Updates To The Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has released the updated version of the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code, which is part of an ongoing strategy to align domestic land transport requirements with international requirements for the safe transport of dangerous goods. As such, the NTC reviews it every two years to help meet international best-practice and evolving user needs in Australia. Compliance with the ADG7.4 is compulsory from 1 January 2017.

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 definition of a driver licence has been broadened. It clarifies that drivers on a provisional or learner licence cannot hold a dangerous goods licence," the new code states.

"It is an offence for consignors, loader, prime contractor or driver to transport dangerous goods with an incorrect placard."

Amendments include:

• The addition of new materials to the list of dangerous goods
• Changes to lithium battery transport requirements
• A new rule on placards and a restriction on drivers with provisional or learner licences

The new code does not cover:

• The transport of explosives
• Radioactive materials
• Infectious substances
• The usage, storage or security of dangerous goods or waste products unless they are transported with other dangerous goods.

Copies of ADG7.4 can be freely accessed from the National Transport Commission Website.

References:

https://infrastructure.gov.au/transport/australia/dangerous/dg_code_7e.aspx

https://www.ownerdriver.com.au/industry-news/1512/new-dangerous-goods-requirements-begin-in-january-2017