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Transport of Dangerous Goods in Australia

25 June 2018 by Vera Hart

Dangerous goods refer to solids, liquids and gases that can harm people, the environment or property due to their physical or chemical properties. In Australia, transport of dangerous goods is guided by the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADGC). This document, in conjunction with state and national laws, standardizes how dangerous goods should be transported.

The following is a list of dangerous goods according to the ADGC.

• Flammable liquids, Class 3
• Substances prone to combustion, Division 4.2
• Gases, Class 2
• Flammable solids, Division 4.1
• Flammable liquids, Class 3
• Dangerous substances when wet, Division 4.3
• Organic Peroxides, Division 5.2
• Corrosive substances, Class 8
• Toxic substances, Division 6.1
• Class 9 of miscellaneous dangerous substances

If you would want to transport dangerous goods in Australia, you will need to make the following considerations.

Packaging

Dangerous goods have to be packaged in a manner that occupies a considerable volume and is well designed to allow mechanical handling. Outer and inner packaging is often required to avoid spills and leakages. Drums, boxes and bags are some of the packaging materials used. Packaging materials undergo a leak-proof test, internal pressure test and a stacking test based on the contents to be ferried.

Labeling

Each of the classes of dangerous goods has a unique label that informs what is being transported. Also, you are expected to provide information on the specifics of the dangerous goods under transport as part of the labeling procedure.

Weight

The code also gives specifications on what amount of a specific dangerous good can be transported at a time. The reason for this is to avoid massive loss of life and property in case of an accident.

Safety

Safety requirements for the transport of dangerous goods include fire extinguishers and proper clothing when loading the substances. The cargo has to be well mounted and secured with mountings, skids and stabilizers which also facilitate manual handling. The procedure for emergencies in case of an accident is also a safety consideration when transporting dangerous goods.

Transportation Vehicle

Dangerous goods can be transported by rail or via road. Depending on the class and nature of the dangerous substance, special vehicles are required in its transport. In addition, the driver has to be qualified in driving the vehicle class prescribed during the transportation of dangerous goods.

Proper documentation is also required when transporting dangerous goods.

Transport of dangerous goods is a technical activity as it requires a lot of caution. The vehicle used, safety standards, weight of the material, labelling and packaging are critical transport requirements.

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