The dangerous goods safety advisor

The transport and handling of dangerous goods is subject to strict legal regulations in Germany. Companies that come into contact with dangerous goods in any way must ensure that the relevant safety regulations are observed. The dangerous goods safety advisor plays a central role in this, ensuring that all legal requirements for the transport of dangerous goods are met.

Who needs a dangerous goods safety advisor?

All companies involved in the transport of dangerous goods – whether by road, rail or waterways (e.g. sea or inland waterways) – must appoint a dangerous goods safety advisor. This includes in particular:

• Client (of the sender)
• Sender
• Shipper
• Packer
• Carrier
• Unloader
• Recipient

Companies that store or process dangerous goods and then have them transported are also subject to the appointment requirement. The Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor Regulation (GbV) regulates the obligation to appoint a dangerous goods safety advisor, although there are exceptions, which are described in Section 2 (1) of the GbV.

Duties of the dangerous goods safety advisor

The dangerous goods safety advisor is responsible for helping companies comply with all legal requirements for the transport and handling of dangerous goods. These include, among other things:

• Monitoring compliance with dangerous goods regulations:
  The dangerous goods safety advisor ensures that all relevant regulations for the transport of dangerous goods are observed.
• Preparation of annual reports:
  These reports summarise the activities carried out and any accidents or incidents that may have occurred.
• Conducting training courses:
  The dangerous goods safety advisor is responsible for ensuring that all persons involved in transport are informed about the applicable regulations and receive regular training.
• Advising company management:
  He or she acts as an advisor to the company and makes recommendations for improving safety measures and processes.
• Documentation and reporting in the event of accidents:
  In the event of an incident, the dangerous goods safety advisor is responsible for preparing the necessary reports and analyses.

How much time must a dangerous goods safety advisor spend working for the company?

The amount of time a dangerous goods safety advisor spends working for the company is not specified by law and depends on the type and volume of dangerous goods transported. In smaller companies that rarely transport dangerous goods, the dangerous goods safety advisor can also work as an external specialist and only be called in when needed. In larger companies that regularly work with dangerous goods, it may be advisable to appoint an internal dangerous goods safety advisor who continuously monitors and optimises processes.

It is important that the dangerous goods safety advisor has sufficient time to perform their duties conscientiously, maintain documentation and conduct training. As a rule, the scope of dangerous goods activities determines how often and how intensively the advisor must be active.

The dangerous goods safety advisor plays a key role in ensuring compliance with regulations for the safe transport of dangerous goods. Companies that transport or handle dangerous goods are legally required to fill this position. The amount of time spent in this role depends heavily on the quantity and frequency of dangerous goods handled and may be sporadic in small companies, but necessary on an ongoing basis in large companies. Whether internal or external, the dangerous goods safety advisor ensures safety and legal compliance.

If we have sparked your interest in the topics of dangerous goods and dangerous goods safety advisors, please feel free to contact us.