required to be marked, the label size must be at least the size specified, but the size of lettering is only desirable, not mandatory. * PG II ** PG III Not a manufactured product *** PG III A manufactured product a manufactured product is a mixture of Class 3 dangerous goods of PG II or III with at least 10% of non-volatile materials such as resins, waxes and pigments. Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know 19

21 C. SEGREGATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS IN VEHICLES AND FREIGHT CONTAINERS For explanations of what the symbols or numbers mean, please refer to page 21. Note: A colour version of this chart is printed on the back cover. 20 Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

22 Packers, loaders, their supervisors and drivers need to know about the characteristics of certain dangerous goods so that when they are packed and loaded they do not cause danger. Put simply, most explosives, flammable gases, spontaneously combustible goods, oxidizing agents, organic peroxide and radioactive substances are incompatible. This means that they must not be loaded into the same vehicle or freight container without appropriate segregation. What the symbols or numbers in the table on page 20 mean O means compatible and therefore may be loaded into the same vehicle or freight container. N means incompatible and must therefore not be loaded into the same vehicle or freight container without appropriate segregation. (1) only in accordance with the Australian Explosive Code and State or Commonwealth legislation. (2) means incompatible when both classes are in bulk. (3) means incompatible when a Class 6 substance is a fire risk substance, and may therefore not be loaded into the same vehicle or freight container without appropriate segregation. (4) means incompatible when a Class 9 substance is a fire risk substance, and may therefore not be loaded into the same vehicle or freight container without appropriate segregation. (5) when a Class 6 is a cyanide and Class 8 is an acid. (6) when a Class 3 substance is nitromethane. (7) except when one substance is calcium hypochlorite (dry or hydrated) and its mixtures and other substance is any dichloroieccyanuric acid, trichloroisocyanuric acid, or chloroisocyanurate, or when one substance is ammonium nitrate and the other is either of the two acids above, or any tetrantromethane, chlorocisocyanurate, chlorite, hypochlorite, any bromate or any inorganic nitrite. (8) except when one substance is concentrated strong acid and the other substance is concentrated alkali. (9) for segregation of undeveloped photographic film, personnel and mail - see requirements of the Code of Practice for Safe Transport of Radioactive Substances. Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know 21

23 D. DUTIES OF THE DRIVER: THE SPECIFIC DETAILS If you are a driver, you 'reasonably ought to know' about these things: The bulk driver s licence. Documentation and emergency information. Stowage, placarding (labels or panels) and your vehicle. Procedures during transport. Parking and standing. Unloading your vehicle. Detaching a trailer. Operation of burners. Emergencies. Definition of dangerous situation. Bulk vehicle licensing and bulk driver s licence A driver must not drive a vehicle carrying bulk dangerous goods unless the vehicle is licensed to carry dangerous goods. In addition, the driver mustn't drive a vehicle transporting dangerous goods in bulk unless he or she is mentally and physically fit and possesses a current dangerous goods bulk driver s licence. The transport of bulk dangerous goods constitutes a substantial risk to the public and the environment. Therefore, drivers of such vehicles must have maturity, special knowledge and expertise to be eligible to be granted a dangerous goods bulk driver s licence. Bulk (in relation to the carriage of dangerous goods) is defined as: Gases (Class 2): in a container having a capacity exceeding 500 litres. All other classes: in a container having a capacity exceeding 450 litres or in a container having a mass exceeding 400 kilograms. A dangerous goods bulk driver s licence is not required when: (a) The goods are transported in intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), rigid or flexible portable bulk containers designed for mechanical handling, with up to a maximum of 3,000 litres, usually 1,000 litres, that take a form such as a bulk bag or a tank on a pallet. (b) The IBCs are not filled or emptied on the vehicle. (c) The total capacity of the IBCs on the vehicle is not more than 3,000 litres. Documentation and emergency information The driver must ensure that a dangerous goods shipping document is carried, together with any necessary emergency information in the holder attached to the cabin door. 22 Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

24 Stowage, placarding and vehicle A driver must ensure that: The goods have been correctly loaded and secured. All packaged dangerous goods are stowed and secured within either a closed vehicle body, freight container, or the rigid sides or gates and tailgate of the vehicle. In the case of a placard load, the load contains only compatible substances or is segregated (see the details about segregation in Appendix C). The appropriate signs are clearly and correctly displayed. A driver must not drive a vehicle: With a placard load of dangerous goods if the placarding is false or misleading. With a load that does not contain dangerous goods but is placarded as if it were a placard load. That is not suitable to transport dangerous goods. That is not free from any defect that is likely to create a risk in the transport of the goods. With any defective equipment, for example, faulty load restraint equipment. All equipment must be suitable for the purpose. That carries a placard load without the necessary personal protective and safety equipment, necessary fire extinguishers and portable warning devices. Procedures during transport The driver must comply with all instructions given by the government and the prime contractor regarding route, procedures, rest stops, etc. If a vehicle with a placard load of dangerous goods is: broken down or immobilised; stopped on a road; or a traffic hazard; the driver must do all of the following: Alert other road users of the hazard, by operating the flashing hazard lights (if it is safe to do so). Place portable warning devices on the ground 50 to 150 metres to the front and rear of the vehicle. One should also be placed beside the vehicle on the side closer to traffic. Operate the battery isolation switch (if fitted) when the vehicle is carrying bulk dangerous goods and is left unattended, unless it is necessary to leave the lights on to prevent a traffic hazard or comply with any law. The driver must not: Carry any unauthorised passengers. Smoke or light or carry any fire or matches or cigarette lighters on the road vehicle and not permit any other person on board to do so if transporting bulk dangerous goods having a principal risk or Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know 23

25 subsidiary risk of Class 2.1 (flammable gases), Class 3 (flammable liquids), Class 4 being 4.1 (flammable solids), 4.2 (spontaneous combustible) and 4.3 (dangerous when wet) or Class 5 being 5.1 (oxidizing agents) and 5.2 (organic peroxides). Parking and standing The driver must not park or leave the vehicle standing: In a built-up area with public access. Within 15 metres of any building in which there is or is likely to be a concentration of people (except premises for loading and unloading). Any other place in which there is likely to be a concentration of people. Within eight metres of another vehicle which is transporting a placard load of dangerous goods. A vehicle transporting dangerous goods of Class 2.1, 3, 4 or 5 or with a subsidiary risk of 2.1, 3, 4 or 5 must not be parked or left standing within 15 metres of a naked flame. The driver may park or leave the vehicle standing if it is reasonable to do so and for no longer than necessary: For loading and unloading. If the vehicle is broken down. Because of a dangerous situation involving the vehicle. To comply with the requirement of any law (for example, short logbook rest requirements). For a brief rest or refreshment break. Unloading The driver must not unload the consignment from the vehicle unless: the consignee (the person receiving the goods or a person acting on behalf of the consignee) is present and receives the goods; or arrangements have been made with the consignee for the goods to be unloaded into a secure place and the goods must be unloaded into that secure place. If some of the goods are unloaded during the journey, the remaining load must be rearranged and secured to comply with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code. Ask your boss for a copy or obtain one from any Commonwealth Government bookshop. Detaching a trailer from a prime mover or combination road vehicle A trailer containing dangerous goods should not be detached from a prime mover other than: At a declared vehicle marshalling area where loading and unloading is permitted. At a transport depot designed for loading and unloading of goods. For the immediate exchange of trailers between prime movers. 24 Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

26 In an emergency in the interest of safety provided the trailer is correctly supported and secured. In the event of the vehicle being disabled on a road or street. Operation of burners Burners to heat the load must not be operated when the vehicle is moving. Burners for bitumen sprayers must not be operated while spraying. Emergencies If a vehicle transporting dangerous goods by road is involved in an incident resulting in a dangerous situation, the driver must do all of the following: Report it to the police or fire services as soon as practicable. Report it to the prime contractor as soon as practicable. Provide reasonable assistance required by an authorised officer or officer of the emergency services to deal with the situation. The driver should also take all safe and practicable steps including all of the following: Carry out any emergency procedures recommended. Carry out the procedures set out in any emergency plan (see the last item at the end of Appendix A commencing on page 17). Prevent other vehicles, other dangerous goods and any source of ignition from coming within 15 metres of the vehicle involved (or if a greater distance is specified in emergency information): that distance if there has been as escape of flammable dangerous goods. Warn or cause to be warned any person in the vicinity who may be at risk. Prevent or minimise the escape of the dangerous goods and their entry into drains, sewers or natural watercourses. The prime contractor and driver must, as soon as practicable after the incident, inform the government about: The time, date, place and the nature of the incident. Details of the dangerous goods being transported at the time of the incident. Within 21 days, both the prime contractor and driver must give a written report to the government about the incident, including: Time, date and place the incident happened. The nature and the likely cause of the incident. The dangerous goods transported at the time. Measures taken to control any leak, spill or escape of the goods and any fire or explosion arising out of the incident. Measures taken after the incident in relation to the dangerous goods involved in the incident. Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know 25

27 E. CONTRACTORS WHO OWN THEIR VEHICLES Definition of dangerous situation A dangerous situation is a situation involving the transport of dangerous goods by road or rail that is causing or is likely to cause imminent risk of death or injury to a person, or harm to the environment or to property. If you own your vehicle and use it in the transport industry as a contractor or subcontractor, there are some important things you need to know if you work with dangerous goods. Who is an owner? An owner is the sole owner, a joint owner or part owner of the vehicle or has possession or use of the vehicle under a credit, hire-purchase, lease or other agreement, except an agreement requiring the vehicle to be registered in the name of someone else. What is a tanker vehicle? For the transportation of dangerous goods in bulk in the form of liquid or gas, a tanker is a vehicle which has a tank as part of its structure, or a tank attached. A tanker must not be used or permitted to be used unless it is approved; is maintained, tested and inspected as per the Australian Dangerous Goods Code; and is used in accordance with the tank s compliance plate. Vehicle safety standards The owner of a vehicle must not use or permit the vehicle to be used to transport dangerous goods unless it is all of the following: Suitable for transporting the goods. Free from any defect that is likely to create a risk in transporting the goods. Clean. 26 Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

28 In the case of tank vehicles, free from dangerous goods that are incompatible with dangerous goods to be transported. Fitted with twist-locks or other equipment for securing a container on the vehicle. Equipment The vehicle owner must ensure that any equipment that is on the vehicle and used in loading and unloading or transferring bulk dangerous goods to or from the vehicle is suitable for the purpose and is free from any defect. Insurance A vehicle transporting a placard load of dangerous goods must be covered by a policy of insurance or other form of indemnity with respect to: property damage, personal injury and other damage (excepting consequential economic loss) arising out of any fire, explosion, leakage or spillage of dangerous goods in, on or from the vehicle or container transported on the vehicle; and cost incurred by or on behalf of a government authority in a clean-up resulting from any event of the above kind. The amount of the insurance or indemnity must be for a sum that is not less than: in the case of a road vehicle transporting packaged dangerous goods: $1,000,000 per event and; in the case of a road vehicle transporting dangerous goods in bulk: $2,500,000 per event. The government may require the person to produce written evidence that the vehicle is insured, or is otherwise indemnified. This evidence must be produced within 14 days. Personal protective and safety equipment The owner of a vehicle must not use the vehicle or allow the vehicle to be used to transport a placard load of dangerous goods unless the vehicle is equipped with fire extinguishers and any necessary personal protective and safety equipment. Refer to appendix G. Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know 27

29 F. LABELS AND PANELS ON A TRUCK CONTAINING DANGEROUS GOODS A boss or a supervisor must know the laws about the labels and panels that must be fixed to a truck or trailer containing dangerous goods. The attachment of these labels and panels is called 'placarding'. Definition of 'placard load' A load of dangerous goods is a placard load if the load contains dangerous goods in bulk. A load of dangerous goods is also a placard load if the load does not contain dangerous goods in bulk, or is not a consumer commodity load, but: the load contains dangerous goods of Class 6.2 (Infectious Substance); or (in the case of another load containing dangerous goods of Class 2.1 (Flammable Gas) (except Aerosols) or Class 2.3 (Toxic Gas) or dangerous goods of Packing Group 1 ('great danger') the aggregate quantity of dangerous goods in the load is at least 250; or (in the case of any other load) the aggregate quantity of dangerous goods in the load is at least 1,000. Aggregate quantity The aggregate quantity is the total of: The number of kilograms of solid dangerous goods and aerosols. The number of litres or kilograms, whichever is used in the shipping documentation of liquid dangerous goods (except Class 2). The total capacity in litres of containers of dangerous goods of Class 2 (except aerosols). Packaged dangerous goods Packaged goods are goods contained in individual containers which have a capacity less than bulk. Vehicles carrying a plackard load must display at front and rear: class labels appropriate for the dangerous goods carried, and subsidiary risk placard (if applicable). A mixed class label may be used if more than one class of dangerous goods is carried; alternatively, the class labels and subsidiary risk labels (if applicable) for each of the classes of dangerous goods carried may be used. When the vehicle is required to be placarded, the placarding must be all of the following: Securely fixed to the vehicle or placed securely in a frame that is securely fixed to the vehicle. Legible, not obscured and not obscuring other statutory marking, for example, registration plates. Durable and weather resistant. Mounted on a part of the vehicle of a contrasting colour to the colour of the placard unless the border is of a contrasting colour and design. 28 Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

30 Size of class and subsidiary risk placard A class and subsidiary risk placard for use on freight containers and vehicles must be at least 250mm square. Other requirements When a vehicle transporting dangerous goods is required to be placarded, the following additional items must be carried: Dangerous Goods Initial Emergency Response Guide/Emergency Procedure Guides. Personal protective and safety equipment relative to the classes of dangerous goods being transported. Fire extinguishers. Reflector signals. Removal of placarding All placarding must be removed or covered up when the vehicle, container or tanks are rendered free from dangerous goods. Bulk goods Bulk is defined as: Gases (Class 2): in a container having a capacity exceeding 500 litres. All other classes: in a container having a capacity exceeding 450 litres or in a container having a mass exceeding 400 kilograms. Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know 29

31 Bulk dangerous goods Emergency Information Panels (EIPs) must be displayed on vehicles, tanks or containers in which or on which dangerous goods are carried in bulk. This is so that the dangerous goods and the method of dealing with them in the event of an emergency are clearly identified. Size of panels EIPs must be 800mm x 600mm. However, if an intermediate bulk container or tank has a capacity of not more than three cubic metres, half scale panels (that is, 400mm x 300mm) may be used. Divided panels Where a panel cannot be mounted as a whole because of obstructions, it may be divided in two parts and mounted either side of the obstruction. Explanation of an emergency information panel The Class Label and Subsidiary Risk Label Toxic Gas (Class 2) and Corrosive (Class 8) (Note: number "8" does not appear on Subsidiary Risk) Proper shipping name for the dangerous goods: Ammonia Anhydrous. The number assigned by the United Nations Committee of Experts: Hazchem Code: 2RE. Emergency service to be contacted: 000 Police or Fire Brigade. The name and telephone number must be displayed (including STD number) of an organisation in Australia which is staffed at all times while the vehicle is carrying dangerous goods. An after-hours number may be listed. This service must provide technical advice on hazards, method of control and the vehicle and its equipment. 30 Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

32 Hazchem emergency action code interpretation The numeral indicates the recommended medium for fire fighting and/or, where appropriate, dispersing spillage as follows: 1. Water jets. 2. Water fog. In the absence of fog, a fine spray may be used. 3. Foam. 4. Dry agent. Water must not be allowed to come into contact with the dangerous goods at risk. The first letter indicates as follows: Note: (a) Full protective clothing must include, as a minimum, breathing apparatus, protective gloves, appropriate boots and a chemical splash suit. In the case of some chemicals, a fully sealed gas suit is required. (b) Where breathing apparatus is indicated, chemically impervious protective gloves should be worn. (c) Dilute indicates that the substance may be diluted with large quantities of water. Whenever practicable, diluted substances should be contained and prevented from entering drains and water courses. (d) Contain indicates the need to prevent any spillage from entering drains or water courses. The letter E is added when evacuation of people from the neighbourhood of an incident should be considered by the emergency service. Actual evacuation is a matter for decision by the emergency services personnel who take into account all relevant factors. Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know 31

33 G. EQUIPMENT THAT DRIVERS MUST CARRY ON THEIR VEHICLE All drivers must carry personal protective and safety equipment if they are transporting a placard load or if they carry any class of dangerous goods in bulk, that is: Gases (Class 2) in a container having a capacity exceeding 500 litres. All other classes in a container having a capacity exceeding 450 litres or in a container having a mass exceeding 400 kilograms. Refer to the guide to personal protective equipment and safety equipment on road vehicles on page Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

34 Guide to personal protective equipment and safety equipment on road vehicles Note 1: Self-contained breathing apparatus if required by other legislation where the driver attends to loading or transfer of goods. Otherwise short-term breathing apparatus for escape purposes is required. Note 2: Where the dangerous goods may give rise to harmful vapours, gases or dust, self-contained breathing apparatus may be required by other legislation where the driver attends to loading or transfer of goods. Otherwise short-term breathing apparatus for escape purposes is required. Self-contained breathing apparatus is not required for flat top vehicles loaded with intermediate bulk containers or packages only. Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know 33

35 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS DISCLAIMER Commonwealth of Australia funded under the Workplace Language and Literacy Program by the Commonwealth through the Department of Education Training and Youth Affairs. Department of Information and Administrative Services, Mr John McKenzie, Senior Scientific Officer, Dangerous Goods Ph WorkCover Corporation, Safer Industries Road Freight Transport Committee. Transport Training Advisory Board SA Inc: Ms Romana Wereszczak. Queensland Department of Transport, Dangerous Goods Booklet. Safety symbols courtesy of Ron Bath S.O.S. Safety Signs, Unit 5/543 Churchill Road KILBURN SA5084 Phone: (08) This guide is intended to help those involved in preparing, shipping, loading and transporting dangerous goods to implement the legislative changes in their current operations. The information contained in this guide is an interpretation of the above regulation and the new Australian Dangerous Goods Code, Sixth Edition (ADG Code), Vol 1 and 2. It is not intended to replace the ADG Code but to be read in conjunction with it. In particular, the Transport Training Advisory Board SA Incorporated, its agents, officers and employees make no representations, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information and data contained in the publication; accept no liability for any use of the said information or reliance placed on it; and make no representations, either expressed or implied, as to the suitability of the said information for any particular purpose. Produced by Heaton Consultancies. Written and edited by John Bridgland, using the Queensland Department of Transport, Dangerous Goods Guide to New Requirements as the reference source. Printed by Hyde Park Press. 34 Transporting Dangerous Goods What every transport worker needs to know

36 SEGREGATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS: IN ROAD VEHICLES AND FREIGHT CONTAINERS