Strict enforcement of dangerous goods legislation is demanding greater accountability among all links in the chain.
Specialists in the field offer their insights.
Specialist offers total solution for dangerous goods compliance
From contractual advice to training
JOY ORLEK
THE TOTAL solution for legal compliance with the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 96 regarding the transportation of dangerous goods.
That’s the offering from Eddie Crane of Johannesburg-based Dangerous Goods Legislation Consultants (DGLC) trading as EC Logistics, which was set up two years ago to service this niche market.
“We provide all requirements in terms of the national road traffic act, specifically for Chapter 8 which deals with the transportation of dangerous goods,” says Crane.
“This includes contractual and legal responsibilities. The consignor, the operator (transporter), the consignee, as well as freight forwarders who act on their behalf would need to be part of an operational contract signed between all parties, and this is one of the services we can offer.”
In terms of the legislation, insurance cover for civil liability, rehabilitation of the environment and the clean-up costs of any incident is mandatory.
But, according to Crane, a number of companies do not comply.
Last year’s Sea Elegance disaster, where a single container of undeclared dangerous goods resulted in a fire on board the vessel, serves as a costly example. “It’s a clear indication of what can happen when the correct documentation and signage are not in place. In 99% of these cases insurance companies will not pay out any claims.
“Shippers who had containers on board would have claimed from the shipping line, but they would not have had recourse against Lloyds of London who would more than likely repudiate all claims because it was a case of negligence.”
The golden rule, says Crane, is that you must have insurance for any load, any mode and any leg of transport.
The company’s one-stop service extends to client workshops, training of staff, and provision of the necessary equipment for vehicles. “We make sure that everything in their house is in order, helping them to draw up contracts where required.”
Crane has been involved in dangerous goods, logistics and distribution for the past 25 years. He holds a transport management diploma from the Rand Afrikaans University, where he majored in dangerous goods, and has been involved on technical committees with the SA National Standards Organisation, offering advice on legislation suited to South African conditions.
DGLC has expanded rapidly since its launch two years ago, and Crane is considering opening a Durban branch this year to serve his growing client base in the region.
Pointing clients in the right direction , EC Logistics’
Eddie Crane É you must have insurance for any load, any mode and any leg of transport.
