The Purpose of a DGSA
It has been a requirement of any business that regularly consigns, transports, picks, packs, organises, fills, loads, or unloads dangerous goods by road, rail or inland waterway (including consignors/handlers) to appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) since the Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) Regulations (āADR Regulationsā) was updated on 31 December 2022.Ā But what is the purpose of a DGSA, and why has it become necessary to appoint one?
A Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) assists any business involved in the consignment or handling of hazardous goods to monitor their adherence to ADR Regulations.Ā A DGSA should be a competent, experienced person able to advise on the safe transport of dangerous goods, nationally and internationally. Their role is to help control the risks inherent in such activities with regard to people, property, and the environment.
The main objectives of a DGSA are as follows:
- A DGSA will monitor your compliance in relation to all regulations governing the transport of dangerous goods, specifically the ADR Regulations.
- A DGSA will provide help and advice to the business owner, transport manager, or operations manager on how best to transport dangerous goods, and any changes to dangerous goods regulations.
- A DGSA will provide help and advice in terms of the training of staff on the transport and handling of dangerous goods.
- A DGSA will investigate any accidents involving dangerous goods, and any infringements of the ADR regulations. They will also prepare management reports on issues and provide recommendations on how to prevent recurrence.
- A DGSA will report incidents and accidents to the Department for Transport.
- A DGSA will prepare an annual report on the businessā activities and performance in the transport of dangerous goods.
Although there are some operational similarities across many businesses transporting dangerous goods, every company has its own specific needs and operations, which an experienced DGSA will take into account when creating a bespoke support programme.Ā This support can often include telephone advice as and when needed, onsite visits, and internal compliance audits, providing peace of mind that your business operations comply with the latest dangerous goods regulations.
For more information on our DGSA services, call us today on: 0345 9001312, or complete our enquiry form and one of the team will get back to you.
DGSA related articles:
What should I consider when employing a DGSA?
What are the changes to DGSA regulations and how will they affect you?
What does a DGSA do? / What are the duties of a DGSA?
A day in the life of a DGSA advisor
Role of a DGSA in international carriage of dangerous goods by road