Hazard labels start new safety scheme
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FIRST steps towards a comprehensive system of statutory controls for the carriage of dangerous substances by all types of transport come into operation on March 28,1979.
Road tankers carrying single or multi-loads of any of about 400 common dangerous chemicals (including hazardous wastes) will be required to display special hazard warning panels designed to give vital information to the public and emergency service in case of accident.
These regulations are to be mandatory and extend the voluntary tanker marking scheme to multi-loads.
Hazard warning panels must be securely attached to the rear and both sides of the tank on the vehicle. For multiload tankers, additional labels are required to be securely attached to both sides of every compartment of the vehicle.
The regulations will be enforced by two authorities: the Health and Safety Executive and the police. Police will be responsible for noting any contraventions.
Unlike road tankers where the tank is an integral part of the vehicle, demountable tanks and tank containers are not covered by the regulations.
They are not included in the voluntary scheme which is currently operated by transport organisations throughout Britain. It is intended that these will be included in the general proposals for the conveyance of dangerous substances by road, to be published later.
The Hazardous Substances (Labelling of Road Tankers) Regulations will form part of these proposals.
A copy of the Statutory In• strument may be obtained on request from the Health and Safety Commission.