The Air Navigation (Dangerous Goods) Regulations places responsibility for the safe carriage of dangerous goods on all parties involved. This is inclusive of shippers and freight forwarders and they are legally required to receive initial and recurrent dangerous goods training in accordance with the requirements of the ICAO Technical Instructions.
The following persons who do not work for an airline must receive dangerous goods training;
- Freight forwarders involved in:
- processing dangerous goods,
- processing cargo, mail or stores (other than dangerous goods), and
- the handling, storage and loading of cargo, mail or stores.
- Shippers and packers and persons undertaking the responsibilities of shippers and packers
- General sales agents, cargo sales agents and cargo reservations staff
Approved dangerous goods training organisations
The CAA has produced guidance leaflets and posters for shippers, outlining the regulations and requirements for shipping dangerous goods.
How soon after employment must I receive dangerous goods training?
Dangerous goods training must be provided or verified upon employment, before you carry out any of the functions for which you are employed involving dangerous goods or general cargo.
What does dangerous goods training involve?
Persons involved in the tasks listed above must be trained in the requirements corresponding with their responsibilities and must include familiarisation, function-specific training and safety training. Table 1.4 of the Technical Instructions provides the subject matter relating to dangerous goods transport with which various categories of personnel should be familiar.
I have changed companies but I received dangerous goods training from my previous employer. Is this still valid?
Yes, provided that the training covered the areas required by your new role and you can provide your new employer with a copy of the certificate that was issued when you were last trained.
My dangerous goods training qualification is no longer valid. Can I still carry out my duties?
No. It is a legal requirement that dangerous goods training MUST be kept current. Failure to receive recurrent dangerous goods training and continuing to carry out a function involved in the processing or the carriage of cargo (whether or not it includes dangerous goods), would be a contravention of the Air Navigation (Dangerous Goods) Regulations. The same rules apply to shippers and freight forwarders.