<span class="" id="parent-fieldname-description"> The laws governing the transport of dangerous goods such as chemicals carried by rail will be updated in line with the latest international guidelines, the NTC has announced. </span> <p>The Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7th Edition (ADG7) regulates the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail. Items classified as dangerous goods can range from everyday household goods such as cosmetics and cleaning products, to fuels and industrial chemicals.</p><p>In outlining the proposed amendments released yesterday, National Transport Commissioner (NTC) Paul Retter AM said with many goods being imported and exported within Australia every day, it is important to minimise inconsistencies when transporting dangerous goods, nationally, internationally and across the different transport modes. </p><p>“This improves Australia’s global competiveness and brings Australia into line with international best practice,” Retter said.</p><p>With dangerous goods comprisising 8% of total freight transported by road and rail in Australia the NTC commissioner said the NTC’s proposed changes will ensure that dangerous goods continue to be safely and efficiently transported in Australia.</p><p>Some of the changes proposed in the package include:</p><ul><li>Updating markings and labels to be consistent with regulations for air and sea transport</li><li>Improving certainty for business by incorporating approved exemptions into law</li><li>A clear requirement for prime contractors and drivers to carry transport documents and emergency information so that they are easily locatable in the event of an emergency</li><li>Introducing the requirement for prepared emergency plans to be followed in an emergency situation.</li></ul><p><strong>Rail specific ammendments</strong><br />Although the amendments within the package affect both road and rail transport, there is a specific amendment which applies to the rail industry, regarding transporting small amounts of cyanide and acid</p><p>Previously, when transporting these small amounts, industry had to apply to the Competent Authorities Panel (comprising representatives from the regulators in each state and territory) for an exemption from the law requiring that the vehicles containing the dangerous goods must be separated by 15 rail wagons. </p><p>The amendment proposes that the law allow that when rail vehicles are defined as nominally empty (less than 2% full) when transporting cyanide or acid, that they only need to be separated by two wagons. This means that industry will no longer have to apply for an exemption from this requirement, removing unnecessary red tape and providing more certainty for industry.</p><p>ADG7 is based on United Nations (UN) Model Regulations, which are internationally accepted as the principal technical standards underpinning the transport of dangerous goods. The UN Model Regulations are updated periodically, and this amendment package proposes changes to bring ADG7 in line with the latest editions (16th and17th) of the UN Model Regulations.</p><p>The amendments were developed in consultation with key industry representatives and the Transport of Dangerous Goods Maintenance Group</p><p>Visit: <a href="http://www.ntc.gov.au" target="_blank">www.ntc.gov.au</a><br /> <br /><br /> </p>
