Transport Equipment

What does a dangerous goods vehicle need?

The placard load test decides

Most Australian Dangerous Goods Code equipment requirements apply only to a placard load — a vehicle carrying dangerous goods in a receptacle with capacity over 500 L, or over 500 kg of dangerous goods in a receptacle (plus aggregate tests of 250 kg/L for higher-risk goods, or 1,000 kg/L overall). Below those quantities, package class labels and documentation are usually all that is required. (Source: WorkSafe WA — placard load; NTC ADG Code.)

EIP, class label or holder?

• Package or small container — the class/division diamond on the package.
• Receptacle over 500 L / 500 kg, or bulk — Emergency Information Panels on the vehicle sides and rear, plus the in-cabin Emergency Information Holder for documents.
• The EIP (external panel) and the Emergency Information Holder (in-cabin document holder) are different items — a placard-load vehicle needs both, not one or the other.

Choosing transport PPE

PPE must be matched to the chemical via its Safety Data Sheet — there is no single glove or eyewear that suits every substance, and PPE is the last line of defence, not a substitute for containment. Choose chemical-resistant gloves, splash protection and eye irrigation appropriate to the goods carried. (Source: Safe Work Australia — PPE duties.)

Common mistakes to avoid

• Buying package-size class labels for a bulk tank/IBC load that needs vehicle EIPs.
• A generic document sleeve instead of a compliant, weather-resistant Emergency Information Holder.
• One glove material for "chemicals" generally — match it to the substance's SDS.
• Safety glasses where splash goggles are needed for liquid dangerous goods.

Drivers of placard loads also need a dangerous goods driver licence (TLILIC0001).