Carriage of dangerous goods: officer for the prevention of the risks in industries of transport

OBJECTIVE: To ensure an adequate level of professional competence in undertakings involved in the transport of dangerous goods, either on their own account or for hire or reward, and activities which have an impact on transport safety, irrespective of the mode of transport used. COMMUNITY MEASURE: Council Directive 96/35/EC of the appointment and vocational qualifications of safety advisers for the transport of dangerous goods by road, rail and inland waterway. SUBSTANCE: The directive provides that all undertakings whose activities include the transport, or related loading or unloading, of dangerous goods shall no later than 31 December 1999 appoint one or more safety advisers responsible for helping to safeguard against risks to persons, property and the environment. The adviser shall, under the responsibility of the head of the undertaking, perform the duties listed in Annex I to the Directive. Each undertaking shall, on request, inform the competent authority of the identity of its adviser. The adviser must hold a Community-type vocational training certificate recognized by all the other Member States, which is valid for the relevant mode(s) of transport and indicates the adviser's professional qualifications. To obtain a certificate, applicants must undergo training providing them with sufficient knowledge of the risks inherent in the transport of dangerous goods and pass an examination covering at least the subjects listed in Annex II. The certificate is valid for five years and is automatically renewable for further periods of five years. Whenever an accident occurs during transport, loading or unloading, the adviser must draw up an accident report for the management of the undertaking or a local public authority. DEADLINE FOR TRANSPOSITION: 31/12/1999. �