The Safe Load Program Course

Everything you need to know about the official Safe Load Program Course, available from CS Transport Training

Terminal operators and trainers in the petroleum industry need the training to enter a fuel terminal or fuel depot safely in order to load a fuel tanker. Licenced drivers of bulk dangerous goods need the same training to safely drive tankers, trucks and other heavy load vehicles to move bulk fuels across the country. This knowledge and skill can only be achieved by taking the Safe Load Program course with CS Transport Training – Here’s what you need to know before taking this course.

What is the Safe Load Program

What is the Safe Load Program?

Safety specialists from the Australian oil industry developed the Safe Load Program (SLP). This single training program removes trainee confusion and prevents repetitive training amongst multiple participants from the petroleum industry. That’s because the SLP training course is common to all SLP participating depots and terminals all over Australia.

History of the Safe Load Program

History of the Safe Load Program

The Safe Load Program was derived from 2 programs previously managed by the Australian Institute of Petroleum (AIP): The Driver Accreditation Training (DAT) and the Pass-2-Load programs.

The DAT program aimed to provide drivers with a knowledge of how to load a road tanker safely, with instruction in product properties, basic health, static electricity, site safety and product transfer. It was created in the mid-1990s and has not changed much from its original design.

SLP released a complete replacement for the DAT (also known as driver passport training) in 2014. This replacement was called SLP “load training”, a name that better describes the purpose of the training being conducted.

Several revisions have been made to the Pass-2-Load program since SLP took over the program in 2009. These revisions have ensured the continuous alignment with the federal and state legislation and Australian standards.

Today, the Safe Load Program is owned jointly by Australian PTY LTD companies Ampol, Viva Energy and BP.

What does the Safe Load Program cover

What does the Safe Load Program cover?

Released in 2014, the SLP training course consists of five modules:

Health and Safety

This training module teaches participants the importance of workplace occupational health. It helps them learn how to control and prevent product contamination. It also teaches participants the most common causes of static electricity, how to take proper precautions against static electrical discharge, and how to shift loading charts and procedures.

After completing this module, participants will also be able to practice the necessary safety regulations when handling petroleum products and identify the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) used in dangerous goods loading and throughout all operations. These guidelines comply with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code and government regulations and guidelines.

The participants will also be able to utilise the essentials of either Safe Performance Self-assessment or Take 5 risk assessment tools before they begin working.

Product properties

This training module touches on the essential properties of petroleum, such as volatility, flammable range, combustible and flammable, auto-ignition temperatures and densities. At the end of the module, participants will be able to recognise these different characteristics of petroleum products.

Vehicle loading

This training module teaches the participants:

  • How to inspect and prepare a tanker for loading bulk dangerous goods.
  • Why it needs to be positioned correctly in the loading bay.
  • How to set up a vehicle to load bulk dangerous goods.
  • How to load bulk dangerous goods.
  • How to safely disconnect a vehicle after loading bulk dangerous goods.
  • How to create loading documentation requirements.
  • How to exit a terminal safely.

Tanker and gantry knowledge

After completing this training module, participants should be able to identify the different hazards when loading vehicles containing bulk dangerous goods. They should also be able to identify equipment and materials that are potential sources of ignition and to demonstrate an awareness of the safety equipment used in the loading of vehicles containing bulk dangerous goods.

Training assessment

Training assessment consists of an online exercise that requires sufficient achievement to verify the participant’s competency. The pass rate is high, considering the majority of the training course is related to the safety of personnel and property.

Who can take the Safe Load Program

Who can take the Safe Load Program?

The SLP course was designed primarily for drivers and contractors in the petroleum transport industry. To qualify for the training course, you must:

  • Hold a Dangerous Goods Drivers Licence or be enrolled in a Dangerous Goods Licence course.
  • Be at least 21 years old.
  • Be able to read, write and understand English.

What happens after taking the Safe Load Program?

Upon successfully completing the course and course assessment, participants will be issued a Safe Load Program Identification Card (SLP ID card). This ID card is recognised across the petroleum industry (but is not to be used to replace any existing licences or permits required by law) and is valid for two years. After this period, the bearer of the ID card will need further competency testing (and further training if necessary) to ensure their continued compliance with safety procedures within SLP participating depots and terminals.

The SLP ID card will contain the trainee’s photo, SLP identification number and the ID card’s expiration date. By obtaining this, drivers will be allowed to move fuels and other bulk dangerous goods throughout the country by driving tankers and other heavy load transportation vehicles.

Safe Load Program courses in New South Wales

Safe Load Program courses in New South Wales

If you plan to take the Safe Load Program in New South Wales, you can’t find anyone better than CS Transport Training. Based in Newcastle, we have 3 decades of experience in the dangerous goods industry in both Australia and the UK.

We cater to clients in Newcastle, Central Coast, Port Stephens, Mid North Coast, Sydney and Hunter Valley regions. We also offer SLP training courses in Brisbane. Send us an email today at chris@cstt.com.au or call us on 0434 366 758 to learn more about our SLP and other training courses.

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