Your guide on classes, placards, regulations, and obligations.
CONTENTS
WHAT IS THE ADG CODE?
The ADG Code is mandated by the National Transport Commission (NTC) of Australia and sets out the technical instructions for safely transporting dangerous goods by road and rail.
The purpose of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code) is to provide consistent technical requirements for the land transport of dangerous goods across Australia.
The ADG Code adopts the structure, format, definitions and concepts of the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods Model Regulations while retaining some Australian specific provisions. It also incorporates additional provisions for the transport of infectious substances. Each state and territory implements the updated Australian Dangerous Goods Code and associated updates to their dangerous goods transport regulations separately.
The ADG Code lists provisions applicable to the transport of dangerous goods including:
classification;
packaging and performance testing;
use of bulk containers, IBCs, freight containers and unit loads;
marking and placarding;
vehicle requirements;
segregation and stowage;
transfer of bulk dangerous goods;
documentation;
safety equipment;
procedures during transport emergencies; and
the dangerous goods list with UN numbers.
The latest edition of the code and each state and territory's dangerous goods transport act and regulations can be found through the following links.
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland (road)
Queensland (rail)
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
Latest Edition of the Code
WHAT ARE DANGEROUS GOODS?
Dangerous Goods are chemicals which have the potential to present an immediate threat to property, the environment, and public safety during transport. They are classified based on the immediate physical or chemical effects and are divided into nine classes, some which are sub-divided. The ADG Code only applies to road and rail transport.
IDENTIFYING WHICH CHEMICALS ARE CLASSIFIED AS DANGEROUS GOODS?
There are a number of ways to tell if a chemical has a Dangerous Goods classification.
Refer to Section 14 of the SDS, Transport Information.
It will have a UN number printed on the label and SDS.
Contact the supplier or manufacturer
Check if the goods are listed in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code under Section 3.2 Dangerous Goods List. Note that the chemical may not be listed under its trade name and may be listed under the active ingredient or a different term that’s more specific to that type of chemical. Refer to the SDS for active ingredients or other names.
What's a UN Number?
The United Nations number (UN number) is a 4-digit numbering system developed by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods for the quick identification of dangerous goods. The UN number can be found on the label, transport document or safety data sheet. Otherwise the manufacturer or supplier of the goods can tell you this.
DANGEROUS GOODS CLASSES AND DIVISIONS
You can click on the image to download a PDF copy.
CONSIGNORS OF DANGEROUS GOODS
Packers, loaders, vehicle owners and drivers all have legal responsibilities to meet when handling and transporting dangerous goods. Consignors are responsible for choosing and hiring a prime contractor to transport dangerous goods by road. They need to make sure goods are packed and marked correctly, tell the prime contractor the goods are classified as dangerous, and give the driver a completed and accurate dangerous goods transport document.
Dangerous goods cannot be packed or loaded into a vehicle if the packaging is unsuitable, damaged, defective or not appropriately marked or if it doesn't comply with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code. The correct placard should be displayed for the dangerous goods being transported only.
Dangerous Goods Transport Document
Transport documents contain information about the Dangerous Goods being shipped and must be provided to the driver. The document contains the following details:
The UN number
The proper shipping name of the goods or the name of the goods that appears on the packaging, article or other receptacle in which the goods are contained
The class or division of the goods
Each subsidiary risk of the goods, if any
The packing group for the goods, if any
A description of each type of package or other receptacle to be transported - such as drum (DRM) or intermediate bulk container (IBC)
The number of packages or receptacles of each type to be transported, and the aggregate quantity of the goods
You can download a Dangerous Goods Transport Document Template here.
Placard Requirements A vehicle carrying a dangerous goods load must display the appropriate placard in accordance with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code. This means the vehicle must display details of the dangerous goods class/division and if required, Emergency Information Panels.
For specific placard requirements refer to Schedule 11: Placarding and Manifest Quantities in the Model WHS Regulations. A PDF is also available on the Safe Work Australia website here.
DRIVER OBLIGATIONS
Under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code, a prime contractor and driver of a road vehicle transporting dangerous goods have a number of obligations to comply with. These include:
Hold a dangerous goods driver licence if transporting dangerous goods in a receptacle with a capacity of more than 500L or more than 500kg.
Carry a dangerous goods transport document.
Report incidents involving dangerous Goods to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
Carry the required safety and emergency equipment.
Plan safe and appropriate routes by road.
A complete list on Dangerous Goods Driver Obligations can be found here.
References
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