TRANSPORTING DANGEROUS GOODS © DON'T RISK IT ON THE ROAD © a CONSIGNORS a PRIME. CONTRACTORS © VEHICLE OWNERS s DRIVERS Safety © ... think it, talk it, work it ©2 What are the laws? The Road Transport (Dangerous Goods) Act 1995 established national standards in Victoria in 1998 by bringing into operation Commonwealth legislation. ‘The main reference for the laws is the Australian Dangcrous Goods Code (6” Edition). This is a practical guide to safely transporting dangerous goods and meeting the requirements of the laws. The legislation includes: Road Transport (Dangerous Goods) Act 1995 Commonwealth Road Transport Reform (Dangerous Goods) Act 1995 Road Transport (Dangerous Goods) (Licence Fees) Regulations 1998 Dangerous Goods (Transport) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 ‘The main changes to protect people, property and the environment include: ® nationally recognised licences for drivers of bulk transport vehicles ® vehicle licences to apply to trailers not prime movers new threshold for “bulk” % increased penalties for unsafe transport ~ improved information on packages:If you are a consigner, prime contractor or vehicle owner... Dangerous goods are a risk to people, property and the environment. ‘To help prevent accidents, consignors, prime contractors and vehicle owners have to take special care under dangerous goods transport regulations. A consignor is identified on the shipping documents as hiring a prime contactor to carry dangerous goods or is responsible for the goods before they are transported. The prime contractor is responsible for the goods during transport. ‘The vehicle owner may be a sole, joint or part owner of a vehicle and may have po: n of the vehicle under credit, lease or other arrangement. An owner may also be a consignor or a prime contractor. Obligations for those responsible for the safe transport of dangerous goods include: + signage using suitable vehicles ~ safe loading and stowage ~ shipping documents ~ safety information and equipment ~ emergency planning and responseWhat consignors and prime contractors have to do... 1. Containers packaging safe for transporting? The consignor must ensure packaging is suitable for transport by road. Requirements include: leakproof ~ if vented, leakproof and protected from contamination tested and marked adequate ullage space if filled with liquids able to maintain the integrity of wetted or diluted substances free from corrosion or contamination. + pressure resistant if required fe for transporting? oo oe o Are bulk containers A bulk* container must be: ~ of material that is compatible with the dangerous good safe for road transport * free of defects and damage Safely checks for different lypes of bulk containers Tanks ‘Tanks must:-be: © maintained, tested and inspected ~ used as specified on the compliance plate * “Bulk” means a container with a capacity of more than 5001 for Class 2 (gases) ot, for other classes, a container of more than 4501, capacity or 400 kg nct mass.Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) IBGs must be: ~ inspected as safe and functional > if full, ensure the bottom discharge valve is sealed with a secondary closure ~ if empty, treat as full until cleaned Foreign tanks and IBCs Foreign tanks and IBCs can only be used if approved by WorkCover. Freight containers Safety requirements for freight containers include: ~ complying with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3711 and/or ISO standards ~ suitable for the transport of dangerous goods + free of defects + clean and dry Unit loads The packages used in unit loads must be approved for this purpose. Requirements for unit loads include: suitable strength, shape and density, if stacked able to withstand repeated handling ~ wrapped to withstand exposure to moisture, temperature extremes, sunlight and minor leakages. ~ suitable for handling by forklift truck or other lifting device ~ lift points marked on the load if not apparent2. Signage Loads require safely signs A load of dangerous goods usually requires signage (called “placarding”) to call attention to the dangers. Placarding is required if a load contains: + bulk, or + Class 6.2 (infectious substances), or more than 250kg or 2501 Class 2.1 goods, except acrosols, Class 2.3, or PGI dangerous goods, or * more than 1000kg or 10001 total quantity of dangerous goods 3. Vehicles Vehicles must be safe Drivers and vehicles must have dangerous goods licences and prime contractors must ensure that the vehicle licence label is attached to the vehicle. The vehicle and its equipment needs to be suitable for transporting dangerous goods. Load vehicles safely Vehicles carrying dangerous goods must be loaded safely and the load stowed securely to prevent damage. Check for: > “THIS WAY UP” markings ~ vented closures vented containers and packages needing protection from high temperatures packaged goods loading limits (packages must not protrude beyond the sides of a vehicle and, if stacked above the sides, be no higher than 30 per cent of the height of the package) ventilation needed for cylinders of flammable gas, toxic gas or liquefied oxygen to prevent the build up of vapours.Some dangerous goods should not be carried with other goods unless segregated and secured while others must never be in the same load. Check the National Road Transport Comm on Load Restraint Guide and the WorkCover chart Recognising Dangerous Goods. Prepare and supply shipping documents Consignors must prepare correct shipping documents for the load (in most cases this includes empty containers that have not been cleaned). Prime contractors must make sure that the driver is given these documents. The documents need to be amended after each part of the load is unloaded from the vehicle so that they accurately show the load remaining on the vehicle. If goods are on a combination vehicle, the documents should show which dangerous goods are on what part of the vehicle. Check vehicles have emergency information Dangerous goods should not be loaded on a vehicle without emergency information. Prime contractors must ensure that vehicles carry this information in an “Emergency Information Holdei Ensure vehicles have safety and protective equipment A prime contractor should not transport dangerous goods unles + the vehicle is equipped with fire extinguishers + the vehicle is equipped with safety equipment + the driver is provided with protective clothing and equipment The provision of this equipment is the responsibility of the vehicle owner.3. 4. On the road Follow safe procedures Restricted routes Dangerous goods must not be transported along prohibited routes. Information on these routes is available from WorkCover. Transferring bulk load If the prime contractor is wansferring bulk loads, afety requirements include: > ensuring filling ratios are correct for Class 2 (gases) ~ correct ullage for containers of refrigerated liquids + ensuring hoses are maintained, inspected and tested > keeping accurate records of all maintenance work, inspection and tests on hose assemblies. If a vehicle breaks down In the case of a vehicle breakdown, it may be necessary to remove the load from the vehicle for safety reasons. Plan for an emergency A prime contractor must have an emergency plan for every load of dangerous goods that requires placarding. It is also necessary to have advice available by telephone during the transport of dangerous goods. This service by the consignor, prime contractor or someone on their behalf, must advise on: > construction and properties of containers *> use of equipment on the vehicle + properties of the dangerous goods 4 safe handling of the dangerous goods safe containing of the goodsis an emergency! In an incident where goods may have leaked or spilled, the driver and prime contractor must contact WorkCover as soon as possible. An authorised WorkCover officer or an officer of the emergency service will require the assistance of the prime contractor and consignor to deal with the situation. ‘The prime contractor will be required to: ~ provide information about the vehicle ~ supply equipment and resources to safely handle the dangerous goods and to recover the vehicle ‘The consignor will be required to: ~ provide information about the dangerous goods, safe methods of handling and containing the dangerous goods ~ provide equipment and resources to control the situation and to recover and dispose of the dangerous goods A written report must be sent to WorkCover within 21 days, stating: ~ location, time and nature of the incident, ~ description of the goods ~ likely cause + measures taken to control the leak, spill or escape of dangerous goods, fire or explosion measures taken after the incident >What vehicle owners have to do... Supply a safe vehicle ‘The vehicle and its equipment needs to be suitable for transporting dangerous goods and mechanically sound to ensure the load is not damaged. It must be: > free of defects clean and not carrying other loads incompatible with dangerous goods secure and have equipment to secure loads ~ suitable to be loaded and unloaded with the right equipment that is free of any defect that may damage the load Licence the vehicle ‘The vehicle (trailer) must have a WorkCover licence to transport dangerous goods and the licence label must be attached to the vehicle. If transporting in a tank A vehicle with a tank as part of its structure or attached can only be used to transport liquid or gas if the tank is: ~ an approved type ~ maintained, tested and inspected used as specified on the compliance plate Insure the vehicle Avehicle transporting dangerous goods requiring placarding. must be insured or have another form of indemnity. Cover necds to be for: ~ property, personal and other damage from an incident costs incurred by authorities during a clean-up ~ minimum indemnity of $1 million for packaged goods and $2.5 for bulk Provide safety equipment A vehicle must have: © fire extinguishers ~% portable warning devices + eyewash kit ¢ personal protective equipment for the driverTRANSPORTING DANGEROUS GOODS © DON'T RISK IT ON THE ROAD IF YOU ARE A DRIVER © ( » Safety © ... think it, talk it, work it ©12 If you are a driver... To help prevent accidents when dangerous goods are transported on the road, drivers have to take special care. These obligations, under dangerous goods road transport laws, include: > > > aa es & eS getting licences secure loading/stowing displaying load signs carrying shipping documents special care while driving carrying safety information and equipment responding to emergenciesWhat drivers need to know... 1. Licences You need licences to transport dangerous goods in bulk If you are transporting dangerous goods in bulk* you need special licences from WorkCover. These are: ~ a drivers licence for “bulk” transport. ~ avehicle licence for a trailer Carry your licences with you You must carry your licences when transporting dangerous goods in bulk and produce it when requested by Police, VicRoads or a WorkCover officer. Make sure the vehicle licence label is attached to the vehicle when transporting dangerous goods in bulk. 2. Vehicles Your vehicle must be in good working order The vehicle you drive and its equipment needs to be suitable for transporting dangerous goods and mechanically sound to ensure the load is not damaged. It must be: + free of defects ~ clean and not carrying other loads incompatible with dangerous goods > secure and have equipment to secure loads * suitable to be loaded and unloaded with the equipment needed for this activity, The equipment should be free of any defect that may damage the load A vehicle with an open tray must have rigid sides or gates. container with a capacity of more than 500L for Class 2 (gases) or, for a container of more3. Type of loads What you need to check about different types of loads before transporting Pressure vessels ~ check they have passed maintenance tests Freight containers ~ secure by four engaged twist locks or another suitable method Tanks ~ check if an approved kind <> look for the compliance plate. ~ transport in the way explained on the compliance plate Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) ~ check if an approved kind ~ have to be inspected as safe and functional before transporting ~ if full, make sure the bottom discharge valve is sealed ~ Weal an empty IBC as full, until cleaned Unit load ~ packages must be approved for transporting this way + loads nced to withstand stacking and handling Gas cylinders ~ ensure ventilation for cylinders of flammable gas, toxic gas or liquefied oxygen to prevent build up of vapours4. Signage Have the correct “danger” signs on loads All bulk loads and some packaged loads must have correct “placarding” (class diamond signs and emergency information panels) so that the load can be easily identified and the dangers recognised. 5. Loading Load safely in the first place For safety it ~ have the right container or packages > have containers/packages that are not leaking, defective or damaged ~ secure all covers, caps, valves etc on containers or piping when transporting liquid or gas keep vehicle fittings clear of tanks containing substances that are likely to polymerise or solidify ~ check with an expert before transporting organic peroxides or self- reactive and related substances ~ look for “THIS WAY UP” markings ~ check for vented containers and packages req protection from high temperatures. ing ventilation or Bulk containers must fit inside the perimeter of the loading area and be secured to the vehicle. When carrying packages, make sure they do not protrude beyond the sides. If packages are stacked above the level of the gates or sides of the vehicle, they must not be higher than 30 per cent of the height of the package. Don’t get loads mixed up Dangerous goods must not be carried with certain goods because it is unsafe. In other cases dangerous goods may be carried with certain other goods as long as they are separated and secured so that they stay apart. Check the “Recognising dangerous goods” chatt, available from WorkCover, before carrying a mixed load. we a6. Documentation You need to carry shipping documents You must carry the correct shipping documents for the goods you are transporting, (including empty containers that haven't been cleaned) because they have a detailed description of the load. Documents must be updated if part of the load is unloaded so they always show what is on the vehicle. Ifyou are driving a combination vehicle, the documents should show which dangerous goods are on what part of the vehicle. 7. On the road Follow safety procedures when driving If your vehicle breaks down If the vehicle is a traffic hazard where it breaks down: 1. turn on flashing lights or parking lights, unless the battery has to be disconnected for safety reasons 2. place warning devices beside and between 50 and 150 metres in front and behind the vehicle and on the traffic side of the vehicle No passengers Other than authorised persons. Parking Avoid parking in a public area and do not leave the vehicle longer than necessary. Do not park near a naked flame if your load includes Class 2.1, 3, 4 or 5 or those with a subsidiary fire risk. Open the battery isolation switch, if fitted. No smoking When carrying Class 2.1, 3, 4 or 5, or those with subsidiary risks, do not smoke or have anything flammable in the cabin.Unloading Unload dangerous goods in a safe place and in the presence of the person you are to deliver to. Loaded trailers should only be detached in an approved vehicle marshalling area or a designated transport depot when: ~ exchanging trailers ~ if the vehicle has broken down ~ in an emergency Restricted routes Do not drive along prohibited routes. Check with WorkCover for the location of these routes. 8. Emergencies Carry emergency information You must carry emergency information in a holder on the inside of a cabin door or near to a door. The information which should be provided by the consignor has to include an Initial Emergency Response Guide or an Emergency Procedure Guide for each dangerous good plus an Emergency Procedure Guide for Vehicle Fire. ‘The holder must be marked in red letters at least 10mm high as: “EMERGENCY PROCEDURE GUIDES" or, “EMERGENCY INFORMATION” You must have protective clothing and safety equipment When your load exceeds a certain level you must have safety equipment in the cabin: + fire extinguishers portable warning devices + special clothing and safely equipment to protect you If there is an emergency ‘Tell police or fire service and the contractor of any incident immediately and assist any authorised officer or an officer of an emergency service. Is13 For more information This booklet is a guide only. For more information, see: The Australian Dangerous Goods Code (6" Edition), available from: Australian Government Publishing Service 190 Queens Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Telephone: (03) 9670 4224 Acts and regulations Dangerous Goods Act 1985 Road Transport Reform (Dangerous Goods) Act 1995 - Commonwealth Road Transport (Dangerous Goods) Act 1995 Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 1989 Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 1988 Dangerous Goods (Transport by Rail) Regulations 1998 Road Transport Reform (Dangerous Goods) Regulations 1997 - Commonwealth Road Transport (Dangerous Goods) (Licence Fees) Regulations 1998Codes and guides Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous National Road Transport Commission Load Res: Goods by Road and Rail int Guide Victorian legislation and regulations are available from: Information Victoria 356 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Telephone: 1300 366 356 Commonwealth legislation and regulations are available from: The Commonwealth Bookshop 190 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Telephone: (03) 9670 4224 Australian Standards are available from: Standards Australia 19 - 25 Raglan Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205 ‘Telephone: (03) 9693 3520 WorkCover contacts For more information, contact: Victorian WorkCover Authority Level 24 222 Exhibition Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Tel: (03) 9641 1555 Outside Melbourne metropolitan area FREECALL 1800 136 089 Regional Offices Ballarat Tel: (03) 5337 1400 Bendigo ‘Tel: (03) 5443 8866 Geelong Tel: (03) 5223 2300 Melbourne Tel Mildura (03) 9628 8115 : (03) 5021 4001 Mulgrave Tel: (03) 9565 9444 Preston Tel: (03) 9485 4555 Shepparton ‘Tel: (03) 5831 8260 Traralgon Tel: (03) 5174 8900 Wangaratta Tel: (08) 5721 8588 Warrnambool Tel: (03) 5562 5600 e-mail: info@workcover.vic.gov.au. website: www.workcover.vic.gov.au The Transporting Dangerous Goods series: Know the Signs for Danger Don’t Risk it on the Road The Dangerous Goods series: Storing Dangerous Goods Safely Storing Mixed Classes of Dangerous Goods in Packages Storing and Handling Dangerous Goods in Retail Areas Registration, Notification and Licensing of Dangerous Goods Sitcs Managing Dangerous Goods and Preventing Accidents