Transport of dangerous goods
1. IntroductionDepartments of the University have occasion to transport dangerous goods, eg when returning items to suppliers or sending goods to other research establishments.
The transport of dangerous goods in the UK and abroad is subject to strict regulatory control. The transport of dangerous goods abroad is dealt with in Policy Statement S1/99. Separate University policies also exist for both the transport of radioactive materials and for the transport of biological materials and these matters are excluded from this policy. In Great Britain, the legislation dealing with transportation of dangerous goods by road and rail is made under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Classification, Packaging and Labelling) and Use of Transportable Pressure Receptacles Regulations 1996 determine the packaging, marking and labelling requirements, whilst the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations 1996 (as amended) determine the transport requirements. Transport in Europe is covered by the European Agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by road and protocol of signature (known as ADR agreement). There are some differences between ADR and the Great Britain Regulations.
Dangerous goods means goods falling within the United Nations danger classes 1 to 9 (see Appendix 1). Other than for minimum receptacle and load sizes, which may provide some concessions or even full exemptions from certain duties, the Regulations specify packaging, labelling and documentation requirements.
2. Transport of Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser
Under the Transport of Dangerous Goods (Safety Advisers) Regulations 1999, all employers who are involved with loading/unloading or transport activities of dangerous goods have a duty to appoint a safety adviser. There are a number of exemptions to this requirement, which are based principally on the quantities involved. Transport of Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers (TDGSAs) must hold a vocational training certificate obtained by passing an examination approved by the Department of the Environment, Transport, and the Regions. Duties and functions of TDGSAs are laid down in the Regulations. In the University, the Director of Health and Safety fulfils this role.
3. Departmental action
Departments transporting dangerous goods by road or rail need to consult with the University Safety Office on the legal requirements for that particular transport movement. This is irrespective of whether a contractor (carrier) is to be used.
Individual employees are not permitted to transport dangerous goods that fall within the Regulations in their own, in hired vehicles or in University-owned vehicles.
Transport by air and/or sea
The transport of dangerous goods by air is subject to the International Air Transport Association’s Dangerous Goods Regulations. These are usually updated on an annual basis. Air transport requirements provide additional requirements to those for road and rail. Transport by sea is covered by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code whose recommendations form the basis for national requirements and regulations. Departments considering transporting any quantity of dangerous goods by air or sea should contact the University Safety Office well in advance of the date of transport.
THIS STATEMENT FORMS PART OF THE UNIVERSITY SAFETY POLICY. PLEASE AMEND THE INDEX.
November 2000
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