Introduction

Legislation is now fully uniform across the country. This has been achieved through States and Territories adopting Commonwealth legislation. Dangerous goods transport enforcement remains the responsibility of each State and Territory. The legislation includes the sixth edition of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code).

State Government Act

Road Transport Reform (Dangerous Goods) Act 1995 (Commonwealth)

Road Transport Reform (Dangerous Goods) Regulations 1997 (Commonwealth)

Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods (Technical Requirements)

• Dangerous Goods Act 1985
• Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 1989
• Dangerous Goods (Transport) Regulations 1987
• Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 1988
• Dangerous Goods (Liquefied Gases Transport) Regulations 1987
• Dangerous Goods (Transport)(Amendment) Regulations 1998

• Road Transport (Dangerous Goods) Act 1995
• Road Transport Reform (Dangerous Goods) Act 1995 (Commonwealth)
• Road Transport Reform (Dangerous Goods) Regulations 1997 (Commonwealth)
• Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail 6th Edition

Penalties for infringements:

• Up to $15,000 per offence - company
• Up to $3,000 per offence - individual

Infringement Notice penalties:

• Up to $3,000 per offence - company
• Up to $1,000 per offence - individual

Now in 2 volumes:

Volume 1 - Requirements and Recommendations

Comprising of the following:

• Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail 6th Edition. Divided into 14 Chapters:

1. Interpretation and Application

2. Classification and Other Key Concepts

3. Packaging

4. Bulk Transport

5. Freight Containers

6. Unit Loads

7. Marking and Placarding

8. Vehicles

9. Segregation and Stowage

10. Transfer of Bulk Dangerous Goods

11. Documentation

12. Safety Equipment

13. Procedures During Transport

14. Emergencies

• The Rail (Dangerous Goods) Rules
• Including as an attachment:

The Road Transport Reform (Dangerous Goods) Regulations

Volume 2 - Technical Appendices

Comprising of the following:

• Numeric List of Dangerous Goods
• Alphabetical List of Dangerous Goods
• List of Special Provisions
• Hazchem Codes
• Goods Too Dangerous to be Transported
• List of Currently Assigned Self-Reactive Substances
• List of Currently Assigned Organic Peroxides
• List of Generic or NOS proper Shipping Names
• List of Common Pesticides with Corresponding UN Numbers

Notes:

1. Column 1 contains the UN number for the goods, being in general dangerous goods of Classes 2 to 9 inclusive specified in column 2 of this Appendix.

2. Goods are named in column 2. The name used to identify dangerous goods is the Proper Shipping Name for the goods and is printed in upper case non- bold and non-italicised.

3. Column 3 specifies the Class assigned to the dangerous goods dealt with in a specific entry in column 2.

4. Column 4 specifies the Subsidiary Risk, if any, assigned to dangerous goods dealt with in a specific entry in column 2.

5. Column 5 specifies the Packing Group or Group(s), if any, assigned dangerous goods dealt with in the specific entry in column 2.

6. Column 6 specifies the Hazchem Code, if any, assigned to dangerous goods dealt with in a specific entry in column 2.

7. Column 7 specifies, by number, the Special Provision or Provisions, if any, applicable to dangerous goods specified in column 2. The Special Provisions themselves are set out in Appendix 3 of Volume 2.

8. Column 8 identifies the clause in this Code which deals with the way in which dangerous goods specified in column 2 are to be packaged. In some instances it also contains an entry beginning with the letters "RT" followed by a number. This entry is only relevant when the goods are transported in bulk, in a tank which is part of the vehicles construction.

9. Column 9 in some instances, provides criteria for when a substance or article is a dangerous goods and also, in some instances allocated Packing Groups. It also sets out some useful information on properties of dangerous goods specified in column 2 and observations relevant to dealing with those dangerous goods. Where reference is made to ‘denser than air’ or ‘less dense than air’, this is a reference to vapour density relative to air.

How to use the Australian Dangerous Goods Code.

For each of the substances listed below determine:

• Class
• Subsidiary Risk
• Packing Group
• Hazchem Code
• Packaging Method

1. Ammonium dichromate
1. Barium Oxide
1. Dioxane

Dangerous goods of Class 2 in a container of <500 litres OR

Dangerous goods of another Class in a container with a capacity of <450 litres OR

a container with a net mass <400 kg.

Dangerous goods of Class 2 in a container of >500 litres OR

Dangerous goods of another Class in a container with a capacity of >450 litres OR

a container with a net mass >400 kg.

Not required to be licensed

Driver must be licensed.

• >21 years old
• Pass test on knowledge of dangerous goods
• Pass medical examination
• Licence lasts for 3 years

An exemption applies to Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC’s) provided no more than 3000kg/l are transported and the containers are not filled or emptied on vehicle.

Licences are issued by the Victorian WorkCover Authority.

Vehicles carrying dangerous goods in bulk must be licensed. (IBC transport is exempt under the same conditions as drivers licences). Trailers must be licensed this includes semi-trailer tanks and flat-tops carrying portable bulk containers. Rigid tankers must also be licensed. Prime movers do not have to be licensed.

Packages and IBC’s are exempt from correct marking requirements and package and IBC approval requirements provided:

• Journey is <50km
• Goods in closed freight container
• Transported for first time

Does not exempt from driver and vehicle licensing requirements.

Dangerous goods that are packaged and distributed for retail sale are exempt from most of the code provided that:

• <2000 kg/L (quantity limitations apply) (see table)
• modified shipping document is carried (see example)

Insert quantity limitations

Insert modified shipping document

General requirements:

• good quality
• no leaking or sifting of contents
• compatibility between contents, packaging and absorbing materials
• performance tested

Performance markings - this indicates that the packaging complies with the specifications in the ADG. See example.

Insert packaging type and package markings.

It is the Drivers responsibility to ensure that the freight container is attached to the vehicle using either four engaged twist locks or another equally effective method.

A Unit Load are packaged dangerous goods which are:

• wrapped in plastic, strapped, secured to a pallet or other base;
• placed together in a sling;
• placed together in a protective outer container.

Unit loads must be marked with a class label for each class in the load and any subsidiary risk label.

Outer Packaging must have:

• Proper Shipping Name or Technical Name
• Class Label and Subsidiary Risk Label
• UN number
• Name and address of manufacturer or consignor or agent in Australia

Outer packaging is defined in the code as:

Inner Packaging must have:

• Proper Shipping Name or Technical Name
• Class Label and Subsidiary Risk Label

Inner packaging is defined in the code as:

Loads must be placarded if:

• In bulk; or
• Contains dangerous goods of Class 6.2;
• Class 2.1 except aerosols, Class 2.3 and packing group I, (must be > 250kg/L);
• Any other load greater than 1000kg/L.

Insert placarding diagrams

Insert placarding diagrams

Insert placarding diagrams

For a vehicle to transport dangerous goods it must be:

• Suitable;
• Free of defects;
• Clean;
• Free from incompatible dangerous goods (tanks);
• Fitted with twistlocks or other for freight containers.

Any equipment on the vehicle must be:

• Suitable;
• Free from defects.

Must be covered by insurance:

• Bulk not <$2, 500, 000;
• Package not <$1, 000, 000.

Applies to all:

• Bulk vehicles;
• Package vehicles >250 or 1000kg/L

Rules:

• Generally based on class;
• Must consider sub-risks;
• Strong acids and strong alkalis (both Class 8);
• Calcium hypochlorite and isocyanurates (both Class 5.1)
• Class 5.1 and 5.2 and oils, greases, combustibles;
• Class 2.3, 6, 7 and 8 and food stuffs and food stuff empties prohibited.

Exemptions:

• Class 2.1 (in cylinders e.g. acetylene and oxygen);
• Chlorine (Class 2.3) with Classes 6.1, 8 and 9 and combustibles.

Segregation Devices:

• Chep Geetainer;
• Removable-head drums;
• Liquid-tight containers;
• Freight containers.

Consult the ADG for further advice.

Combination Road Vehicle:

Both are treated as separate vehicle but the following are prohibited:

• Class 5 (or subrisk 5) in BULK and Class 3 (or subrisk 3);
• Class 5 (or subrisk 5) in BULK and combustible liquids;
• Cyanides and acids in both bulk and packages;
• Class 2.1 in BULK and classes 3, 4 and 5 (or subrisk 3, 4 and 5) in BULK.

Insert Loading compatibility table

Rules:

• Must be stowed so that damage is not caused to other packages;
• "This side up" means what it says;
• Vented closure uppermost;
• Stowed to prevent the accumulation of harmful gases in the cabin of the truck;
• Secured within rigid sides or gates;
• No package to protrude more than 30% above gates;
• No package may protrude beyond the sides or gates.

• Must be carried for all amounts.
• Inside pocket in door (or near door).
• Must be in English.
• Legible.
• Contain the consignor’s name and telephone number
• Must be carried in hard copy form.
• Dangerous goods information:

- Proper shipping name;

- Class/subsidiary risk;

- UN number;

- Packing group;

- Quantity.

• Bulk:

- Description of bulk container;

- Number of bulk containers.

• Packaged:

- Description of package;

- Number of packages.

• For empties as well (except <20L, collapsed IBC’s).
• Amend document after each loading/unloading.
• Combination road vehicles should indicate which vehicle contains what.

• Must be carried for all placard loads.
• Located in the emergency information holder with the shipping documentation.

Can be in the following forms:

• The Dangerous Goods Initial Emergency Response Guide (HB:76 Australian Standards).
• Emergency Procedure Guide for the goods published by Australian Standards.

See tables for detailed information.

• PPE must be carried.
• An eyewash kit of at least 250mL.
• PPE and safety equipment must be stowed in an accessible position in the cabin.
• Three double-sided reflector signals.
• Fire extinguisher.

Insert ppe table

Insert fire extinguisher information

• Disabled vehicles:

- Hazard lights on;

- Portable warning device 50-150m rear and front of vehicle and beside it.

• Passengers:

- Restricted, authorised only.

• Parking:

- Parking brake on, not in gear if a diesel;

- Not in a built up area with public access;

- Not within 15 metres of building where there is a concentration of people unless loading or unloading;

- Not within 15 metres of a naked flame;

- Not where there is a concentration of people;

- Not within 8 metres of a placard load.

Exceptions:

- Load/unload;

- Breakdown;

- Dangerous situation;

- Comply with law;

- Brief rest or refreshment break;

provided vehicle is not parked longer than necessary.

• Can be parked in an approved area.
• Unloading - consignee or substitute present, or to a secure place.
• Detach trailer - transport depot, emergency, disabled vehicle.

In the case of an emergency a driver must:

• Notify the police or fire brigade;
• Notify the prime contractor;
• Assist the emergency services;
• Warn people in the area;
• Carry out EPG instructions;
• Carry out procedures set out in emergency plan;
• Keep vehicles from coming within 15 metres;
• Minimise escape to water.

• No leaking, defective or damaged containers;
• All closures secure;
• IBC to be restrained;
• Class 5.2 IBC to be in an enclosed vehicle;
• Hose assemblies in good condition;
• Positioned to be driven away in a forward container;
• Transfer not permitted in built up areas or within 15 metres of a building (except Classes 2.1 and 3);
• Designated area for transfer;
• Hoses not to be driven over;
• Ignition sources controlled;

- Class 2.1, 10 metres;

- Class 3, 10 metres into tanker;

- Class 3, 8 metres from tanker;

- Class 4,5, 8 metres.

• Vehicle engine to be stopped;
• Tank to be electrically bonded;
• Ullage, must not be driven with an ullage space between 20% and 85% except Class 2;
• No one in the cabin during transfer;
• Vehicle to be secured during transfer;
• Transfer to be attended;
• Good light;
• Transfer into tank of sufficient quantity;
• All valves and closures to be secured after transfer;
• Selection routes, prescribe routes;
• Ignition sources, no matches/lighters.