Dangerous Goods Policy – WildHorn Transport

Dangerous Goods (DG) Transport Policy

Purpose

This policy is intended for all drivers of Heavy Vehicles (HV) within our organization who are licensed to transport Dangerous Goods (DG) using trucks with appropriate placards. It also extends to the towing of trailers owned by a different business entity, which will serve as the consignor and owner of these goods.

Legislative Compliance

Wildhorn Transport aims to adhere to the Heavy Vehicle National Law 2018, the Dangerous Goods Act 1985, and any other relevant state or territory laws.

Driver Licensing and Training

At Wildhorn Transport, we only hire drivers who have valid licenses for the transportation of DG. We are committed to providing essential training and maintaining continuous records to ensure our drivers’ proficiency aligns with current legal requirements.

Objectives

Drivers: It is essential for drivers to maintain a valid license and adhere to all safety protocols as required by law.
Company: The company is responsible for verifying driver licenses, offering necessary training, and consistently evaluating and applying safety compliance measures.
Consignor/Owners of Goods: Under the HVNL, consignors (who are also owners of goods and trailers) must ensure that loads do not surpass vehicle weight limits, are securely fastened, and do not pose any safety hazards.

Policy

Wildhorn Transport, along with its employees, contractors, and clients, strictly adheres to the Dangerous Goods Act 1985. To fulfill these requirements and operate in a safe, compliant manner, Wildhorn Transport commits to ensuring all placarded vehicles used for transporting dangerous goods are regularly checked and maintained. We conduct frequent internal and external audits to guarantee adherence to this policy and pertinent regulations, promoting a secure transport environment.

Responsibilities

Senior Management: At Wildhorn Transport, senior management holds the responsibility for ensuring full compliance with the Dangerous Goods Act of 1985 and the Heavy Vehicle National Law of 2018. They must allocate the necessary resources for maintaining the DG transport initiative, foster a safety-oriented culture, and lead responses to any reported incidents, hazards, or near misses.
Drivers: Drivers are obligated to follow all pertinent safety regulations, which include ensuring the secure conveyance of DG. They must promptly report any issues, incidents, or near misses to senior management. Additionally, drivers are required to keep their licenses up to date and engage in continuous training programs offered by the company.
Safety Officer: The Safety Officer is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining safety protocols related to DG transportation. This role involves conducting regular audits, organizing needed training sessions, and ensuring all vehicles undergo inspections and maintenance as per regulations.

Goods Consignors/ Owners:

According to the HVNL, consignors have the duty to ensure that the loads do not surpass vehicle weight restrictions, are securely fastened, and do not present any safety hazards. They must also provide all required documentation for Dangerous Goods (DG) transportation and report any issues or concerns immediately to Wildhorn Transport.

Policy Review and Oversight

Wildhorn Transport will consistently evaluate this policy to ensure it aligns with legislative requirements and fulfills the needs of our company, drivers, and consignors. This involves conducting regular audits of our adherence to the policy, examining any incidents or near misses, and updating the policy as needed.

Training and Awareness

Wildhorn Transport is dedicated to conducting ongoing training and awareness sessions for all employees engaged in the transportation of Dangerous Goods (DG). These sessions will encompass regular briefings on changes in Dangerous Goods regulations, instruction on new procedures or equipment, and refresher courses on existing Dangerous Goods practices.

Incident Management

When an incident occurs, Wildhorn Transport is committed to taking all necessary actions to minimize its impact, investigate its origins, and implement preventive measures to avoid future occurrences. This process will involve collaborating with relevant authorities and conducting a comprehensive internal review.

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary measures, which could include termination of employment, in alignment with Wildhorn Transport’s Disciplinary Policy. Contractors or clients who do not comply with this policy might also face appropriate consequences, including the possible termination of contracts.

This policy will be accessible to all employees, contractors, and clients of Wildhorn Transport and should be considered alongside other pertinent company policies and procedures.