Transporting Dangerous Goods in South Africa

Dangerous goods are articles or substances which are capable of posing a risk to health, safety, property or the environment.

Every individual involved in the handling and transportation of Dangerous Goods, whether they are consignors, manufacturers, importers or distributors, operators of road or rail vehicles or loading equipment, drivers or employers, have specific responsibilities and must adhere to a set of prescribed regulations and operating standards that dictate how the goods are marked, packaged, secured and transported.

The South African Dangerous Goods Act

The National Road Traffic Act 93 was implemented in South Africa in 2000 and provides legislation for Transporting Dangerous Goods by road.

The Dangerous Goods Act states that any person transporting hazardous goods and substances in quantities above the exempt quantity will have to be fully compliant with the Act. The South African Dangerous Goods Act also takes into consideration the mix of products you are transporting.

How to Comply with the Dangerous Goods Act

• Dangerous Goods transportation vehicles need to be placarded to indicate the type of substances in transit
• Drivers of vehicles above 3500 gvm require Professional Driving Permits with category D
• Drivers must carry specific documents including a Transport Emergency Card and a Dangerous Goods Declaration
• Insurance must be in place to cover Civil Liability and Recovery and Rehabilitation costs
• Use a vehicle that is suitable for the goods and/or substances you are carrying
• You have a planned route and have notified emergency responders about the goods and/or substances you are transporting
• Your driver must have suitable Dangerous Goods Training
• Multiloads must be compatible in terms of the Dangerous Goods Legislation and special multiload placards are in place on the vehicle

Dangerous Goods Handling Experts in South Africa

If you work in an industry that requires the transporting of Dangerous Goods then you’re going to need expert assistance if you don’t have Dangerous Goods resources at your disposal. Whether it’s Chemicals, explosives, gases or flammable goods, Value Group is on hand to help you.

Freightpak is our integrated logistics and supply chain service provider for Dangerous Goods Transportation. The division primarily services the chemical industry, specialising in single-source services based on the just-in-time (JIT) principle.

Contact us now for Dangerous Goods Transportation in South Africa