Controls and when they apply

Different controls apply for transporting dangerous goods depending on the size and weight of the container and the quantity of goods. These controls are requirements that protect the driver, the stability of goods being transported and the environment.

Exemptions and special provisions

The dangerous goods regulations are primarily written to apply to the transport industry. There are exemptions and special provisions that exempt certain transport from these controls, or provide a relaxed compliance obligation, where you are transporting the goods for your own use.

If the transport of dangerous goods falls outside these provisions, these exemptions or special provisions, the goods must be transported in accordance with the dangerous goods regulations.

Clause 6 of the Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Regulation 2022 provides an exemption that means these controls do not apply to dangerous goods that are

  • in very small amounts in individual consignments, in accordance with table 1.1.1.2 of the ADG Code
  • in the fuel tank of a vehicle
  • in any plant or equipment that forms part of a vehicle and is required for its operation
  • in any safety or protective equipment that must be carried in a vehicle

If you are not in the business of transporting goods, there is an exemption for privately transported dangerous goods in small receptacles. This must be less than 25% of a placard load, must not include any placardable units, and must not include any division 6.2, category A infectious substances.

If you are transporting dangerous goods for your own use, or for your commercial use, the special provisions for tools of trade and dangerous goods for private use apply.

Note that these controls also do not apply to class 1 (explosives) or class 7 (radioactive substances) as they are regulated under separate legislation and codes of practice, unless they are being transported with other dangerous goods.

What controls apply?

Most dangerous goods transport can be grouped into three types, depending on

  • the size and weight of the containers they are in
  • the total quantity of goods transported

These types are

  • less than placard load
  • placard load (smaller quantities)
  • placard load (larger quantities)

Whenever you are engaged in dangerous goods transport, you must ensure that anyone you engage, employ or permit to perform a task involved in the transport of dangerous goods must be appropriately trained, instructed and supervised to ensure they can perform the task safely and in accordance with the dangerous goods legislation.

Type of transport Controls required

Less than placard load

  • transport documents

Placard load (smaller quantities)

Receptacles with up to and including a 500-litre capacity and containing
up to and including 500 kilograms of dangerous goods, previously called
‘packaged dangerous goods’. The current dangerous goods transport
legislation and ADG Code no longer uses the term 'packaged'.

  • placards (class labels)
  • transport documents
  • emergency information
  • emergency information holder
  • double-sided reflectors
  • one 30B fire extinguisher
  • driver protective equipment
  • dangerous goods stowed correctly
  • dangerous goods segregated
  • insurance ($5 million)
  • a transport emergency response plan

Placard load (larger quantities)

Receptacles with over a 500-litre capacity or containing over 500
kilograms of dangerous goods, previously called ‘bulk dangerous goods’. The current dangerous goods transport legislation and ADG Code no longer use the term 'bulk'.

 

 

  • placards (EIPs and class labels)
  • transport documents
  • emergency information
  • emergency information holder
  • double-sided reflectors
  • additional fire extinguishers
  • driver protective equipment
  • dangerous goods stowed correctly
  • dangerous goods segregated
  • insurance ($5 million)
  • a transport emergency response plan
  • a telephone advisory service available throughout the journey
  • vehicle and driver to be licensed (licences are not required for intermediate bulk containers up to 3,000-litre total capacity as long as they are not filled or emptied while on the vehicle)
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