TRANSPORT OF
DANGEROUS GOODS
BY ROAD
Index
1. Placard loads 3
1.1 What is a placard load? 3
1.2 Required licences 3
1.3 Vehicle requirements 4
1.4 Road tank vehicles 4
1.5 Insurance 5
1.6 Safety and emergency equipment 6
1.7 Fire extinguishers 6
1.8 Emergency plan 6
1.9 Required transport documents 9
2. Retail distribution loads and small quantities of dangerous goods 10
2.1 Retail distribution load 10
2.2 Placarding 10
2.3 Marking and labelling 11
2.4 Load compatibility 11
2.5 Required transport documents 11
2.6 Small quantities of dangerous goods 11
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
SafeWork SA acknowledges and thanks the National Transport Commission for its permission to use the
tables from the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail 7th Edition on
pages 5, 7 and 8 of this guide.
DISCLAIMER
This publication contains information regarding legislation that SafeWork SA administers. To ensure you
comply with your legal obligations you must refer to the appropriate Acts, Regulations and Approved
Codes of Practice.
This publication may refer to legislation that has been amended or repealed. When reading this
publication you should always refer to the latest laws.
TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS
1
Introduction
This booklet provides guidance for anyone involved in consigning, loading and
transporting by land, dangerous goods in a placard load, retail distribution load or
in small quantities. It outlines the requirements for doing this safely and legally. As
this is a guide only, please ensure that you refer to:
• Dangerous Substances Act 1979
• Dangerous Substances (Dangerous Goods Transport) Regulations 2008
(available from the SafeWork SA website: www.safework.sa.gov.au)
• Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail 7th
Edition, which is referred to as the ‘ADG Code’ (available from the National
Transport Commission website: www.ntc.gov.au).
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TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS
1. PLACARD LOADS
1.1 What is a placard load?
A placard load is defined as:
• any amount of dangerous goods in a single receptacle with a capacity of more
than 500 L
• more than 500 kg of dangerous goods in a single receptacle
• an aggregate quantity of dangerous goods of 250 kg or L or more, which
includes any of Division 2.1 (excluding aerosols), Division 2.3, or any Packing
Group I of any Class or Division
• any quantity of Division 6.2 Infectious Substances of Category A
• an aggregate quantity of 10 kg or L of any other Division 6.2 • an aggregate quantity of dangerous goods of 1000 kg or L or more.
Note 1: Nominally empty receptacles such as road tank vehicles, bulk containers, portable tanks etc. are still treated as placard loads unless they are free of dangerous goods (refer to Clause 7.2.6 of the ADG Code).
Note 2: Where a load of dangerous goods meets all of the requirements of Chapter 7.3 Retail Distribution Loads of the ADG Code, it is not considered a placard load (refer to the section on retail distribution loads on page 10 of this booklet).
1.2 Required licences
Where the placard load includes any amount of dangerous goods in a single
receptacle that has a capacity of more than 500 L or a single receptacle containing
more than 500 kg, it is a requirement that:
• the driver has a current Dangerous Goods Driver licence issued by
SafeWork SA or an interstate Competent Authority
• the vehicle be licensed by SafeWork SA, or an interstate Competent Authority,
to carry a load of dangerous goods of the required Class or Division
• a Dangerous Goods Vehicle licence label, issued by SafeWork SA or an
interstate Competent Authority, is affixed to the vehicle in a conspicuous
position, or as required by the Competent Authority.
Note 1: SafeWork SA is the Competent Authority in South Australia. Refer to section 1.2.4 of the ADG Code for a list of Competent Authorities in
other states/territories.
Note 2: Dangerous goods licences issued in another state or territory are valid in
South Australia.
TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS
3
Note 3: If dangerous goods are transported in intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) that are not filled or emptied while on the vehicle, and the
total capacity of those IBCs is not more than 3000 L, then Dangerous
Goods Driver and Vehicle licences are not required. However, all other
requirements of a placard load are still applicable and the goods must be
transported in accordance with the requirements of the ADG Code.
1.3 Vehicle requirements
A vehicle carrying a placard load of dangerous goods requires:
• a Class/Division label (diamond) including any subsidiary risk labels affixed to
the front of the vehicle
• Emergency Information Panels (EIPs) affixed to the sides of each tank, container
or vehicle carrying those goods and a Class/Division label (where required)
• an EIP affixed to the rear of the vehicle, tank or container and a Class/Division
label (where required) (refer to Chapters 5.2 and 5.3 of the ADG Code)
• the Emergency Procedure Guides (EPGs) applicable to the dangerous goods
being transported, or a Dangerous Goods Initial Emergency Response Guide
(HB76), located in a properly labelled, visible and accessible emergency
information holder, attached to the inside of a door of the cabin, or
immediately adjacent to a door of the cabin. If this is not possible, then the
holder may be located elsewhere inside the cabin, with its location identified
on a notice affixed to the inside of the driver’s side door (EPGs and HB76 can
be obtained from www.saiglobal.com/shop)
• the vehicle to be free of any defects and suitable to carry the Classes and
Divisions of dangerous goods being transported
• any equipment used for the loading, unloading or transferring of dangerous
goods to be suitable, free of any defects and inspected and tested as specified
in Chapter 10 of the ADG Code.
1.4 Road Tank Vehicles
With the exception of approved portable tanks, any tank that forms part of or is attached
to a vehicle requires a tank vehicle design approval from a Competent Authority.
Tanks that are also pressure vessels, such as LPG tankers, also require a pressure
vessel design registration in accordance with state/territory occupational health,
safety and welfare (OHSW) legislation.
If the road tank vehicle is intended to be used in more than one state or territory,
then it must also be referred to the Competent Authorities Panel (national
authority) following state/territory approval. For further information go to
www.ntc.gov.au
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TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS
The following requirements also apply:
• Each tank must be fitted with a metal compliance plate mounted in a
conspicuous, readily accessible place that provides the information prescribed
by section 6.9.2.2.3 of the ADG Code.
• Road tank vehicles must be designed, constructed, inspected and maintained as
specified in Australian Standards relevant to the type of dangerous goods being
transported (see Table 1.4 below).
• Where a tank is pressurised, it must also comply with Australian Standard
AS 1210 Pressure vessels, and in South Australia, be registered with
SafeWork SA as pressure plant under OHSW legislation.
Table 1.4 Construction standards for road tank vehicles
STANDARD
Type of dangerous goods
AS 2809 – Part 1
Part 1 applies to all road tank vehicles, in addition to
the requirements of the applicable Part 2 – 6 according
to the type of goods
AS 2809 – Part 2
Flammable liquids
AS 2809 – Part 3
Liquefied compressed gases
AS 2809 – Part 4
Toxic or corrosive liquids
The correct Type of tank (1 – 5)* under this Part
should be selected according to the properties of the
dangerous goods to be transported
AS 2809 – Part 5
Bitumen-based products
AS 2809 – Part 6
Cryogenic gases and liquids
* Where a Type 2 tank is specified by AS 2809 Part 4, a Type 1 tank may also be used.
Where a Type 4 tank is specified by AS 2809 Part 4, a Type 5 tank may also be used.
1.5 Insurance
A vehicle carrying a placard load of dangerous goods is required to be covered
by insurance, or another form of indemnity, for at least $5 million for an incident
involving fire, explosion, leakage or spillage of dangerous goods in, on, or from
the vehicle.
Note: For a combination vehicle, each load bearing vehicle is considered a
separate vehicle.
TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS
5
1.6 Safety and emergency equipment
Safety and emergency equipment that must be carried on the vehicle includes:
• appropriate fire extinguishers for the vehicle and Classes and/or Divisions of
dangerous goods being transported
• three double-sided reflector signals, clean and in good condition, that
comply with the requirements of Australian Standard AS 3790 Portable
warning triangles for motor vehicles
• items appropriate to the Classes and/or Divisions being transported as
listed in Table 12.2 of the ADG Code (reproduced as Table 1.6 on page 7
of this booklet).
Safety and emergency equipment must be carried in a readily accessible position
in the vehicle, except for respiratory equipment required for escape purposes
which must be kept in the cabin.
1.7 Fire Extinguishers
Appropriate fire extinguishers must be carried on the vehicle and include:
• one 30B dry powder fire extinguisher located in the cabin of the vehicle, near
the driver’s door (unless otherwise prescribed in the ADG Code)
• other fire extinguishers, as appropriate for the type of vehicle and dangerous
goods Classes/Divisions (as prescribed in Table 12.1 of the ADG Code
reproduced as Table 1.7 on page 8 of this booklet)
• all fire extinguishers must be mounted in quick release brackets and under
South Australian OHSW legislation, display a maintenance tag, or label showing
a current six-monthly test date.
1.8 Emergency Plan
Before a placard load of dangerous goods is transported, an emergency response
plan for the transport of those goods must be prepared. The provision of the plan
is the responsibility of the consignor and prime contractor. It must be in writing
and include procedures for dealing with any dangerous situations arising from
the transport of the goods. This plan must be prepared having regard to the
Guidelines for the Preparation of a Transport Emergency Response Plan, available
at www.ntc.gov.au, or www.infrastructure.gov.au
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TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS
Table 1.6
Minimum personal protective and safety equipment on road vehicles
transporting a placard load
Class, Division or Subsidiary Risk of
Minimum Equipment
Dangerous Goods in Load
Required
2.1 2.2 2.3 3 4 5.1
5.1 5.2 6.1 6.2 8 9
[a] (solids)(liquids)
Respiratory protection
equipment for escape
purposes
No No [b]NoNo No
No No[b]No[b] No
Gas tight goggles or full
face shield as appropriate
[c] [c] YesNoNo No
Yes YesYesNoYesNo
Eye-wash kit [d]
No No YesYesYes Yes
Yes YesYes NoYesYes
Chemically resistant gloves
or gauntlets
No No No YesYes Yes
Yes YesYesYesYesYes
Thermally insulated gloves
or gauntlets
YesYesYesNoNo No
No NoNoNoNo[e]
Chemically resistant suit or
coveralls
NoNo NoNoNo No
Yes YesYesNoYesNo
Chemically resistant boots
No No No No No
Yes
Any electric torch
No YesYesNoNo Yes
Yes NoYesYesYesYes
Electric torch complying
with AS/NZS 60079.11 or
other recognised Code
YesNo NoYesYes No
No YesNo NoNoNo
No
Yes Yes No Yes No
[a]A vehicle transporting unodourized LP Gas must additionally be equipped with a gas detector suitable
for detection of LP Gas, in accordance with AS 1596.
[b] The minimum requirement is air supplied short term breathing apparatus suitable for escape
purposes, except when, even in an emergency, the dangerous goods will not give rise to harmful vapours,
gases or dust. Note that where a driver attends to the loading or transfer of goods, SCBA with a duration
of greater than 15 minutes may be required by other (e.g. health and safety) legislation.
[c] Yes – if the goods are in receptacles with a capacity >500 L or the goods are cryogenic liquids.
No – otherwise.”Gas tight goggles” means face-hugging goggles with increased facial seal.
[d] Where an eyewash kit is required, it must be of at least 250 mL capacity, filled and ready for use.
[e] Yes – if the goods are elevated temperature substances or dry ice.
No – otherwise.
NOTE 1: Where an item of Personal Protective or Safety Equipment is required based on the primary
hazard or subsidiary risk of any item of dangerous goods in the load, that item must be
carried, except that where thermally insulated gloves or gauntlets are required and carried,
any requirement for chemically resistant gloves or gauntlets may be ignored.
NOTE 2: Under other legislation, it may be necessary to carry additional Personal Protective
Equipment where it is specified for the purpose on the Safety Data Sheet.
TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS
7
Table 1.7
Fire extinguishers on road vehicles transporting a placard load
of dangerous goods
Minimum Extinguishers
Required
Vehicle, Load
Location
Number x Rating Type
1. All vehicles where the
only dangerous goods
are:
One x 30B Dry powder
Near driver’s
door
– see 12.1.2.5
2. Vehicles transporting
dangerous goods in
placardable units (other
than IBCs), tanks or
bulk containers, except
where 3 below applies
Either:
One x 60B Load area
– see 12.1.2.5
3. Vehicles transporting
flammable goodsa in:
Either:
Two x 60B Dry powder
(a) tanks;
or: One x 80B Dry powder
+ One x 20B Foam
(a) articles or in
packages (including
those contained in
large packagings,
overpacks or
segregation devices); or
(b)in IBCs, except
where 3(c) below
applies.
(b) bulk containers;
and/or
(c)
Dry powder
or: Two x 30B Dry powder
Plus: One x 10B Plus: One x 10B Dry powder
Dry powder
Cabin
Load area
– see 12.1.2.5
Cabin
placardable units with a total
capacity greater
than 10,000 kg(L)
a in this table, “flammable goods” means dangerous goods of Division 2.1 Class 3 or Class 4, or having a
subsidiary risk of 2.1, 3, or 4.
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TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS
1.9 Required transport documents
Transport documents must be readily available and located in the cabin of the
vehicle in an emergency information holder and include the following:
• the consignor’s name and telephone number. If the dangerous goods are in a
tank vehicle, portable tank or bulk container with a capacity of more than
500 kg or L, it must include the number of a ‘telephone advisory service’
• the United Nations (UN) number of the dangerous goods
• the proper shipping name of the goods, or name that appears on the
packaging
• the Class or Division of the goods
• each Subsidiary Risk (if any) of the goods
• each Packing Group (if any) of the goods
• a description of each type of package or receptacle e.g. drum, IBC etc.
• the number of each type of package
• the aggregate quantity of the dangerous goods.
For further information on transport documents, refer to Chapter 11.1
of the ADG Code.
TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS
9
2. RETAIL DISTRIBUTION LOADS AND SMALL QUANTITIES of dangerous goods
This section is a guide for people involved in consigning, loading and the transport
on land of dangerous goods in retail distribution loads, non-commercial transport
and those transporting small quantities for use as tools of trade etc.
2.1 Retail distribution load
To obtain the concessions and classification of a retail distribution load, the
load must fulfil all of the following criteria as prescribed in Chapter 7.3 of the
ADG Code:
• all the goods to be transported in the vehicle are consigned to or from a retail
distribution centre or retail outlet
• the aggregate quantity of dangerous goods in the load does not exceed 20%
of the total quantity of goods in the load
• the aggregate quantity of dangerous goods in the vehicle does not exceed
2000 kg or L (vehicle includes each load bearing unit of a combination vehicle)
• the dangerous goods are packed in a form suitable for sale through a retail
outlet
• the load does not include any dangerous goods of Division 6.1 or Class 8, other
than those that are packed suitable for household use
• the dangerous goods are packaged according to the requirements of columns
7, 8 and 9 of the Dangerous Goods List in the ADG Code.
Despite being excluded by the Dangerous Goods List, the following may be
transported in a retail distribution load, provided that they are compatible with
any other dangerous goods in the load:
• party poppers, sparklers, bon bons and goods described as UN 0337, Fireworks,
Division 1.4S
• domestic smoke detectors, UN 2911, Radioactive Material, Class 7
• lighters and lighter refills, UN 1057, Division 2.1
• fire extinguishers with compressed or liquefied gas, UN 1044, Division 2.2. 2.2 Placarding
When a load of goods being transported on a vehicle meets all of the above
requirements and those prescribed in Chapter 7.3 of the ADG Code, it is not
treated as a placard load.
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TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS
2.3 Marking and labelling
Where the dangerous goods are packed at a retail distribution centre or a
retail outlet, into outer packagings or overpacks, they may be marked with a
mixed class label only, provided that they are only to be transported in a retail
distribution load.
2.4 Load compatibility
Dangerous goods must not be carried with other goods with which they
mayinteract in a manner that could endanger people, property or the
environment. Table 9.1 of the ADG Code describes incompatibility based on
dangerous goods classification.
No quantity of dangerous goods of Division 2.3 (toxic gas), Class 6 (toxic or
infectious substances), Class 7 (radioactive) or Class 8 (corrosive) may be carried
on the same vehicle as food or food empties unless an approved segregation
device is used (Class 8 may be carried only if it is intended as a food ingredient).
Explosives shall not normally be carried on the same vehicle with dangerous goods
of other classes. For the requirements on transporting explosives refer to the
Explosives Act 1936 and Explosives Regulations 1996.
2.5 Required transport documents
A transport document is required for a retail distribution load of dangerous goods.
All items in the load may be listed on the same document, or the dangerous
goods listed separately. A sample of a retail distribution load transport document
can be found in Appendix B of the ADG Code.
2.6 Small quantities of dangerous goods
If you are transporting dangerous goods, but are not in the business of dangerous
goods transport by land, (e.g. tradespersons, sales representatives, pest controllers
etc.) you are not subject to the requirements of the Dangerous Substances
(Dangerous Goods Transport) Regulations 2008, provided each of the following
criteria are satisfied:
• the load does not include explosives (Class 1), disregarding any Division 1.4S
(other than detonators, shaped charges and detonating cord)
• if the load contains flammable gas (UN Division 2.1), other than aerosols, or
any toxic gas (UN Division 2.3) or any Packing Group I dangerous substances,
then the aggregate quantity of dangerous goods must be less than 62.5 kg or L
• the load does not contain any infectious substances of Category A (Division
6.2) or radioactive material (Class 7)
TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS
11
• the load does not contain dangerous goods in a receptacle with a capacity of
more than 500 L, or more than 500 kg in a receptacle
• the aggregate quantity of dangerous goods is less than 250 kg or L
• the dangerous goods are packaged in accordance with the relevant provisions
of Part 4 (or where applicable Chapter 3.4) of the ADG Code
• no LPG cylinder with a capacity of more than 2.5 L may be carried on a
passenger bus. In any case the total quantity of those cylinders must be less
than 250 L.
However, any person transporting any amount of dangerous goods has a duty
to do this safely and carefully, without endangering themselves or others, or
impacting on the environment.
further information
For further information, contact SafeWork SA on 1300 365 255, or refer to the
Dangerous Substances (Dangerous Goods Transport) Regulations 2008 available at
www.safework.sa.gov.au and the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous
Goods by Road and Rail 7th Edition available from www.ntc.gov.au
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TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS
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© Government of South Australia, 2012
0721 FEB 2012