NZ Dangerous Goods (D) Endorsement flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

D endorsement purpose

A D endorsement on a NZ driver licence authorises driving a vehicle carrying dangerous goods that require placarding under the Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005.

DG Rule legal basis

The Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005 is made under the Land Transport Act 1998 and sets duties for consignors, loaders, drivers and operators in road transport.

Consignor duty

The consignor must correctly classify the goods, ensure compliant packaging and marking, and provide accurate dangerous goods documentation for the load.

Driver duty for documents

The driver must carry the dangerous goods document and emergency information and produce them on demand to a Police or enforcement officer.

Operator duty

The operator must ensure drivers are trained and endorsed, vehicles are suitable for the goods, and records and placarding are maintained.

DG licence

A dangerous goods licence is issued under the DG Rule for vehicles carrying certain higher-risk goods; it imposes additional operating and inspection requirements.

HSNO overlap

The Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 also apply to hazardous substances; where requirements differ, the more stringent control applies.

UN class list

Classes are 1 explosives, 2 gases, 3 flammable liquids, 4 flammable solids, 5 oxidisers and organic peroxides, 6 toxic and infectious, 7 radioactive, 8 corrosive, 9 miscellaneous.

Packing group meaning

Packing group I, II or III shows the degree of danger within a class, with I the greatest; not all classes are assigned packing groups.

UN number and PSN

The four-digit UN number identifies the substance and the proper shipping name must be used on documents instead of trade or brand names.

DG document contents

The document must show consignor, consignee, UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, number and kind of packages, total quantity and an emergency contact.

Class 1 compatibility groups

Explosives are assigned divisions 1.1 to 1.6 and compatibility groups A to S, which control what may be loaded and stored together.

Class 7 categories

Radioactive packages use labels I-WHITE, II-YELLOW or III-YELLOW based on surface dose rate and transport index under the IAEA-based rules.

N.O.S. entries

When a substance is not listed by name, a generic or N.O.S. entry is used with the technical name in brackets on the documentation and marking.

Placard shape and size

Danger signs are diamond-shaped, generally 250 mm by 250 mm, and must be legible and visible from the required directions on the vehicle.

Placard removal rule

Placards must be removed or covered when the vehicle no longer carries the dangerous goods; leaving them displayed on an empty vehicle is a breach.

Mixed load placarding

A vehicle carrying goods of several classes must display a placard for each class carried, plus UN number placards where required for the load.

Package marking

Packages must show the UN number and proper shipping name and carry the correct class label, diamond-shaped and colour-coded to the class.

Document in cab

A copy of the dangerous goods document and the emergency response information must be carried in the cab and be readily available to the driver.

Limited quantity mark

Loads within limited quantity limits use a limited quantity mark instead of full placarding; the DG Rule thresholds determine which applies.

Damaged placards

Placards and labels that are dirty, faded or damaged must be replaced, because they must remain legible and clearly visible at all times.

Segregation table use

The segregation table in the DG Rule and NZS 5433 shows whether goods must be kept away from, separated from or segregated from each other.

Incompatible examples

Oxidisers must be kept away from flammables and acids away from cyanides and alkalis, because mixing can cause fire, heat or toxic gas.

Load restraint duty

The load must be secured so it cannot shift or fall, using restraints rated for the load, checked before departure and at stops.

Package orientation

Packages must be loaded upright as indicated by arrows, with closures up, and positioned so labels and markings remain visible.

Vehicle suitability

The vehicle must be enclosed or covered where required, ventilated for gases and vapours, clean, and free of incompatible residues before loading.

Food separation

Dangerous goods must not be loaded with food, food packaging or animal feed where contamination is possible, and personal items are kept separate.

Cylinder stowage

Gas cylinders must be secured upright with valves protected, in a ventilated vehicle, and kept away from heat and ignition sources.

Incident first actions

Stop safely, switch off the engine, warn traffic, keep people upwind and away, and avoid ignition sources before identifying the substance.

Emergency information use

The emergency information carried with the document identifies the substance, its hazards and the recommended first response for the driver.

Spill response limits

Contain a spill only if safe, using absorbents and preventing drain entry, and do not attempt clean-up beyond your training and equipment.

Crash reporting

Tell emergency services the class and UN number, provide the document, and do not move injured people unless there is immediate danger.