Retter says industry input is crucial to getting best out of code reform process
The National Transport Commission (NTC) is seeking to raise awareness of changes to dangerous goods transport requirements to be in force in less than four months.
It is encouraging industry and business owners to prepare for the launch of edition 7.5 of the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail, which will come into effect on March 1.
NTC chief executive Paul Retter says the latest updates to the Australian Dangerous Goods Code, which sets out the technical requirements for transporting dangerous goods by road or rail, will continue to keep people safe and protect our environment.
“Among the updates, there will be new rules governing the transport of dangerous goods in limited quantities to reduce the regulatory burden for business owners and provide continued assurance that these goods are transported safely and efficiently,” Retter says.
Amendments include increasing the placard limit from one to two tonnes for all limited quantities and introducing simpler documentation for household and personal care substances.
“Reducing the regulatory burden remains a priority for us where it does not present unacceptable safety risks; and we encourage operators who transport freight classified as dangerous goods to provide input into potential reform opportunities,” Retter says.
The NTC makes a consultative review of the code every two years “as part of an ongoing strategy to align domestic land transport requirements with the United Nations’ recommendations for the safe transport of dangerous goods”.
A view of the changes before they take effect can be gained here.