RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

May 20, 1999
COMPANIES FACING DEADLINE FOR NEW SAFETY ADVISERS

The race is on for companies who transport dangerous goods by road or rail to appoint new qualified safety advisers to meet the December deadline set by the Government, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said today.

The Transport of Dangerous Goods (Safety Advisers) Regulations 1999 came into force in March this year and state that a vocationally qualified safety adviser must be employed by December 31, 1999.

RoSPA has now set up a new training scheme to train Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers, leading to the approved examinations and certificate, which is valid for five years.

The requirement also applies to employers who are involved in the related loading and unloading of dangerous goods.

The advisers will be required to assist on health, safety and environmental matters, monitor compliance with legal requirements on the transport of dangerous goods, and ensure that accident reports are prepared.

They can be employees, consultants or employers themselves, but must hold a vocational training certificate valid both for the modes of transport the employer uses and the types of dangerous goods carried.

RoSPA is now offering the DGSA course, run by course tutor Kenny Reid, an associate consultant to RoSPA, who currently acts as a DGSA to a range of manufacturers and distributors of hazardous goods.

He has over 25 years experience working in the chemical industry, and has served on several Government/industry working parties. The courses commence in July.

Items covered include: understanding the principles of classification, package design certification and use, marking and labelling of tanks and vehicles, and emergency response measures.