How to Become a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide – Part One

Part One: The Training Course

Becoming a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers (DGSA) in the UK is a challenging and rewarding process. Once qualified you can take responsibility for ensuring the safe transport and handling of hazardous materials. The DGSA plays a pivotal role in upholding regulations and standards set by the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). In this blog series, we will delve into the process of becoming a DGSA in the UK, including the training course, exam details, and steps to take.

In this first blog we’ll be looking at stage one – booking and attending a training course.

For most, the journey to becoming a certified Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser begins with a comprehensive training course. The Peter East Associates course helps to prepare candidates for the Core, Road and All Classes papers by providing a deep understanding of the ADR regulations.

The training course involves an extensive study of the ADR regulations, covering multiple aspects of transporting dangerous goods. Through the five days we cover all nine chapters of ADR, interspersed with practice questions, exercises and sessions on exam technique to reinforce learning and simulate the exam experience.

Throughout the course we cover a diverse range of topics, including (but not limited to), packaging (large packagings and IBCs), movement of bulk commodities using ADR tanks, UN specification marking, package testing, marking and labelling, the Dangerous Goods Note, placarding of vehicles, tunnel codes, required equipment on vehicles, driver and personnel training, the role of the DGSA, UK Road derogations, emergency action codes, and multilateral agreements.

The result? Participants will gain a solid foundation in understanding the rules and guidelines governing hazardous materials.

Ongoing Support

The support doesn’t just end when the delegate leaves the course either. Each will leave the course on day five with a pack of mock exams and we also supply answers to test themselves in preparation for the exam.

Of course, it’s not all about the exam though. We also cover the responsibilities of the DGSA and our trainers share practical stories and experiences from their work.

If you do want to know more about the exam, take a look at part two of our guide here.

We also recently introduced DGSA training in Manchester. Read more here.