Get to know all the important information about dangerous goods transport in NSW such as dangerous goods awareness and how to get a dangerous goods driver’s licence.
Dangerous goods transport is about handling and moving dangerous goods in NSW and to other states and territories in Australia.
If you are planning on having a career involving Dangerous Goods Transport in NSW, you will be required to secure a dangerous goods driver licence and a dangerous goods vehicle licence. Likewise, you must also undergo training on dangerous goods awareness and handling.
This article will serve as an introduction to the commonly transported dangerous goods and how they are classified. Also, you will learn how to acquire the necessary licences involving the transport of dangerous goods in NSW.
All the Important Facts You Need to Know About Dangerous Goods Transport in NSW
What is the definition of dangerous goods?
Dangerous goods are substances or items possessing chemical or physical characteristics that can cause harm to people, property, and the environment. They are found in homes, offices, commercial establishments, industrial facilities, to name a few.
Dangerous goods include common items such as:
- flammable liquids
- poisons
- compressed gases
- strong acids
- dangerous or volatile chemicals
- radioactive materials
- explosives
More everyday items considered as dangerous goods are:
- lithium batteries
- tools
- toiletries
- aerosols
What are the 9 classes of dangerous goods?
Dangerous goods are grouped according to their properties and the immediate risks they present.
In general, road and rail transport are the usual means of moving dangerous goods from one place to another. Transporting dangerous items using aircraft is a serious matter, and therefore, strict regulations must be in place to prevent accidents from happening.
Whatever type of transportation is used to move dangerous goods, all parties involved must comply with the United Nations (UN) 9 classes of dangerous goods.
Dangerous goods class:
- Explosive materials
- Gases
- Flammable Liquids
- Flammable Solids
- Organic Pesticides and Oxidising Substances
- Toxic and Infectious Substances
- Radioactive Materials
- Corrosive Materials
- Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
1. Explosive materials
Dangerous Goods Class 1 is divided into six subdivisions. Items that belong in this class are explosion and fire hazards. Air transport is not the usual means of moving explosives as they can cause catastrophic damage in the event of an explosion.
2. Gases
Dangerous Goods Class 2 has three subdivisions, namely, toxic gases, flammable gases, and gases that are neither toxic nor flammable
3. Flammable Liquids
Substances belonging to Class 3 of dangerous goods consist of liquids and mixtures of fluids that will emit flammable vapours after reaching specific temperatures. Their flashpoint should not be more than 60.5 degrees Celsius or 140.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Flammable Solids
Flammable solids in Class 4 of dangerous goods are also divided into three subdivisions. Substances in this class have a characteristic of emitting hazardous, combustible gases once they come in contact with water.
5. Organic Pesticides and Oxidising Substances
Class 5 dangerous goods consists of only two subdivisions, oxidising substance and organic peroxides. This class covers agents that react with organic pesticides and oxygen.
6. Infectious and Toxic Substances
Class 6 dangerous substances includes vaccines, arsenic, cyanide, and pathology specimens.
7. Radioactive Materials
Class 7 materials include substances with radioactivity of more than 70 kilobecquerels per kilogram. The ARPANSA, or Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, oversees the use and movement of radioactive materials across Australia.
8. Corrosive Materials
Class 8 dangerous goods don’t have subdivisions. Solids and liquids with corrosive properties all fall under this category. Corrosive materials are those that can cause damage to living tissue and other materials on contact.
These substances are hazardous when transported by air. Leakage can cause damage to other goods and the aircraft, as well. Examples of corrosive substances are mercury, sulphuric acid, and battery acids.
9. Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Miscellaneous dangerous goods are articles and substances which, during transport, pose risks not covered by other classes. Examples of various dangerous goods are chain saws, life rafts, asbestos, and solid dry ice.
What is the Dangerous Goods Act?
According to the NSW Government Service page, those who transport dangerous goods in NSW, by road or by rail, must comply with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code and the dangerous goods legislation. Dangerous goods transport companies in NSW must be familiar with all the dangerous substances and articles listed in the Code.
Those who transport dangerous goods in NSW must meet the technical requirements set out by the Code. Furthermore, they must know their responsibilities in transporting hazardous goods to prevent harm to people, property, and the environment.
Legislation on dangerous goods transport NSW:
Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Regulation 2014 and Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008.
The act is managed by SafeWork NSW and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
The EPA controls the transport of dangerous goods by rail and by road. Moreover, the EPA conducts regular audits to ensure that dangerous goods transport companies always comply with the legislative requirements.
On the other hand, SafeWork NSW regulates proper classification, labelling, and packaging of dangerous goods before they are transported.
What do you need to transport dangerous goods?
How do I get a dangerous goods licence in NSW?
The regulatory body for transporting dangerous goods and authorised by the NSW Government to issue the dangerous goods driver licence is the EPA.
Here’s what you’ll need if you’re involved in the dangerous goods transport NSW:
First, you’ll need to undergo proper training before you can apply for a licence to transport dangerous goods by road. One of the main dangerous goods licence requirements is to complete the TLILIC0001 Training Course.
Next, apply for the dangerous goods drivers’ licence. Again, make sure you have completed the training through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Always check if the RTO is authorised to present the training course. A certificate of completing the training course will be needed later on for the processing of your dangerous goods driver licence in NSW.
How to apply for a dangerous goods driver’s licence in NSW
- Complete the training.
- Acquire a certification from a general practitioner indicating that you are physically fit.
- Make sure your driving history is satisfactory.
- Submit a copy of your vehicle driver’s licence with passport-sized photographs
- Apply for the dangerous goods transport NSW driver’s licence PDF form or by eConnect.
Third, your vehicle may need a dangerous goods vehicle licence if it is transporting receptacles carrying a capacity of more than 500 liquid dangerous goods and more than 500 kilograms of solid dangerous goods. This licence is issued to vehicles such as trailers, driving road-train trailers, B-double trailers, and rigid vehicles.
How to apply for dangerous goods vehicle licence in NSW
- Complete the application form (PDF 384KB) for the dangerous goods vehicle licence.
- Provide your vehicle’s rear image. The image must show the vehicle type and its number plate.
- Give the details about your vehicle such as its registration number and give notice of which class or classes of dangerous goods you are going to transport.
- Take out an insurance policy to cover emergency service costs. Also, it should cover the cleanup cost if there is ever a spill
- Complete the payment for the licence application.
Finally, you are required to have a waste transporter’s license if you are transporting waste in NSW.
Dangerous Goods Licence Cost in NSW
- The cost of applying and renewing for a new dangerous goods driver’s licence valid for 5 years is $57 licence
- You will receive your licence within 20 working days if the EPA finds no issues with all the necessary information you have provided.
- Application and renewal fee is $87 per vehicle.
- Transfer licence is $11 per vehicle
Avoid getting fined of not complying with dangerous goods transport regulations in NSW
Your current driver’s licence won’t do if you’re transporting dangerous goods in NSW. Save yourself from getting the penalties of not complying with government legislation. Enrol now on any of the Dangerous Goods Licence Courses and get accredited in no time. Contact or call us now at 0434 366 758.