The State of Victoria's law is now consistent with an updated national framework for transporting dangerous goods by road or rail.
The framework, which is the responsibility of the National Transport Commission (NTC), closely aligns with international standards for the safe transport and storage of dangerous goods.
Victoria’s Dangerous Goods Act (1985) has been amended to adopt the national framework and introduce new regulations for the safe transport of dangerous goods.
For consistency, minor amendments have also been made to other Victorian regulations.
Importantly, the law now references the 7th edition of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG7).
ADG7 includes updated technical requirements for classifying, packing, labeling, consigning and transporting dangerous goods.
If you are already compliant with dangerous goods laws you’re well positioned to meet the new requirements.
For many workplaces and duty holders, responsibilities will not significantly change with the transition to ADG7.
All businesses must comply with ADG7.
The new requirements include:
Some changes to labeling and marking requirements for a number of dangerous goods;
New documentation requirements for transporting dangerous goods;
Some new and clarified supply chain responsibilities for consignors, packers, people loading vehicles, drivers, prime contractors and rail operators;
New word definitions and terms that align with international and intermodal practice;
Concessions for transporting small quantities of dangerous goods, such as very small consignments and goods for personal or trade use;
Issuing of dangerous goods licences raised from three to five years;
Changes to eligibility for Victorian dangerous goods drivers and vehicle licences; and
A minimum requirement for $5 million of insurance for placard loads.