COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Managing Dangerous Goods Across Supply Chain Operations course. This training is designed to equip you with the knowledge and operational practices required to safely manage dangerous goods across warehousing, logistics, and transport environments. As the movement and storage of hazardous substances present significant legal, environmental, and health risks, this course prioritises regulatory compliance, risk control, and emergency preparedness within the Australian context.
The course begins by defining what constitutes dangerous goods, distinguishing them from hazardous substances, and highlighting their significance across all stages of the supply chain. Participants will explore the operational and legal consequences of mismanagement, from environmental contamination and worker injury to fines and prosecution. A strong emphasis is placed on ensuring compliance through clear, coordinated procedures and site-level accountability.
Understanding the regulatory environment is essential. This section outlines the legislative frameworks governing dangerous goods, including the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code, WHS Regulations, and relevant Codes of Practice. Participants will review the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), which mandates shared legal duties across the logistics chain, from consignor to driver.
Dangerous goods must be correctly classified to be handled and transported safely. This section introduces the nine classes of dangerous goods, packing groups, and subsidiary risks. Participants will learn to use the Dangerous Goods List for accurate identification and classification, a foundational step for all documentation, labelling, and transport processes.
Proper labelling and marking are essential for safety and legal compliance. Participants will be guided through the requirements for UN numbers, class labels, placards, and pictograms, and will examine the differences between workplace labels and those used during transport. The section also covers packaging labelling for overpacks and mixed loads.
Correct documentation underpins every dangerous goods transaction. This section explores the preparation and maintenance of consignment notes, transport emergency cards (TREMcards), and dangerous goods declaration (DGD) forms. Participants will understand who is responsible for each form and how documentation supports audit trails and incident response.
Packaging compatibility is critical to preventing leaks, reactions, or failures. Participants will learn how to select approved packaging materials based on class, quantity, and physical properties. The section emphasises the importance of inner/outer packaging combinations, compatibility, and UN certification markings.
Segregation and storage standards help to minimise risks of chemical reactions and environmental harm. This section explains how to segregate dangerous goods by class and compatibility group, and how to apply appropriate signage, containment systems, and bunding. Participants will learn how to plan warehouse zones for safe and efficient operations.
Warehouse layout and risk controls must reflect the nature of stored substances. This section covers the designation of storage areas for flammable, corrosive, and toxic materials. Fire systems, access restrictions, ventilation, and safety signage are explored as key design features to reduce risk and protect workers.
Safe handling relies on competent personnel and well-designed procedures. Participants will explore manual handling protocols, mechanical movement strategies, and the importance of minimising exposure to fumes and vapours. Training and competency certification requirements are discussed in accordance with WHS obligations.
Transporting dangerous goods involves strict vehicle and route compliance. This section outlines the responsibilities of drivers and operators under the ADG Code, including vehicle placarding, licensing, and load restraint. Participants will also explore planning considerations to minimise public risk and ensure rapid emergency response capability.
Emergency planning is essential for high-risk environments. Participants will develop an understanding of how to prepare for spills, fires, and toxic exposure through site-specific emergency plans, equipment readiness (spill kits, extinguishers), and coordinated evacuation protocols involving emergency services.
Fire safety procedures and explosion prevention strategies are discussed in depth. This section covers flammable ranges, ignition control, intrinsically safe equipment, and the implementation of active fire suppression systems. Participants will learn how to conduct drills and readiness checks effectively.
Environmental risks are heightened when dangerous goods are mishandled. This section provides guidance on spill containment, reporting environmental incidents, and managing contamination of soil, stormwater, and surrounding infrastructure. Participants will also explore how to implement EPA-compliant controls.
Maintaining a dangerous goods register is a key compliance requirement. Participants will learn how to record dangerous goods inventories, track usage, manage shelf life, and conduct regular stocktakes. Emphasis is placed on audit readiness and internal verification practices.
Exposure monitoring ensures worker safety across high-risk roles. This section explores methods for detecting airborne contaminants, tracking exposure duration, and conducting health surveillance for substances such as lead or isocyanates. Participants will learn to apply controls supported by PPE and administrative protocols.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a frontline control measure. This section details PPE selection by dangerous goods class, fit testing, condition inspection, and correct usage. Participants will understand how to supervise and enforce PPE policies in dangerous goods zones.
A proactive safety culture is essential for sustained compliance. The course concludes by exploring strategies for promoting hazard reporting, engaging workers in safety planning, and reinforcing leadership accountability. Lessons learned from incidents and feedback loops are positioned as key drivers of continuous improvement.
By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and practical understanding to manage dangerous goods safely and legally across all supply chain functions, ensuring regulatory compliance, site safety, and environmental responsibility in their operations.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Dangerous Goods in the Supply Chain
- Definition of dangerous goods and how they differ from hazardous substances
- Importance of compliance across warehousing, transport, and logistics
- Overview of legal and operational consequences of mismanagement
2. Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
- Overview of the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code
- WHS Regulations and Safe Work Australia Codes of Practice
- Chain of Responsibility (CoR) obligations under HVNL
3. Classification of Dangerous Goods
- Understanding the nine classes of dangerous goods
- Identifying packing groups and subsidiary risks
- Using the Dangerous Goods List to determine classifications
4. Labelling and Marking Requirements
- Correct use of UN numbers, pictograms, and class labels
- Requirements for outer packaging and overpacks
- Differentiating between workplace and transport labels
5. Dangerous Goods Documentation and Declarations
- Transport documentation: Consignment notes, transport emergency cards (TREMcards), and DGD forms
- Responsibilities for declaration and sign-off
- Maintaining documentation for compliance and audit
6. Packaging Standards and Compatibility
- Selecting approved packaging for different classes and quantities
- Using appropriate inner and outer packaging combinations
- Preventing incompatible substance reactions through segregation
7. Segregation and Storage Rules for Dangerous Goods
- Segregation principles across classes
- Storing dangerous goods by compatibility group
- Using signage, spill containment, and bunding in warehouse zones
8. Warehouse Layout and Risk Control Measures
- Designating storage zones for flammables, corrosives, and toxic materials
- Incorporating fire protection systems and ventilation
- Managing access controls and restricted areas
9. Handling Procedures and Staff Competency
- Safe handling methods for manual and mechanical movement
- Minimising exposure to vapours, fumes, and reactive substances
- Training and competency certification requirements
10. Transporting Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail
- Vehicle compliance under ADG Code requirements
- Licensing for drivers and placarding vehicles appropriately
- Securing loads and route planning considerations
11. Emergency Preparedness and Incident Response
- Developing a site-specific emergency plan for spills, leaks, and fires
- Accessing and using emergency equipment
- Coordinating with emergency services and invoking evacuation procedures
12. Fire Safety and Explosion Prevention
- Understanding ignition sources and flammability limits
- Using intrinsically safe equipment in DG zones
- Fire-fighting systems and readiness drills
13. Spill Management and Environmental Protection
- Responding to minor vs major spills
- Containing contamination of soil, water, and stormwater systems
- Recording and reporting environmental incidents
14. Inventory Management and Dangerous Goods Registers
- Maintaining an up-to-date dangerous goods register
- Tracking usage, expiry, and restocking needs
- Conducting regular stocktakes and audits
15. Worker Health and Exposure Monitoring
- Monitoring exposure to fumes, dust, and vapours
- Using health surveillance for high-risk substances
- Implementing administrative controls and PPE usage
16. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
- Selecting appropriate PPE for each DG class
- Training workers on fit, inspection, and maintenance
- Enforcing PPE use in high-risk zones
17. Promoting a Culture of Dangerous Goods Safety
- Encouraging hazard reporting and worker involvement
- Leadership support for safe DG handling and transport
- Continuous improvement through feedback and lessons learned
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.