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
• • 2024 Australian and New Zealand Emergency Response Guidebook (ANZ-ERG 2024) (PDF, 9.4MB)
  • or
  • you can download a template (DOCX, 46KB) from the National Transport Commission to help create Emergency Procedure Guides (EPGs) for specific substances. If you choose to carry individual EPGs rather than the complete ANZ-ERG2024, you must also carry the EPG for Vehicle Fire (DOCX, 34KB).
• 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.