Class 3 Dangerous Goods NSW: What Flammable Liquid Drivers Must Know

Class 3 dangerous goods are flammable liquids — the most commonly transported DG class on NSW roads. From petrol and kerosene to paints, solvents, and industrial chemicals, Class 3 substances account for a significant portion of dangerous goods movements across Australia. If you drive a heavy vehicle in NSW carrying flammable liquids, you need to understand the classification, licensing, placarding, and emergency requirements that apply under the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code.

Kells Safety Centre (RTO 91528) delivers dangerous goods training in Wetherill Park and Wollongong to help NSW drivers and transport operators stay compliant with Class 3 transport rules. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know.

What Are Class 3 Dangerous Goods?

Class 3 dangerous goods are defined in the ADG Code as liquids, or mixtures of liquids, or liquids containing solids in solution or suspension, that give off a flammable vapour at temperatures of 60°C or below (closed cup test). In simple terms: if it is a liquid and it can catch fire, it is almost certainly Class 3.

The classification covers a wide range of substances transported daily across NSW — from consumer products like nail polish remover (acetone) to bulk industrial fuels. The risk with Class 3 flammable liquids is vapour ignition. A spill or leak can produce vapour that, in the right concentration with air and an ignition source, can explode or flash-fire.

Do You Need a Dangerous Goods Licence to Transport Class 3?

Under NSW law, administered by the NSW EPA, you need a dangerous goods licence to transport Class 3 flammable liquids in bulk — that is, in a tank vehicle or bulk receptacle with a capacity exceeding 500 litres or 500 kg.

If you are carrying packaged Class 3 goods (drums, IBCs, jerrycans), you are not required to hold a DG licence, although other requirements will apply.

The TLILIC0001 dangerous goods licence course at Kells Safety Centre (RTO 91528) covers the full requirements for transporting all DG classes, including Class 3. The course runs over two days and includes the EPA-issued licence processing.

Placarding Requirements for Class 3 Loads

When your Class 3 load reaches the placard load threshold, the vehicle must display (depending on the quantities being transported):

• Class label (placard): The Class 3 flammable liquid diamond — red upper half, white lower half, with the flame symbol and the number “3” at the bottom.
• Emergency Information Panel (EIP): A panel showing the four-digit UN number, Hazchem code, and emergency contact details. Required for bulk transport (tank vehicles).

Detailed guidance on EIP specifications is available in our EIP panel guide and EIP panel types comparison. For the full placard requirements across all DG classes, see our DG placards guide.

Storage and Handling of Class 3 Dangerous Goods

Class 3 flammable liquids are not just a transport issue — they also pose significant storage and handling risks. Warehouses, depots, and transport yards in NSW must comply with Safe Work NSW requirements for flammable liquid storage, including:

• Bunding and spill containment for all Class 3 storage areas
• Separation from ignition sources (minimum 3 metres from any spark-producing equipment)
• Appropriate fire protection — fire extinguishers rated for liquid fires (Class B)
• Maximum quantity limits based on the storage area’s fire resistance rating
• No-smoking signage and enforcement in storage zones

Workers handling Class 3 substances should complete store and handle dangerous goods training to understand WHS obligations under the Safe Work NSW framework.

Emergency Equipment Every Class 3 Vehicle Must Carry

When transporting a placard load of Class 3 flammable liquids, the ADG Code requires specific emergency equipment on the vehicle. At minimum:

• Fire extinguisher(s): As specified by ADG Code Table 12.1, based on vehicle type and load. Typically a minimum of one 10B-rated or 30B-rated extinguisher.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles
• Emergency response guidebook or transport document set with operating procedures for the substance carried
• Spill kit: Appropriate for the quantity and type of flammable liquid being transported

For the right fire extinguisher ratings and sizes, see our DG fire extinguisher guide. Spill kits and other Class 3 emergency equipment are available through our safety equipment shop.

Training Requirements for Class 3 Transport

NSW transport operators moving Class 3 flammable liquids must ensure their drivers hold the appropriate qualifications. The training pathway depends on the role and the type of transport:

Role	Required or Recommended Training	Duration
DG bulk licence holder (tanker driver)	TLILIC0001 Dangerous Goods Licence Course	2 days
Packaged DG driver (placard load)	Prepare for Transport of Dangerous Goods	1 day
Warehouse / depot worker handling Class 3	Store and Handle Dangerous Goods Course	1 day
Supervisor / Manager	Prepare for Transport of Dangerous Goods	1 day
Consignment preparer / document handler	Prepare for Transport of Dangerous Goods	1 day

Kells Safety Centre (RTO 91528) delivers these courses from our Wetherill Park training centre. The DG licence course is the primary credential for any driver transporting Class 3 flammable liquids in bulk or above the placard threshold.

Key Takeaways for Class 3 Transport in NSW

• Class 3 covers all flammable liquids — fuels, solvents, paints, and industrial chemicals commonly moved across NSW
• A DG licence (TLILIC0001) is required for the transport of bulk DG loads
• Fire extinguisher ratings, transport spill kits, and PPE are essential emergency equipment for placard loads
• Workers handling Class 3 liquids in warehouses should have store and handle of DG training