Dangerous goods driver

Dangerous goods drivers transport fuel and bulk liquid, hazardous products and chemicals by road.

Excludes people working in an intermediate bulk container.

The following job titles also refer to dangerous goods driver:

dangerous goods transport specialist
dangerous goods driving specialist
explosives truck driver
ADR driver
hazardous materials driver
dangerous goods trucker
dangerous goods deliverer
driver of dangerous goods

A high school diploma is generally the minimum required to work as dangerous goods driver. A heavy truck driving licence, as well as a certification or a training about the dangerous goods to be transported is also necessary for this role.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Dangerous goods driver is a Skill level 2 occupation.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of dangerous goods driver.

• Hazards associated with loading dangerous goods: Know about the hazards implied with the transport of determined dangerous goods. Know about the emergency actions and handling procedures in case of accidents with the goods during their loading or transportation.
• Mechanical components of vehicles: Know the mechanical components used in vehicles and identify and resolve potential malfunctions.
• Vehicle cargo capacity: The capacity and the limits of the commissioned vehicle in terms of weight, type of cargo it can handle, and other cargo loading specifications.
• Health and safety measures in transportation: The body of rules, procedures and regulations related to health and safety measures intended to prevent accidents or incidents in transportation.
• Effective perception of transport environment: Know the local transport topography, including roads, traffic hotspots, and alternative routes to reach a destination. Use knowledge to transport the vehicle to its destination in the most time and fuel efficient manner, and minimising safety risks.

These skills are necessary for the role of dangerous goods driver.

• Control the performance of the vehicle: Understand and anticipate the performance and behaviour of a vehicle. Comprehend concepts such as lateral stability, acceleration, and braking distance.
• Anticipate foreseeable problems on the road: Anticipate problems on the road such as punctures, pursuit driving, understeering or, oversteering.
• Maintain logbooks: Maintain the required logbooks according to practice and in established formats.
• Operate emergency equipment: Utilise emergency equipment and tools such as fire extinguishers, wheel chocks, pocket lamps, and warning signs.
• Use different communication channels: Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.
• Revise certifications for dangerous good transportation: Check if the goods to be transported and their certifications meet regulations , ensure that certifications correspond to the goods. Drivers must ensure that they secure the load to their vehicle, which for dangerous goods requires a signed packing certificate (this certificate may form part of the Dangerous Goods Note).
• Handle dangerous goods: Transport hazardous materials in a safe manner.
• Check dangerous goods transport unit: Ensure that a vehicle about to transport dangerous materials complies with safety and legal regulations. Perform visual checks to identify and report leaks or other forms of damage.
• Practice emergency stops: Practice emergency stops. Know the interchange with anti-lock braking systems (ABS), as this must be disabled before the execution of an emergency stop.
• Stay alert: Stay focused and alert at all times; react quickly in the case of unexpected events. Concentrate and do not get distracted performing a task over a long period of time.
• Manoeuvre heavy trucks: Drive, manoeuvre and park tractors, trailers and lorries on roads, around tight corners, and in parking spaces.
• Operate gps systems: Use GPS Systems.
• Maintain concentration for long periods: Stay concentrated over a long period of time in order to make correct judgements and appropriate decisions.
• Parallel park vehicles: Parallel park motorised vehicles in a variety of spaces.
• Interpret traffic signals: Observe lights on the road, road conditions, nearby traffic, and prescribed speed limits to ensure safety. Interpret traffic signals and act accordingly.
• Perform defensive driving: Drive defensively to maximise road safety and save time, money, and lives; anticipate the actions of other road users.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of dangerous goods driver. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• International carriage of dangerous goods by road: Know that the purpose of ADR is to ensure that dangerous materials, including chemicals and hazardous waste, are able to cross international borders as long as vehicles and drivers are in compliance with regulations.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of dangerous goods driver. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Maintain gas mileage records: Keep records of vehicle mileage and fuel consumption.

8332 – Heavy truck and lorry drivers

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References

1. Dangerous goods driver – ESCO
2. Featured image: Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash