Dangerous Goods Transport Compliance Checklist for NSW Businesses

Transporting dangerous goods in NSW isn’t just about having the right licence — it’s about running every single job to a documented, repeatable standard. One missed step can mean a fine, a failed audit, or worse, a serious incident on the road.

This compliance checklist covers the essential requirements for NSW businesses and drivers involved in dangerous goods transport — from pre-trip vehicle checks to consignment documentation, placarding, and driver certification.

Use it before every DG run. Share it with your team. Make it part of your induction process.

1. Driver Certification — Is Everyone Licenced?

Before a vehicle leaves the yard, every driver must hold the correct credentials for the goods being transported.

• Dangerous Goods Driver Licence (TLILIC0001): Required for drivers transporting bulk or placardable quantities of DG in NSW. Issued by the NSW EPA. Valid for 3 years.
• Safe Load Program (SLP) Card: Required for petroleum tanker drivers and some other specialist loads.
• DG Awareness Training: Required for support staff — loaders, offsiders, depot workers — who handle DG but don’t drive.

Check that licences are current. An expired licence is the same as no licence in an audit. If any driver is due for renewal, enrol them now in a DG licence course in NSW.

2. Vehicle Compliance — Pre-Trip Checks

The vehicle itself must meet ADG Code requirements before any DG load is carried. Run through this pre-trip checklist:

• ☐ Vehicle is fit for purpose and roadworthy
• ☐ Hazchem placards are correctly installed and legible (correct UN number, class label, hazchem code)
• ☐ Emergency information panel (EIP) is fitted if required
• ☐ Fire extinguisher is present, accessible, and in-date
• ☐ Spill kit appropriate to the goods is on board
• ☐ Safety equipment (gloves, goggles, PPE) is accessible
• ☐ Containment or bunding is adequate for the load type
• ☐ No damage to tanks, IBCs, or packaging that could compromise integrity

Refer to the ADG Code for specific vehicle requirements based on goods class and quantity.

3. Load Compliance — Packaging, Labelling and Segregation

Dangerous goods must be correctly packaged, labelled, and segregated according to their class and the ADG Code.

• ☐ Goods are in UN-approved packaging for their class
• ☐ Each package is correctly labelled with class diamond, UN number, and proper shipping name
• ☐ Incompatible goods are segregated according to ADG Code segregation table
• ☐ Total quantity does not exceed placardable threshold without correct placarding
• ☐ Bulk containers (IBCs, tanks) are marked and in sound condition
• ☐ Load is secured — no shifting, rolling, or tipping possible in transit

Not sure which loads require a DG driver licence? Read our guide: What Loads Require a Dangerous Goods Licence in NSW?

4. Documentation — What Must Travel With the Load

Every dangerous goods consignment in NSW must be accompanied by the correct paperwork. Missing documentation is one of the most common compliance failures — and one of the easiest to fix.

Required documents:

• ☐ Dangerous Goods Declaration / Consignment Note — completed by the consignor, describing the goods, class, UN number, quantity, and emergency contact
• ☐ Emergency Response Guide — relevant to the class of goods being transported
• ☐ Driver’s licence and DG licence — carried by the driver at all times
• ☐ SLP card (if applicable for the load type)
• ☐ Transport manifest (for mixed loads or multi-stop deliveries)

The consignment note must be accurate. Errors in quantity, UN number, or class are treated seriously by inspectors from NSW EPA and Transport for NSW.

5. Placarding — When and What Is Required

NSW follows the ADG Code placarding system. Placards must be correctly displayed when goods meet or exceed placardable quantities.

• ☐ Hazchem placards are fitted to the front and both sides of the vehicle
• ☐ Class labels are displayed on packaging and outer containers
• ☐ UN number plates are fitted where required (bulk tanks)
• ☐ Emergency information panel is fitted and legible
• ☐ Placards are removed or covered when load is empty and uncleaned

Our guide explains this in full: Dangerous Goods Placards NSW: What They Mean and When You Need Them.

6. Chain of Responsibility (CoR) — Who Is Accountable

Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and the NHVR’s Chain of Responsibility framework, responsibility for compliance doesn’t stop with the driver.

Every party in the supply chain — consignors, loaders, packers, schedulers, managers, and employers — can be held liable for non-compliance if they caused, contributed to, or could have prevented a breach.

CoR compliance checklist:

• ☐ Management has documented DG policies and procedures
• ☐ All staff in the DG chain have received appropriate training (licence, awareness, SLP)
• ☐ Training records are current and filed
• ☐ Consignors have completed accurate dangerous goods declarations
• ☐ Schedulers have verified driver qualifications before dispatch
• ☐ A safety management process is in place for incidents and near misses

If a crash or incident occurs involving DG and any party in the chain did not meet their duty of care, they face serious penalties under NSW and national law.

7. Incident Response — Are Your Drivers Prepared?

Compliance doesn’t end when the vehicle leaves the depot. Drivers must know exactly what to do if something goes wrong.

• ☐ Driver has the Emergency Response Guide for the goods on board
• ☐ Driver knows the emergency contact number (listed on EIP/consignment note)
• ☐ Spill containment equipment is accessible and driver knows how to use it
• ☐ Driver knows when to call 000 vs internal incident line
• ☐ Incident reporting procedure is documented and understood

DG licence training covers emergency response — it’s one of the core competencies of TLILIC0001.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for dangerous goods compliance in NSW?

Everyone in the supply chain — consignors, packers, loaders, drivers, schedulers, and management — shares responsibility under Chain of Responsibility laws. The driver must hold a current DG licence for placardable quantities.

What documents must travel with a dangerous goods load in NSW?

At minimum: a dangerous goods declaration/consignment note, the relevant emergency response guide, and the driver’s DG licence. Additional documents may be required depending on goods class and quantity.

What happens if a driver is caught without a DG licence in NSW?

Penalties include on-the-spot fines, prohibition from driving DG vehicles, and potential prosecution for the driver and employer. The NSW EPA enforces DG licensing compliance.

How often should dangerous goods compliance training be refreshed?

DG driver licences must be renewed every 3 years. Awareness training and internal refreshers are recommended annually for all DG-adjacent staff.

Are there different rules for packaged vs bulk dangerous goods?

Yes. The ADG Code sets different thresholds for packaged goods versus bulk loads. Placarding, documentation, and licensing requirements differ depending on quantity and class. Check the ADG Code or contact Kells for advice.

Does my whole team need DG training or just the driver?

It depends on their role. Drivers of placardable loads need a full DG licence. Staff who handle, pack, or document DG need DG awareness training. Those who prepare consignments need prepare-for-transport training.