Dangerous goods queries reach record levels

Citation

(2004), "Dangerous goods queries reach record levels", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 33 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2004.12933fab.008

Dangerous goods queries reach record levels

Dangerous goods queries reach record levels

Keywords: Environmental health and safety, Hazardous materials

In the months following the implementation of the new dangerous goods regulations last May, dangerous goods queries to the Freight Transport Association’s Member Advice Centre (MAC) rocketed by 80 per cent.

Derek Rose, FTA Team Leader at the Member Advice Centre said, “We have been fielding up to 20 calls per day on dangerous goods alone, outstripping drivers’ hours and Operator Licensing as the most frequent queries. The spread of companies calling is quite remarkable and shows the wide ranging impact of the new rules. Many callers are concerned about the new load size thresholds and the classification of diesel fuel as dangerous goods.”

The most common questions are:

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  How much diesel can be carried before coming into scope of the regulations?

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  Are there different thresholds if diesel is carried with petrol or LPG?

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  What is meant by “adequate training”?

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  Are there still receptacle threshold derogations?

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  Parcel carriers are asking for a dangerous goods consignment note – is there a prescribed format for this?

In support of the front line MAC telephone specialist advice, FTA has published Dangerous Goods – An Operator’s Guide. Covering operator, driver and vehicle requirements, the 28 page compliance guide provides a plain English explanation of the key changes brought in by the new regulations. As well as explaining the relevant regulatory requirements, the guide gives top tips on best practice and has jargon busting sections on the more complex dangerous goods terminology.

Copies of Dangerous Goods – An Operator’s Guide are available from ShopFTA at £5 each (no VAT) – to order your copy please call 01892 552222.