5 Reasons Why Dangerous Goods Regulation Training is A Must
Packaging, handling, and shipping of dangerous goods is no joke. It is also not an easy task. As we all know, dangerous goods are defined as “substances or articles that pose a risk to people, property or the environment, due to their chemical or physical properties.” Thus, handling dangerous goods is imperative when transporting them from one place to another.
Thankfully, dangerous goods regulation training exists. In this article, we will list down 5 reasons why taking dangerous goods training is a must. Not only for people and companies who handle the shipping of dangerous goods but also those that belong outside of that industry. This includes gas station employees, home cleaners, industrial plant and others that frequently come in contact with dangerous goods.
Health and Safety
The first and most important item on our list is health and safety. Health and safety come first above all else when handling hazardous materials and dangerous goods training will help ensure the cleanliness and welfare of the workers and the workplace.
A dangerous goods regulation training will help educate the people involved in the risks, side effects and damage potential of each of the classes in the dangerous goods classification system. While we know that these people are confident and knowledgeable when it comes to handling dangerous goods, there is no hard in getting a refresher and learn more about updated guidelines. There is more to handling dangerous goods than just avoiding skin contact.
Clarify Roles and Responsibility
Another reason why dangerous goods regulation training is important is to clarify the roles and responsibilities among workers. There can be a team of workers who are tasked to handle the dangerous goods but it might not be clear what the specific obligations are or worse, obligations were not set in the first place.
These obligations are important to ensure that each person handles the packing, sorting, and transportation. This is to prevent accidents and make everyone aware of the penalties when failing to accomplish those obligations.
Know Exactly What To Do
In relation to the previous item, a dangerous goods regulation training will also specify the nitty-gritty of those obligations. From preventing and controlling hazards to knowing how to properly mark containers or reporting problems and breeches.
Each of those scenarios and more are very important to keep everyone safe at all times. In the chances of an accident occurring, every person in the room knows exactly what to do and how to act. Prevention may be better than cure but having knowledge on what to do during an emergency situation saves the day.
Comply with Rules and Regulations
Companies that are in the business of shipping dangerous goods must strictly comply with OHS guidelines and laws that will benefit the employees and the public at large by providing a safer environment for everyone.
Usually, dangerous goods regulation training makes these businesses and companies aware of the guidelines and reminds them of the penalties that they will incur should they fail to follow them. This applies to business and personality liability.
Master Hazardous Spill Management
Last but definitely not least, spill management is a significant part of dangerous goods regulation training. Toxic gases can cause extreme side effects when inhaled and will eventually lead to respiratory problems or cancer. So, when a hazardous substance spills, does the employee know what to do?
With that said, a deeper discussion on spill management will educate employees and workers of the proper procedures when a spill occurs. Because, again, handling dangerous goods is more than just making sure that there is no skin contact.