New rules for transporting dangerous goods in SA

In line with nationally agreed legislation, important changes concerning the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail in South Australia take effect in 2009. The SA Dangerous Substances (Dangerous Goods Transport) Regulations 2008 and a new edition of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG7) both came into effect on 1 January 2009.

The new rules set out the responsibilities of anyone transporting dangerous goods in the areas of licensing, packaging, labelling, placarding, stowage, documentation, insurance and emergency procedures.

The Minister for Industrial Relations, Paul Caica, says that to assist industry comply with the required changes, there will be a transition period of 12 months to 31 December 2009: “Most organisations likely to be affected are already aware of these impending changes. However, it’s timely to remind the transport industry that operators need to start making the necessary changes to comply with the new regulations.

“In adopting the changes, South Australia is lining up with the majority of states and territories, while the remainder have indicated they will come on board in the first half of 2009. The changes are also in line with improved regulations adopted internationally.

“The changes should reduce inefficiencies for the domestic land transport industry, especially for integrated transport operators, and lead to greater consistency for those transporting dangerous goods across state borders, whether by road or rail.

“While protecting public safety is always the main priority, this is an example of how we endeavour to streamline the necessary processes for employers, employees and self-employed drivers in this sector, given that so many of them operate across state borders. The aim is to strike the right balance, and these changes meet both the needs of the industry and regulators.”

In preparing these regulations, SafeWork SA consulted with a wide range of organisations connected with the transport of dangerous goods.

Copies of the regulations and how to access the ADG7 Code will be available from www.safework.sa.gov.au.