Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit addresses the skills and knowledge requirements for a driver to obtain a licence for the transport of dangerous goods by road.

Application of the Unit 

The unit covers preparing to comply with regulatory requirements and does not address all the skills and knowledge for the transportation of dangerous goods. Upon achieving this unit and obtaining a licence, further industry specific training will be required to satisfy legislative requirements for the transportation of dangerous goods.

Licensing /Legislative Requirements 

The primary legislative requirements applicable to this unit of competency are state/territory legislation in relation to the transport of dangerous goods, the current version of the Australian code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code), relevant Australian Standards (AS) and relevant Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) legislation including licensing and assessment requirements.

Obtaining this competency is a necessary requirement for obtaining a Dangerous Goods Driver Licence. However, it is only one of several criteria for obtaining the licence. Registered training organisations must advise each prospective student that there are a number of non-competency related requirements that must be satisfied to meet the licensing requirements. Depending on the jurisdiction these may include: age limits; relevant and valid driver licence; suitable driver traffic history; satisfactory medical report; criminal history or suitable person check; English standard - Score 5 in International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

It is a licensing requirement that this course be conducted over two or more training days including a minimum of 16 hours of supervised training and assessment.

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Identify individual organisations and systems for the transport of dangerous goods 

1.1 Responsibilities and duties for the transport of dangerous goods are clearly defined, and allocated and included in job descriptions and duty statements for all relevant positions

1.2 Systems, organisations, and other persons that effect the transport of dangerous goods are identified

2 Identify UN numbers , UN classes and UN divisions of dangerous goods including packing groups 

2.1 Proper shipping names and other relevant information from Dangerous Goods List are identified

2.2 UN class and UN division labels for dangerous goods are determined in accordance with the current ADG Code and regulatory requirements

2.3 Packing groups for dangerous goods are identified and assessed for their significance

2.4 The Dangerous Goods List is evaluated in relation to its special provisions and other instructions

3 Check vehicle 

3.1 The suitability of a transport vehicle to carry dangerous goods is assessed including roadworthiness, fittings and accessories, test date tags, knowledge of operation of control systems, awareness of mass, configuration, and other relevant requirements for the intended load

3.2 The requirements for driver and vehicle licensing and how to check vehicle for licence and registration labels, and conformity with the current ADG Code and other regulatory requirements are identified

3.3 Checks are made to determine that the transport vehicle has the correct placarding for the class or division of the intended load

4 Assess suitability of transport mode for intended load 

4.1 The suitability of dangerous goods packaging is assessed to ensure that it is suitable for purpose, free from obvious defects and residue

4.2 Ullage in large compartments is identified and assessed for compliance with the current ADG Code and regulatory requirements

4.3 Transport documentation is checked to ensure that dangerous goods markings and vehicle placards are consistent with the load being carried and are legible and clearly visible

4.4 Dangerous goods loads are checked for compatibility and segregation in accordance with regulatory requirements

5 Follow emergency procedures 

5.1 Hazchem codes are understood and appropriately applied in emergency response situations

5.2 Hazchem codes for a mixed load of dangerous goods are identified

5.3 Emergency information required for the dangerous goods being transported is appropriately identified

5.4 Driver's role and obligations in an emergency situation, are identified in accordance with a Transport Emergency Response Plan

5.5 Appropriate communication to notify relevant personnel and emergency services is identified and applied

5.6 Safety equipment is used for containment, clean up or recovery as appropriate

6 Check safety equipment and its use 

6.1 Safety equipment is determined according to the type of dangerous goods being transported in accordance with current ADG Code and regulatory requirements

6.2 The suitability and compliance of personal protective equipment required is assessed

6.3 Personal protective equipment and safety equipment is used in accordance with workplace and regulatory requirements

7 Maintain dangerous goods documentation 

7.1 Transport documentation is accurate and completed in accordance with workplace and regulatory requirements including the current ADG Code

7.2 Transport documentation is appropriately amended according to regulations and enterprise procedures

7.3 Transport documentation is correctly located in the cabin in accordance with regulatory requirements

8 Secure and protect vehicle load 

8.1 Load restraint method/s for the transport of dangerous goods in accordance with current ADG Code and other regulatory requirements are appropriately established

8.2 Load restraint systems and securing points are inspected for suitability, excessive wear, and obvious defects

9 Plan , control and manage transfer of dangerous goods 

9.1 Positioning of vehicle for dangerous goods bulk transfer is in accordance with current regulatory and enterprise procedures

9.2 Suitable safety measures for each class of dangerous goods being transferred are identified

9.3 Operation of battery isolation switches is clearly identified

9.4 Transfer equipment and adequacy of lighting levels are identified and checked for compatibility

9.5 Responsibilities of drivers during transfer of dangerous goods are identified

9.6 Emergency procedures in the event of a spill or leak during transfer are identified

9.7 Hoses used to transfer dangerous goods have been appropriately tested in accordance with regulatory requirements

10 Plan and manage safe transport of dangerous goods 

10.1 Regulatory procedures for carrying passengers while transporting dangerous goods are identified

10.2 Prohibited practices and the carrying of prohibited objects during transport are identified

10.3 Regulatory and enterprise procedures for planning routes covering driving, parking, loading and unloading, uncoupling and/or securing the vehicle are assessed

10.4 Transport routes are planned to ensure prohibited areas and restricted routes are observed

10.5 Appropriate parking requirements are identified in accordance with regulatory requirements

10.6 Regulatory requirements relating to the transport of empty or nominally empty packaging used to transport dangerous goods are identified in accordance with the current ADG code

10.7 Regulatory and enterprise procedures and driver's role in vehicle breakdown situations are appropriately indentified and implemented

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge :

• The current ADG Code and relevant state/territory dangerous goods legislation as they apply to vehicles transporting dangerous goods by road

• Procedures and guidelines concerning the transport of dangerous goods

• Risks associated with the transporting of dangerous goods by road and related precautions to control those risks

• Housekeeping standards and procedures required in the workplace

• Assess suitability of transport vehicles intending to carry dangerous goods

• Ability to read and interpret information on transport documentation including consignment/manifest sheets

• Plan appropriate transport routes and appropriate rest stops

• Methods of securing a vehicle following loading and unloading of dangerous goods, including bulk transfer of dangerous goods

• Relevant permit and/or licence requirements

• Ability to complete/amend appropriate documentation

Required skills :

• Ability to identify and correctly use equipment required for the bulk load/transfer of dangerous goods

• Ability to modify activities depending on differing workplace contexts, risk situations and environments

• Ability to read and comprehend simple statements in English (to Level 5, International English Language Testing System)

• Ability to identify dangerous goods labelling and placarding such as emergency information panels

• Ability to select and place appropriate placarding on vehicle/s transporting dangerous goods by road

• Ability to understand mass, volume and special requirements of a load

• Ability to identify and follow emergency procedures in the event of accident/incident

• Ability to use personal protection and safety equipment including eye wash kit

• Ability to identify/demonstrate appropriate load restraint methods

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

• The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying the following:

• identify UN classes, UN division, packing group, class and subsidiary risk labels for dangerous goods
• compliance with ADG and relevant dangerous goods legislation
• determine proper shipping names for UN numbers
• identify the level of risk within particular dangerous goods classes/divisions
• identify other persons, organisations, systems involved in the transport of dangerous goods by road
• identify the required information on a transport document for the transport of dangerous goods
• identify emergency information document and its storage location
• apply segregation methods to incompatible dangerous goods
• demonstrate the ability to appropriately placard dangerous goods vehicles
• identify required information on an emergency information panel
• assess operational suitability of equipment and vehicles pertinent to dangerous goods transportation
• locate, interpret and apply relevant information
• select appropriate equipment and work systems to enable safe, efficient work
• identify hazards and plan work to minimise risks when transporting dangerous goods
• determine (if any) required permits
• use appropriate communication strategies and equipment
• maintain workplace records and documentation including completing dangerous goods declarations
• identify and safely handle equipment and goods
• apply hierarchy of hazard control

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation:

• As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate oral and/or written questioning
• Appropriate practical assessment must occur at the registered training organisation, and/or in an appropriate work situation or realistic simulated work environment

• Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory requirements and correspond with the current version of the ADG Code and relevant Australian Standards in relation to the transport of dangerous goods by road

Method of assessment 

• Assessment must be conducted using the Mandatory Assessment Instrument. This instrument includes requirements for application and is available from the relevant state/territory Competent Authority
• Assessment must include questioning (verbal and/or written)
• Assessment may be in conjunction with the assessment of other units of competency

Specific resources 

• Access is required to opportunities to:

• participate in a range of exercises, case studies and other real and/or three dimensional simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to prepare for the transport of dangerous goods, and/or
• prepare for the transport of dangerous goods by road in an appropriate range of operational situations

• For the purpose of training and assessment all applicants must be provided or have direct access to a copy of the current ADG Code and relevant dangerous goods legislation for their state/territory
• The Competent Authority may require RTOs to provide copies of learning materials used for training. The Competent Authority may disallow the use of any learning materials it considers unsuitable

Access and equity considerations 

• All workers in the transport industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
• All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
• Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander transport drivers and communities

Consistency of performance 

• Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:

• assessing operational suitability of equipment and vehicles pertinent to the transport of dangerous goods by road
• identifying class and subsidiary risk labels for dangerous goods
• estimating weight and dimensions of load and any special requirements
• selecting appropriate equipment and work systems to enable safe, efficient work
• identifying hazards and planning work to minimise risks when transporting dangerous goods by road
• determining required permits, approvals or licences to transport dangerous goods by road
• using appropriate communication strategies and equipment
• locating, interpreting and applying relevant information
• maintaining transport documentation, driving records and any other workplace records
• identifying and safely handling equipment and goods
• applying hierarchy of hazard control

• Shows evidence of application of relevant transport procedures including:

• current state/territory dangerous goods legislation and procedures
• current ADG Code and associated Australian Standards
• current OH&S regulations and hazard prevention policies and procedures
• current workplace procedures and work instructions concerning the preparation and transport of dangerous goods by road
• relevant and current guidelines relating to the use of loading equipment
• current housekeeping procedures
• current environmental protection procedures when transporting dangerous goods by road

• Action is taken promptly to report any accidents, incidents or potential difficulties in the preparation and transport of dangerous goods by road in accordance with legislation and workplace procedures
• Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
• Work is completed systematically with required attention to detail without damage to goods, equipment or personnel

Guidance information for assessment 

• Assessors must confirm the identity of the student at the time of each assessment component
• Team based assessment models must not be used for assessment of this competency unit
• The assessment must be conducted using the Mandatory Assessment Instrument nominated by the Competent Authority
• The assessment must be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Competent Authority as specified in the Mandatory Assessment Instrument document and the accompanying assessment delivery guide
• The Mandatory Assessment Instrument challenge test is required for all forms of assessment including recognition of prior learning
• Further information about the Mandatory Assessment Instrument may be obtained from the Competent Authority in each state/territory
• It is a licensing requirement that assessors must satisfy the following requirements of the Competent Authority in addition to any requirements of the AQTF. Assessors must:

• Pass an assessment test approved by the Competent Authority; and
• Have at least 5 years relevant dangerous goods industry and operational experience; and
• Meet any additional mandatory skills or qualifications required by the Competent Authority; and
• Must not have been disallowed by a Competent Authority in any jurisdiction

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Operations may be conducted:

• in a range of work environments and weather conditions
• by day or night

Customers may be:

• internal or external

Workplaces may comprise:

• large, medium or small worksites

Work may be conducted in:

• restricted spaces
• exposed conditions
• controlled or open environments

Vehicle refers to:

• all applicable transportation modes

Hazards in the work area may include exposure to:

• hazardous or dangerous materials
• contamination of, or from, materials being handled
• noise, light, energy sources
• stationary and moving machinery, parts or components
• service lines
• spills, leakages, ruptures
• dust/vapours

Hazard management is:

• consistent with the principle of hierarchy of control with elimination, substitution, isolation and engineering control measures being selected before safe working practices and personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment may include:

• gloves
• safety headwear and footwear
• safety glasses
• mask or respirator
• breathing apparatus
• high visibility clothing

Load restraint systems are:

• as detailed in the National Load Restraint Guide

Preparation of packaged dangerous goods for transport may:

• require special precautions as specified by the manufacturer

Transport documentation may include:

• Transport Emergency Response Plan
• Emergency Procedure Guide
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
• descriptions for dangerous goods (i.e. proper shipping name, class and division number, packing group, subsidiary risk(s) if any)
• UN or ID number

Requirements for work may include:

• site restrictions and procedures
• use of safety and personal protective equipment
• communications equipment
• specialised lifting and/or handling equipment
• incident breakdown procedures
• additional gear and equipment
• noise restrictions
• hours of operation
• authorities and permits

Consultative processes may involve:

• other employees and supervisors
• suppliers, potential customers and existing clients
• management and union representatives
• industrial relations, OH&S specialists, and other maintenance, professional or technical staff

Communication in the work area may include:

• phone
• electronic data interchange (EDI)
• fax
• email
• internet
• radio
• oral, aural or signed communications

Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:

• company procedures
• enterprise procedures
• organisational procedures
• established procedures
• site procedures

Safety equipment on vehicle may include:

• fire extinguishers
• portable warning devices
• eye wash kit

Information/documents may include:

• current Australian Dangerous Goods Code, relevant Australian and international Standards
• manifests, bar codes, goods and product identification
• manufacturers specifications for equipment/tools
• workplace procedures and policies for the preparation and transport of dangerous goods
• goods identification numbers, codes and signs
• supplier and/or client instructions
• award, enterprise bargaining agreement, other industrial arrangements
• relevant standards and certification requirements
• quality assurance procedures
• emergency procedures
• manufacturers specifications, instructions and labelling advice for the transport of dangerous goods, including material safety data sheets

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:

• state/territory mass and loading regulations
• Australian and international regulations and codes of practice for the handling and transport of dangerous goods and hazardous substances, including current Australian and International Dangerous Goods Codes, Australian Marine Orders and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code and International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods by Air regulations
• Australian and state/territory regulations related to the transport of dangerous goods by road
• relevant Australian and international Standards
• relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation
• relevant state/territory OH&S legislation

Competency Field 

LIC - Licensing Units