Plans are underway to amend and update the laws governing the transport of dangerous goods and chemicals on Australian highways and rail lines.

The National Transport Commission has released a draft of amendments to its code of practice for public consultation. The laws will be updated in line with the latest international guidelines in a suite of proposed amendments. Amendments are to be made to the Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7th Edition (ADG7).

With dangerous goods currently comprising 8 per cent of total freight transported by road and rail, NTC Chief Executive and Commissioner, Mr Paul Retter says: “Dangerous goods can present an acute risk to life, health, property and the environment, especially when being transported... the changes we have proposed will ensure that dangerous goods continue to be safely and efficiently transported in Australia.”

Some of the possible changes being considered include an update to markings and labels for consistent regulations across land, air and sea transport; an improvement to business certainty through legal exemptions; a requirement for prime contractors and drivers to carry transport documents and emergency information; and a requirement to prepare and report emergency plans.

A large part of the effort seeks to bring Australian legislation in line with the directives of the United Nations’ Model Regulations, which are internationally accepted as the principal technical standards underpinning the transport of dangerous goods. The UN Model Regulations are updated periodically, and this amendment package proposes changes to bring ADG7 in line with the latest editions (16th and 17th) of the UN Model Regulations.

More information and details of the proposed amendments are available from the National Transport Commission.