What should your DGSA do for YOU?

Darren Edwards • Dec 08, 2012

In this article I’m going to talk about the things that you should expect your DGSA to do for you. So if your business deals with the carriage of, packing, loading, filling or the unloading of dangerous goods, then listen up… this is for you.

Here is a list of duties that your DGSA should be carrying out to fulfill their role.

First though, a DGSA is not required where the substances being dealt with are exempt from the regulations, or the activity is deemed as occasional journeys only.

However if your company does any of the activities mentioned above then you must appoint at least one Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) to prevent the possibility ofAC harm to persons, property and the environment that those activities present. They must:

Monitor compliance with the requirements of the carriage of dangerous goods.
Advise on the undertaking on the carriage of dangerous goods.
Prepare an annual report to the management on the activities undertaken in respect of the carriage of dangerous goods.

That seems quite straight forward doesn’t it?

With so many service providers; there is a vast difference in what is provided for in a basic compliance package, then of course there are all those nice add-ons!

To comply fully, the DGSA in achieving the above duties has to monitor and advise on:

That the classification of dangerous goods is correct and can be transported.
That the practices when ordering transport includes special provisions and that the equipment is evident for the operations, especially where sub-contractors are employed.
Ensuring employees are trained and have operational procedures and instructions.
Ensuring that documentation for the vehicles is correct and available.
Ensuring emergency procedures are in place and also where required a security plan.

These should be the MINIMUM duties that your DGSA carries out as part of the initial package that you’ve invested in.

Now when you consider the amount of work that goes into fully complying with the regulations, you have to ask yourself can this really be achieved with one visit per year. We’re not so sure.

When you are selecting a DGSA to represent you, for the first time or when your contract comes up for renewal, you must consider the above. Make sure before you appoint your DGSA that you will get the coverage you need to comply with the regulation in all the key areas.

If you’re not sure that you’re getting what you need or you need a DGSA then get in touch, we’ll make sure you’re covered. To contact us click here.