Twenty GRDM Roads Employees successfully complete ‘Dangerous Goods’ Training

For immediate release
20 February 2025

Recently, twenty (20) Roads employees from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) successfully attended and completed one-year Dangerous Goods training. This initiative was aimed at equipping employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle, transport, and store hazardous materials safely and in compliance with legal and organisational regulations.

“I am incredibly proud of our Roads employees for successfully completing the rigorous ‘Dangerous Goods’ training. Their dedication to enhancing their skills and knowledge demonstrates a strong commitment to not only their own safety but also the safety of our communities,” said GRDM Mayor Andrew Stroebel

All participants in the programme are stationed within the Garden Route district, playing a crucial role in ensuring road safety and the effective management of hazardous substances. The training was structured to provide both theoretical and practical knowledge, enabling employees to navigate the complexities of transporting dangerous goods with confidence and competence.

The Dangerous Goods Training is essential in workplaces that involve the movement of potentially harmful materials. It enhances workers’ ability to identify risks, apply best practices, and ensure adherence to safety standards when loading, conveying, and off-loading dangerous goods.

Key Topics Covered:

During the training, employees engaged in in-depth discussions and practical exercises focused on the following key aspects:

• Compliance with Legal Documentation Requirements: Understanding the necessary legal documentation and regulatory obligations associated with transporting hazardous materials.
• Application of Safety and Standard Operating Procedures: Ensuring the correct protocols are followed during the loading and off-loading of dangerous goods to minimize risks.
• Incident Response Procedures: Learning how to effectively respond to and manage incidents involving hazardous materials to prevent harm to personnel, the public, and the environment.
• Adherence to SANS 10231 Requirements: Understanding and complying with the South African National Standard (SANS) 10231 regarding safe behaviour and operational conduct while transporting dangerous goods.

With these critical topics covered, participants are now well-equipped to apply their newfound expertise in real workplace scenarios. They can confidently and safely transport dangerous goods in line with legal, safety, and industry standards, while also being prepared to manage potential incidents effectively.

Upon successful completion of the programme, all learners were assessed and declared competent. These certifications and permits affirm their ability to handle dangerous goods responsibly and in full compliance with regulations.

The GRDM commends the dedication of its Roads employees in completing this vital training. Their commitment to safety and compliance ensures that dangerous goods are managed with the highest level of professionalism, ultimately contributing to a safer working and public environment.

Feature image: Facilitator of the Dangerous Goods Training programme, Elton Olivier from Victoria Driving School (right), with the GRDM Roads employees who successfully completed the Dangerous Goods training.

ENDS