Duties of packers, loaders, vehicle owners and drivers
Packers and loaders
You must not pack dangerous goods or load them into a vehicle if the packaging:
- is unsuitable, damaged, defective or not appropriately marked
- doesn't comply with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code.
You must only display the correct placard (diamond-shaped sign) for the dangerous goods being transported.
Placarding must not be false or misleading.
Vehicle owners
If you're the owner of a vehicle transporting dangerous goods, you're responsible for the vehicle's safety standards, insurance, and protective and safety equipment.
To transport dangerous goods in Queensland, your vehicle must:
- be currently registered – with your relevant state/territory authority
- have a dangerous goods vehicle licence
- meet inspection requirements.
Drivers
As the driver of a vehicle carrying dangerous goods, you must ensure that:
- you have a dangerous goods driver licence
- you carry your dangerous goods transport document at all times – issued to you from the consignor
- if a dangerous goods incident happens, you
- notify emergency services by dialling 000
- activate your transport emergency response plan and warn/advise others
- you perform your duties regarding vehicle safety standards, parking and standing, packaging and placarding
- you load, stow, restrain and segregate dangerous goods correctly
- you carry the following emergency information guides:
- Dangerous Goods – Initial Emergency Response Guide (SAA/SNZ HB 76:2010)
- or
- an emergency procedure guide for the dangerous goods transported on the vehicle (search the SAI Global online store for 'AS 1678') and the Emergency procedure guide – Transport – Vehicle fire (AS 1678.0.0.001-2004)
- you carry the following safety equipment
- fire extinguishers – minimum requirements are listed in Table 12.1 of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code
- personal protective and safety equipment
- 3 double-sided reflector signals.
Registered training organisations (RTOs)
Dangerous goods driver training courses are provided by approved RTOs. You must apply for a dangerous goods driver licence within 6 months of completing an approved training course.
Find a list of RTOs for the transport of dangerous goods.
Interstate drivers
All dangerous goods driver licences issued outside of Queensland allow you to drive a dangerous goods vehicle anywhere in Queensland.
Interstate contacts
Contact an interstate competent authority for information on dangerous goods regulations, licensing and classifications outside of Queensland.
Also consider...
- Read about storing and transporting hazardous chemicals.
- Learn more about transporting explosives.
- Last reviewed: 2 Jul 2019
- Last updated: 18 Apr 2018