Why Is This Training Required?

What is the Legislation?

EU Directive 96/35/EC, now UK law, requires any undertaking that transports, loads or unloads dangerous goods by road, to appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA). This legislation applies to all shippers, road carriers, air carriers, freight agents, and handling agents who are involved in road transport of dangerous goods above the Limited Quantity exemptions. The Directive requires the DGSA to perform functions and duties in four main areas:

• to provide advice to the undertaking on the road transport of dangerous goods
• to monitor compliance with the rules governing the road transport of dangerous goods and other practices and procedures
• to prepare reports whenever accidents occur during the transport of dangerous goods by road in which the undertaking has a concern
• to prepare annual reports on the undertaking’s activities in the road transport of dangerous goods

To be eligible for appointment as a DGSA, the candidate must hold a valid Vocational Training Certificate obtained by passing the examinations set by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), who in turn are appointed by the Department for Transport. This course is intended to cover all relevant topics and subjects that may be included in these exams.  Our ‘Useful Links’ page gives contact details for the SQA.