Dangerous goods being transported alongside food has led to a transport operator being fined for a series of breaches.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator reports that it recently intercepted a two-axle rigid truck and was surprised when it discovered its contents.
The truck was carrying consumable goods in the form of loaves of bread, right next to a load of Hypochlorite Solution – with no separation and no safety equipment on board.
“This was highly concerning as Hypochlorite Solution is an extremely dangerous industrial chemical and can cause significant health risks when consumed,” said the regulator.
The non-compliance issues detected were:
Placard load of dangerous goods being transported with no placarding.
No emergency information holder.
No safety equipment (including no eye wash, no chemical resistant suit, coveralls, gloves or gauntlets and boots, no electric torch, etc.)
Incorrect type of fire extinguisher (which was also out of service date).
No segregation (load of Hypochlorite Solution was mixed in with food).
Primary contractor had no emergency response plan in place.
Driver had received no training regarding transporting dangerous goods.
While the driver escaped penalty, the company was issued a fine.
The truck was also grounded, with a dangerous goods compliant company enlisted to transport the load back into town. The load of bread was destroyed.
“Our team educated the driver on what to be aware of in the future and what safety precautions need to be put in place,” the NHVR said.
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