Staying up to date with regulations around the movement of dangerous goods is not just complex, it’s downright daunting, says Willie Nel, managing director of ZacPak.
“Ensuring compliance is challenging. Regulatory compliance is critical to an organisation’s ability to maintain a smooth supply chain. Yet with growing volumes and types of dangerous goods, increasingly complex supply chains, and more extensive regulations, many industry professionals are finding it challenging to do their jobs effectively and efficiently.” Shipping and storing dangerous goods is no easy undertaking – even for the most experienced logistician.
“While carrying dangerous goods, there is a risk of an incident due to the fault of other traffic participants, climatic conditions, badly chosen packaging materials, or lack of marking. In the transportation of this cargo it is impossible to avoid risk; however, it is possible to manage and reduce risk to a minimum,” he says.
“Transport is always associated with human risk factors that cannot be completely excluded. Transportation of dangerous goods requires the most stringent safety measures and may negatively affect environment, human health and material possessions.”According to Nel, nowadays insufficient attention is paid to domestic routes along which dangerous goods are being transported.“In most cases, the shortest route is selected without evaluating the possible consequences of an accident.
Transportation of dangerous goods requires special and constantly updated knowledge. It is relevant to all of participants in the process – consignors, loaders, warehouse workers, carriers and consignees. Special attention should be given to their training and development.”Nel believes that training (on regulations and operations) must be held to a higher standard for those filling positions in the supply chain, and especially for those handling dangerous goods at every level. “Without this, technology and innovation efforts will be compromised. The investment must start with the employees and with leadership.”
Commenting on the impact of technology on the dangerous goods sector, Nel said that in the modern trading landscape, automation – in some form or another – was part of the process to support operations.“And it does not always equal fancy robotics. It boils down to a clear set of data that provides a clear view of the big picture while identifying bottlenecks, risks and a lack of resources. It is important to consider the basics of technology before diving into complex solutions,” he says.
“After all, dangerous goods shipping is already a challenge. You want to simplify and support the process, not overcomplicate it.“Whether you’re transporting dangerous goods by sea, road, rail or air, one common element is ever present: the human factor. This has been identified in several studies as one of the main risk culprits when evaluating potential issues in transporting dangerous goods.”
INSERT: "The human factor has been identified in several studies as one of the main risk culprits when evaluating potential issues." – Willie Nel
