Package plans
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PROPOSALS for a general tightening up of procedures for transporting dangerous packaged substances by road have been issued by the Health and Safety Commission, reports TIM COBB.
A consultative document out this week proposes controls on all methods of transporting dangerous substances by road, except road tankers and large tankcontainers. The controls will come in loads of 200 litres or more although some substances will be controlled in smaller quantities.
The aim of the proposals is to tighten safety procedures and minimise the effects of an escape of spillage, should one occur. Statistics from the emergency services show few incidents cause potential hazards, but their effect can be significant.
Evacuation of homes and motorway closures have all happened in the past because of a lack of information about the substances carried. operators affected will not be very significant, the HSC said at the launch of the proposals. The hazard warning panels will cost just under £20 each, but the need for safe overnight parking may reduce operational flexibility and so add to costs.
The training and instruction regulations should not cause many further costs, as most drivers carrying large loads of dangerous substances are already meeting the required standard.
Enforcement of the proposals, when they become law, will be carried out by Health and Safety Executive inspectors as part of their enforcement work in visits to factories and work premises. Local authorities will also have enforcement powers at premises for which they are responsible.
Discussions with the Department of Transport are under way about roadside checks on vehicle documentation. Reports of breaches will be sent to the HSE and these will be followed up at the operator's premises.
This latest documentation is the third and final part of regulations aimed at dealing with the conveyance of dangerous substances by road.
The first package on road tanks and containers appeared in 1981 and the second part on classification, packaging and labelling, is expected in May or June this year.
Commenting on the proposals, a Freight Transport Association spokesman told CM it was worried about the labelling side, as it was rather complex. He said that the FTA would suggest a much simpler label to be displayed on the vehicles.
*Proposals for Dangerous Substances (Conveyance by Road in Packages, etc). Regulations.