Dangerous Goods Awareness: Who is it for?

Dangerous Goods Transport Awareness Training has been delivered by Peter East Associates expert trainers for several years, and we now have our very own eLearning course available.

The number one question we get asked about this course is which job role is it for? All three of the core modes of transporting dangerous goods (road, sea and air) refer to awareness training – but are unspecific about job roles – so who should take this training? Here’s a breakdown of who this course could be suitable for:

Drivers: Employees involved in transporting dangerous goods, such as vehicle drivers carrying dangerous goods in limited or excepted quantities, or under the small load provisions (ADR 1.1.3.6), need awareness training to understand the risks associated with handling these materials during transit.
Warehouse and Logistics Staff: Workers responsible for storing, and packing dangerous goods in warehouses or distribution centres (but not directly involved in transport), require awareness training to safely handle these materials and prevent accidents or incidents. A key competence for example, should be the ability to identify hazard labels. Warehouse staff often serve as the first line of defence when a package enters a company. Therefore, it is essential that they possess a basic understanding the regulatory rules, so they can flag anything which may be incorrect.
Manufacturing and Production Workers: Individuals working in industries where dangerous goods are used as raw materials or in manufacturing processes should undergo awareness training to recognize hazards and and identify compliance rules which may need to be followed later on in the transport chain.
Health and Safety Professionals: Health and safety officers and professionals responsible for developing and implementing safety protocols in the workplace benefit from dangerous goods awareness training to effectively understand risks, develop safety procedures, and train other employees.
Environmental Personnel: Professionals working in environmental protection or regulatory agencies may require dangerous goods awareness training to understand the regulatory rules so as to enforce compliance with environmental regulations, respond to spills or leaks, and mitigate environmental impacts.
Facility Managers and Supervisors: If they have not already completed a more comprehensive course, managers, supervisors, and team leaders responsible for overseeing operations involving dangerous goods should undergo awareness training at a minimum. This ensures they can effectively supervise their teams, implement safety protocols, and respond appropriately to emergencies.
Contractors and Service Providers: Contractors, subcontractors, and service providers working on-site or in facilities where dangerous goods are present should receive awareness training to understand the hazards they may encounter and adhere to safety protocols.
Employees in Any Industry with Potential Exposure: Even in industries where direct handling of dangerous goods may not be the primary focus, employees who may encounter these materials incidentally (e.g., during maintenance, cleaning, or waste management) should receive awareness training to recognize potential hazards and take appropriate precautions.

In short, awareness training is perfect for individuals that need to have some knowledge of dangerous goods transport, but are not ultimately responsible for safe packing, handling or documentation.

If that isn’t you, or if you’re responsible for the shipping of dangerous goods (both fully regulated and in limited/ excepted quantities), then you most likely need more extensive training. Our range of courses covering the transport of dangerous goods include: