DGSA (DANGEROUS GOODS SAFETY ADVISOR)
What are the 5 key responsibilities of a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor?
Any Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) has a responsibility to prevent risk to property, human, and animal life when they as an individual, or employees of
their company are transporting and working with dangerous and/or hazardous goods.ir
Their major responsibilities are:
– to monitor and comply with all local, government and EU directives which govern transporting dangerous and hazardous goods.
– preparation of internal and external company reports showcasing the adhereance of to any and all dangerous goods transport laws.
– advising on the correct method/s of carriage for dangerous goods
– Making sure reports are filed with DfT in the event of any accidents or infringements of ADR transportation regulations for the different classes of dangereous,hazardous and chemical goods
– monitoring internal and external advice to staff, as well as advising on training
Any person, organisation or company that deals with hazardous goods must appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA). Fortunately, firms have a couple of options.
Keep Legal can help in one of two ways:
DGSA Training
If you do wish to appoint an internal member of staff as your DGSA, they are able to attend one of our DGSA Courses to enable them to pass the SQA examinations. As part of the course we will book the examinations and order the official books needed.
DGSA Consultancy
If you would prefer not to have an internal DGSA or simply wish to not to wait, Keep Legal can act as your DGSA allowing you to operate without having to train somebody in-house. As your DGSA we will conduct the necessary annual audits as well as offer advise on how to transport the hazardous goods legally and safely.
We can offer to be your DGSA on for 6-months, a year or just for a few months while you get someone else trained or while you see a particular contract through. For more information on our DGSA Consultancy, see DGSA Consultancy.
FAQ
What is DGSA Training?
DGSA Training is formaltraining that is required by individuals who wish to become a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser. DGSA’s play a vital role in ensuring the safe transport of dangerous goods by road, rail, air, and sea. This is a role that drivers can aim for as a step in there careers within the transport sector.
Mark Shelton – MD Keep Legal: “DGSA training can be a real eye-opener, as it helps the student to gain a deep understanding of how crucial it is to ensure the safe transportation of dangerous goods. It’s a responsibility that has to be taken seriously.”
Who needs DGSA Training?
Companies involved in the transport, handling, or storage of dangerous goods in certain quantities are legally bound to appoint a trained DGSA. They can either take the DGSA training themselves, allocate one of their emmployees or hire a DGSA consultancy to act on their behalf.
Mark Shelton – MD Keep Legal: “As a logistics manager or transport manager, you should enrol in DGSA training to better understand how to manage your company’s dangerous goods shipments. It’s been immensely helpful for a number of our students who have taken this role on for their employers.”
What is the role of a DGSA?
A DGSA is responsible for giving professional advice on the safe and secure transport of dangerous goods, ensuring full compliance with regulations, preparing and reviewing documentation, and must also have the knowledge and capability to handle emergency situations involving dangerous goods.
Mark Shelton – MD Keep Legal: “Becoming a DGSA gives a real sense of responsibility for public safety. As a DGSA, you will now play a crucial role in advising your company on the correct handling of dangerous goods while maintaining safety in the workplace and out on the roads.”
How often is DGSA Training required?
DGSA Training is not a periodic training like CPC or other driver training. Once an individual has completed the required training and passed the exam, they can serve as a DGSA. However, with any career, it’s vital to stay updated with the latest regulations through continued professional development.
Mark Shelton – MD Keep Legal: “Although DGSA training isn’t required to be renewed, As training providers and DGSA consultants ourselves, we make a point to stay up-to-date with changing regulations. This commitment to ongoing learning ensures we ourselves are always providing the best training and advice to our students.”
Can I become a DGSA without formal training?
No, formal DGSA Training is typically required to gain the necessary knowledge and certification from the SQA to fulfill the role of a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser.
Mark Shelton – MD Keep Legal: “Taking formal DGSA training means you understand the full complexities of managing and handling dangerous goods. This requires very specialized knowledge, and the training will equip you to handle them responsibly.”
You may also find it worthwhile reading this report from the DGSA Safety Advisors forum which shows how candidates fared in the latest examinations which were held in March 2023.
The report shows what areas candidates were strong in, but more importantly shows the areas in which they were weak or struggled.
We’d advise you looking at the report so you can prepare yourself for the exam.
Your DGSA training at Keep Legal will prepare you thoroughly for the exam but this report will also support you in your preparation.
For more information on our DGSA training course dates or DGSA consulting services, please do not hesitate to contact us.
