Updated DG Transport Incident Response Guidance now available

Updated guidance for the management of emergencies and incidents that occur during the transport of dangerous goods by road or rail has been released, including the updated requriements under the latest ADG Code.

The National Transport Commission and the Competent Authorities Panel have released an updated version of the Australian and New Zealand Emergency Response Guide Book.  The Guide is aligned to the updated requriements in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code.

Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code)

The Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail (ADG Code) sets out the requirements for transporting dangerous goods by road or rail.

It is important that everyone involved in transporting dangerous goods understands their responsibilities to help prevent and reduce damage to people, property and the environment.

Edition 7.9 is the latest edition of the ADG Code. It can be used from 1 October 2024 and is mandatory from 1 October 2025. The commencement date in some states may be later than 1 October 2024, please check with your competent authority.

Appendix C:  Emergency Action (Hazchem) Codes is published here as a stand-alone document. As part of the NTC’s agreement to use this information, Appendix C: cannot be printed or copied.

The code is given legal force in each Australian state and territory by each jurisdiction’s dangerous goods transport laws. It is important that the code is read in conjunction with these laws because they provide important information, including supply chain member duties, licence requirements and competent authority panel powers.

The state and territory law are based on the Code’s model laws.

In very limited circumstances, individual competent authorities and the competent authority panel, can make decisions related to the transporting dangerous goods legislation, including exemptions, determinations, or approvals.

DG Transport Emergency Response Guide

The Australian and New Zealand Emergency Response Guide Book (ANZ-ERG 2024) and the aligned specific product stream template for Individual Emergency Procedures Guide are available now.

“It is important to note that the updated Guide resources are mapped to the updated requriements in the ADG Code.  Businesses who are still using the 2018 Emergency Response resources and templates will need to update to the new versions now, as they are not only out of date but do not capture the required elements cor compliance”, explains ACAPMAs Elisha Radwanowski.

Operators who identify errors, omissions or questions about these resources should direct them to ADGCode@ntc.gov.au. Note that the NTC and CAP do not alter the technical content of the guides, but can assist with referring issues with this content to the organisations responsible for the source document.

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Safety Highlights are things to consider, implement and watch out for in your business.  They are provided as general information for you to consider and do not constitute advice.  You should seek further advice on your situation by contacting your legal advisor.  ACAPMA members can access resources and receive advice, guidance and support from the ACAPMA employment professionals via employment@acapma.com.au  , it is free for members.  ACAPMA Membership delivers this and more benefits, see; https://acapma.com.au/membership/    for more information.

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