Security & training

Dangerous goods can be misused, so everyone involved needs security awareness, and high consequence dangerous goods (HCDG) bring extra duties. The DGSA checks that staff have security awareness training, that loads are kept secure, and that where HCDG are carried there is a documented security plan covering responsibilities, records, threat assessment and operating procedures. Security is one of the monitoring areas listed under 1.8.3.3.

General security awareness training for all involved (1.10.2).

People involved in carrying dangerous goods who are not ADR-certificated drivers still need training appropriate to their role: general awareness, function-specific, and safety training, plus security awareness. Drivers needing a certificate train and pass the SQA ADR driver exam (8.2). The DGSA verifies that training is given, refreshed and recorded. DGMind's audit pack and dashboard surface training records and expiries to support this.

Non-driver staff: general awareness + function-specific + safety + security training (1.3.2).

When the firm carries High Consequence Dangerous Goods (Table 1.10.3.1.2 — e.g. certain Class 1 explosives, Class 6.1 PG I toxics, Class 7 above thresholds, Class 8 PG I above thresholds) a documented security plan is mandatory. 1.10.3.2 sets the minimum sections: (a) specific allocation of responsibilities; (b) records of dangerous goods or types carried; (c) review of operations and assessment of security risks; (d) clear statement of operational measures (training, security policies, equipment, reporting); (e) procedures for reporting and dealing with security threats; (f) procedures for periodic review and update; (g) measures to protect transport information; (h) measures to ensure the security of carriage and stop-over points. The DGSA monitors the plan exists, is current, is used and is retained.

HCDG list lives in Table 1.10.3.1.2 — verify the consignment hits it first.

Hauliers regularly use subcontractors and agency drivers. ADR doesn't transfer the operator's duties to the subcontractor — but the operator must still ensure the rules are met. The DGSA monitors that the firm: holds evidence the subcontractor has an appointed DGSA and is in scope of ADR; checks the subcontract driver's ADR vocational certificate is valid for the class/mode being carried; provides the instructions in writing in a language the actual driver can read (5.4.3); makes sure the subcontracted vehicle is plated/equipped to the same standard. A common audit failing is a missing or expired ADR certificate on an agency driver — DGMind flags expiries automatically.

Operator's duties don't transfer to subcontractors (1.4 + 1.8.3.1).

When an inspector arrives, the firm has to produce evidence quickly. The DGSA helps put the audit trail in place: copies (or electronic access to) the last 12 months of transport documents and instructions in writing; training records and 8.2 certificates with expiries; the annual report (current + previous, up to five years); incident-investigation reports and 1.8.5 model reports; the HCDG security plan if relevant; calibration / maintenance records for tanks and equipment. DGMind's audit pack assembles this on demand — but the DGSA still does the dry-run, because real readiness is faster than any tool.

12 months of transport documents + instructions in writing.