This is a question that we get asked a lot of the time with a lot of unknown within the industry.
You need to appoint a DGSA if you: –
Transport Dangerous Goods nationally or internationally unless you are covered by the below exemptions: –
- You only do it occasionally, for example breakdown recovery vehicles
- You are only receiving the dangerous goods (you are the ‘consignee’)
- They are in ‘limited quantities’
- You are moving them a very short distance by road, for example between buildings on an industrial estate
- You are using private vehicles
You also need a DGSA if you are a consignor of dangerous goods as described in ADR 2019 1.2.1 “means the enterprise which consigns dangerous goods either on its own behalf or for a third party”. This includes companies that undertake the relevant filling, packing, loading and unloading of dangerous goods but since ADR 2019 it now includes consignor only companies (office based companies). There is however a transitional period which means you have till 2022 to appoint one. But why wait? If you were to appoint a DGSA now you could ensure that you comply before the deadline and that your procedures are fully compliant.
Consignees however are still exempt from needing to appoint a DGSA.
How do you appoint a DGSA?
For this you have two options.
1 – You could train a member of staff for this role. This would include a recommended training course with three exams at a dedicated testing centre across the UK. This certificate would have to be refreshed every five years with the same course.
2 – You appoint a third party DGSA. This works well for most companies because not only do you not have to worry if a trained member of staff leaves but you also get an unbiased view on the companies running procedures and policies.
Either way the DGSA’s responsibilities are the same. Please see our other Blogs to see DGSA (Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor) responsibilities.
For more information on our DGSA services please get in touch with our office on 01945 880155.
