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Getting the lowdown on hazardous goods

Companies that transport hazardous goods have learned more about the rules which will prevent them being banned from the roads.

Teesside haulage company Nicholson’s Transport brought together industry experts for an informative workshop about European legislation.

Authorities are clamping down on both the hauliers and consignors of goods to ensure they are keeping on the right side of the law.

Representatives from 25 chemical and manufacturing firms from across the North-East attended the free Hazchem workshop at Carlton House in Newton Aycliffe last week.

David Nicholson, Managing Director of Nicholson’s Transport, said: “It’s important that anyone transporting hazardous and dangerous goods fully understands the legislation, what it means to them and their legal obligations.

“The regulations affect so many businesses because what constitutes hazardous goods has been widened and includes things such as lithium batteries and lubricating oils.

“There has been some confusion about the legislation but hopefully we cleared that up with a one-stop session that gave people all of the information they need.”

The workshop covered a range of topics including transporting dangerous goods and waste safely, the impact of the current regulations and enforcement and prosecution.

One of the main changes to the law is that any individual or company that handles or transports hazardous goods is required to complete paperwork that details exactly what they are carrying and who they are carrying it for.

Guest speakers at the workshop included Graham Dennis, emergency planning officer with Cleveland Police; John Ford, environmental crime officer with the Environment Agency; and Ali Karim, founder of the Hazchem Network and a leading expert on the safe handling and transport of hazardous goods.

Mr Karim said: “The regulations are becoming increasingly complex so it’s important to have these sessions to ensure that transporters understand that the onus of responsibility now falls onto them rather than the consignor of the goods.

“As we have learned, the authorities are coming down hard on those who do not have the correct documents – and ignorance of the law is no defence.”

This legislation has been introduced Europe-wide and is enforced by the police, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), who will have the authority to issue a prohibition notices for non-compliance.

Anyone who missed the seminar and would like more information on the transport of hazardous goods should contact Melanie Taylor at Nicholson’s Transport on (01642) 556622.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Melanie Taylor .