scope:

Policy

Government policies on the management of dangerous goods promote safe, healthy, and environmentally sustainable workplaces and communities for the people of New Zealand.

These policies are to be achieved through measures including compliance with a series of regulations and rules supported by an effective enforcement process which will provide everyone with a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment.

An employer's obligations include:

(a) Establishing and maintaining a safe workplace;

(b) Taking all practicable steps to identify hazards and eliminate, mitigate, or isolate them;

(c) Providing the necessary education and training;

(d) Monitoring performance; and

(e) Auditing the outcome.

Standards and codes of practice enable compliance with the performance objectives required by safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) regulations. By implementing such guidance and conducting independent performance audits, industry can effectively demonstrate compliance.

The transport industry has a particular responsibility to ensure that potentially hazardous operations do not threaten the safety and well-being of the community and our environment. This Standard has been developed to enable those involved in the transport and distribution of dangerous goods to comply with Government SH&E protection policies, transport regulations, and best industry practice, thereby earning the confidence of the enforcement agencies and the community.

In doing so, transport operators can reduce risks, minimise costs, and add significant value to their operations.

Application

This Standard applies to the transport on land of:

(a) Substances and articles which belong to the classes, and have the properties and nature, described in section 2; and

(b) Empty receptacles that have been used for transporting substances described in section 2, but which have not been cleaned.

This Standard provides:

(a) A means of compliance with the Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods (Dangerous Goods Rule);

(b) A guide to 'best practice requirements' for the safe transport of dangerous goods on land.