Anyone who may handle dangerous goods and/or hazardous substances
You will need the correct license
If you are work includes transporting dangerous goods, you will need to get a Dangerous Goods Licence in addition to your regular driver’s license. This post will talk about dangerous goods transportation in NSW, including dangerous goods awareness and how to obtain a dangerous goods driver’s license.
What are dangerous goods?
According to WorkSafe Victoria, corrosive, flammable, combustible, explosive, oxidizing or water-reactive compounds, are among the materials considered to be dangerous commodities that have the potential to cause explosions or fires, as well as significant injury, death, and widespread damage.
What Are the Different Classes of Dangerous Goods?
The Harmful Goods Act of 1985 (DG Act) establishes what constitutes dangerous goods and the National Transport Commission has specified the following classes as dangerous goods:
1. Explosives
There are six subdivisions for this category. These goods have the potential to ignite or detonate because of a chemical interaction. Explosives are designated as hazardous products for a simple reason: They have the potential to explode.
2. Gases
There are three subdivisions for this category which are made up of compressed gases, liquid gases, chilled gases, mixes of gases with other vapours, and goods charged with gases or aerosols are all included.
3. Flammable Liquids
Liquids and combinations of fluids that will produce flammable vapours after reaching certain temperatures are classified as Class 3 hazardous products. The temperature of its flashpoint should not exceed 60.5 degrees Celsius.
4. Flammable Solids
Divided into three subdivisions, flammable solids are goods that are easily combustible and are likely to start or contribute to a fire when transported in the circumstances they will face.
5. Oxidising Substances and Organic Peroxides
Class 5 items are called oxidisers and they are divided into two categories. They can cause or contribute to combustion by producing oxygen as a by-product of chemical processes.
6. Toxic and Infectious Substances
Divided into two subdivisions, if substances from this category come into touch with humans or animals, they are likely to cause death, serious damage, or substantial impairment to their health.
7. Radioactive Materials
When radioactive materials decay, they generate ionizing radiation, which is classified as a Class 7 good. This poses a threat to human health.
8. Corrosive Materials
Corrosive chemicals, by their very nature, generate chemical reactions that deteriorate or disintegrate other materials when they come into contact. When this comes into touch with live tissue, it can cause serious injury and, if not carried properly, can also damage and destroy surrounding objects.
9. Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
According to DGI Global, this category of dangerous goods consists of “Environmentally hazardous substances, substances that are transported at elevated temperatures, miscellaneous articles and substances, genetically modified organisms and microorganisms and magnetized materials and aviation regulated substances”.
Identifying dangerous goods
When transporting goods, it is always good to know which category they fall into so you can be mindful while driving. The easiest way to determine if an item is a dangerous good would be to check the label or the accompanying shipping/transport documents, but other options to check for dangerous goods include:
- Checking the safety data sheet.
- Check if the product is listed in the ADG Code.
- Having the products tested to the ADG Code criteria.
2020 Regulations Amendments
The Dangerous Goods Amendment Regulation 2020 was announced on October 9th of that year. It modifies the Dangerous Goods Regulation 2014 to reflect the new ADG Code and model legislation edition 7.7, ensuring that they are applied in NSW. According to NSW EPA, the most notable changes made that you should know are:
- Just one photograph is required for applications for dangerous goods driver licenses and renewals of such licenses.
- The concept of “an offence” is defined so that it is consistent with applications for dangerous goods driver licenses.
How can I apply for a dangerous goods driver’s license in NSW?
- You must first complete adequate training from a TLILIC0001 Training Course – one of the major criteria for a hazardous goods license.
- Fill out an application for a dangerous goods driver’s license through a reputable, reliable Registered Training Organization (RTO) such as CS Transport Training.
- Complete the necessary training given by the RTO.
- Obtain a general practitioner’s certification of medical fitness to drive
- Provide your certified driving history record of satisfactory driving along with a passport-sized picture and a copy of your driver’s license for your current vehicle.
How can I apply for a dangerous goods vehicle license in NSW?
If the vehicle you will be driving transports the following dangerous products, both a dangerous goods driver’s license and a dangerous goods vehicle’s license are necessary:
- Any number of harmful products in a container with a capacity of more than 500l.
- Any quantity of dangerous goods in a container with a capacity of more than 500l.
- Any container holding more than 500kg of hazardous materials.
The first step to becoming a dangerous goods driver is to fill out NSW EPA’s application form which asks for general contact information, vehicle details and a clear photo of the rear of your vehicle (including license plate and vehicle type).
Once the application is submitted, all criteria have been successfully met and the NSW EPA is happy with the information provided, you will receive the license within 20 working days.
It is important to note that you must have a good track record for driving and a good level of medical fitness. The EPA should also be contacted beforehand if you have had a disqualified, suspended or cancelled license in the last 5 years.
Complete your dangerous goods training with CS Transport Training
If you require a Dangerous Goods Driver’s License or a Dangerous Goods Vehicle License in NSW, apply through CS Transport Training’s official application form or online through eConnect.
The cost of the Dangerous Goods Driver’s License application is $57, and the cost of the Dangerous Goods Vehicle License application is $87 per vehicle. Both are valid for 5 years.
Get your Dangerous Goods Awareness Certificate with CS Transport Training!
Transporting dangerous items needs a unique combination of skills and expertise to ensure the safety of both the workers and the other products being carried and so, drivers who will be transporting dangerous chemicals and goods must have special training.
For additional information on the Dangerous Goods License Course and Dangerous Goods Awareness Class, please visit us at cstt.com.au to view our official course breakdown, or send us a message by clicking here for our online contact form, or simply call us on 0434 366 758.