The British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA) has issued new guidance, which sets out the purpose, role and duties of a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor, with an emphasis on Class 2 (gases) dangerous goods.
The guidance highlights that every organisation involved in the transport related activities of filling, packaging, loading or unloading dangerous goods for carriage should appoint a safety adviser(s).
The safety adviser is commonly referred to as the Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA). A DGSA can be an employee of the organisation or be contracted to provide a service as a third party.
This Guidance Note provides general information on the role of a DGSA, with specific information for those involved with Class 2 (gases) dangerous goods.
Accoding to the new document, a DGSA should be a competent individual who is able to provide guidance and advise on the management of dangerous goods throughout the distribution and supply chain.
This can apply to anyone within the organisation involved with dangerous goods, not just the transport operator.
An organsation may decide whether to use their own staff as DGSA or to contract a third party to act as a DGSA.
Premises owners and users of gases and related equipment should ensure they have adequate insurance to cover their activities and that they use their gases and look after pressure receptacles in a safe and responsible way.
This Guidance Note is intended for use in conjunction with current guidance and information provided by the Department for Transport (DfT) and should be supplemented with appropriate legislative requirements and best practice guidance.
To access the BCGA’s latest guidance on the role of a Dangerous Goods Advisor in full, click here.
