Dangerous Goods Segregation Rules NSW: What Drivers and Consignors Must Know

If you transport dangerous goods in NSW, segregation is not optional — it is a legal requirement under the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code. Getting it wrong can mean a failed roadside inspection, an infringement notice, or far worse: an incident caused by incompatible substances reacting during transit.

This guide covers the key segregation rules every NSW driver and logistics operator needs to know, and what the ADG Code actually requires.

• 

• 

• 

What Is Dangerous Goods Segregation?

Segregation means keeping incompatible dangerous goods separated so they cannot come into contact with each other in the event of a leak, spill, or accident. Some combinations of DG classes are chemically incompatible — if mixed, they can cause fires, explosions, toxic gas release, or violent reactions.

Under the ADG Code, segregation requirements apply to all placard loads transported by road in NSW. Both the driver and the consignor share responsibility for ensuring correct segregation before the vehicle departs.

The ADG Code Segregation Table: What It Means

The ADG Code includes a segregation table that specifies how different classes and divisions of dangerous goods must be separated. The table uses four segregation categories:

• Away from: Separated so that accidental contact is unlikely. Different parts of the vehicle, or a physical barrier between the goods.
• Separated from: Separate compartments, or a minimum distance apart as specified in the Code.
• Separated by a complete compartment or hold from: A greater physical separation required — especially for high-hazard combinations.
• Separated longitudinally by an intervening complete compartment or hold from: The highest level of separation, reserved for the most dangerous combinations.

For most road transport in NSW, the relevant categories are “away from” and “separated from.” Drivers carrying mixed DG loads need to check the table for every combination of classes on their load.

Common Segregation Rules NSW Drivers Must Know

Class 1 (Explosives) and Class 5.1 (Oxidising Agents)

Explosives and oxidising agents cannot be carried together under almost any circumstances. Oxidisers accelerate combustion — combining them with explosives creates an extreme risk of catastrophic reaction.

Class 3 (Flammable Liquids) and Class 5.1 (Oxidising Agents)

Flammable liquids must be kept away from oxidising agents. Fuel tankers carrying Class 3 loads must not have Class 5.1 oxidisers on the same vehicle without proper segregation measures.

Class 6.1 (Toxic Substances) and Food

Toxic substances cannot be transported in the same vehicle as food, animal feed, or anything intended for human or animal consumption. This applies even to small quantities of Class 6.1 materials.

Class 8 (Corrosives) and Class 4.3 (Dangerous When Wet)

Corrosives must be separated from substances that react dangerously when wet. A corrosive liquid leak near a Class 4.3 material can trigger a dangerous reaction.

Infectious Substances (Class 6.2)

Class 6.2 materials must be segregated from foodstuffs and from other DG classes in most combinations. These goods require careful handling and are usually consigned under strict documentation controls.

Segregation and the Consignor’s Responsibility

Under the Chain of Responsibility (COR) provisions of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, the consignor — the business or person packing and dispatching the goods — is legally responsible for ensuring the load is correctly segregated before dispatch. Drivers also carry responsibility for not accepting a load they know or should know is incorrectly segregated.

This means safety managers and logistics supervisors need to be across the ADG Code segregation table — not just drivers. If your business dispatches mixed DG loads, the Store and Handle Dangerous Goods course at Kells Safety Centre covers exactly these obligations.

Vehicles and Segregation: What the ADG Code Requires

For road vehicles, the ADG Code allows for segregation to be achieved by:

• Using separate compartments within the vehicle
• Using physical barriers (such as wooden boards or metal dividers) between incompatible goods
• Placing goods at opposite ends of an open deck vehicle
• Using intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) with sufficient separation

The method used must achieve the minimum separation required by the segregation table for the specific classes involved. Simply placing goods in different boxes on the same flat deck is not always sufficient.

What Happens If You Get Segregation Wrong?

NHVR enforcement officers and NSW EPA inspectors carry out roadside checks and depot audits. A segregation failure can result in:

• An on-the-spot infringement notice
• A direction to unload and re-sort the goods before continuing
• Vehicle defect notices
• COR liability for both the driver and the employer

In serious cases — particularly where a segregation failure contributed to an incident — penalties under the HVNL and the NSW Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008 can be significant.

Quick Segregation Checklist for NSW Drivers

Before Loading	Check
Identify all DG classes on the manifest	✅
Check the ADG Code segregation table for each class combination	✅
Ensure physical separation meets Code requirements	✅
Confirm Class 6.1 and food are not co-loaded	✅
Consignment note completed and carried in cab	✅
Emergency Procedure Guide (EPG) accessible in cab	✅

Frequently Asked Questions

Does segregation apply to small quantities of dangerous goods?

Segregation requirements under the ADG Code apply to placard loads — that is, loads that meet or exceed the placardable quantity thresholds for the relevant DG class. Below placard load quantities, the Code’s segregation table does not apply in the same way, though workplace health and safety obligations still require sensible separation of incompatible substances.

Who is responsible for segregation — the driver or the consignor?

Both share responsibility under the Chain of Responsibility. The consignor is responsible for packing and loading the goods correctly. The driver is responsible for not accepting a load they know to be incorrectly segregated, and for ensuring the load remains correctly segregated in transit.

Where can I find the ADG Code segregation table?

The ADG Code is published by the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO). The full segregation table is in Chapter 7 of the Code. NSW EPA also provides guidance on dangerous goods transport requirements.

Is segregation covered in the TLILIC0001 DG Licence course?

Yes. The TLILIC0001 Dangerous Goods Licence course at Kells Safety Centre (RTO 91528) covers ADG Code segregation requirements in detail as part of the 2-day face-to-face training at Wetherill Park and Wollongong.

What if I’m carrying a mixed load and I’m not sure about segregation?

Do not proceed until you are certain. Contact your employer, consignor, or call Kells Safety Centre for guidance. It is always better to delay a delivery than to transport an incorrectly segregated load.

Do segregation rules apply to bulk tankers?

Bulk tankers carrying a single product are generally not affected by segregation requirements. Segregation becomes relevant when a vehicle carries multiple different dangerous goods. Fuel tankers with multiple compartments need to ensure that the goods in adjacent compartments are compatible.

Key Takeaways

• Segregation is a legal requirement under the ADG Code for all placard loads in NSW
• The ADG Code segregation table specifies how different DG classes must be separated
• Both drivers and consignors share COR responsibility for correct segregation
• Getting segregation wrong can result in infringements, vehicle defects, and serious liability
• Training in the TLILIC0001 DG Licence course covers all ADG Code segregation requirements

The ADG Code Segregation Table — How to Read It

The ADG Code contains a segregation table that shows which dangerous goods classes are compatible during transport and which must be kept apart. The table uses the following codes:

• X — These classes must not be loaded together under any circumstances
• 2 — Segregated from (must be kept apart, typically a minimum distance or separated by a bulkhead)
• 1 — Away from (cannot be in immediate contact but may be in the same vehicle)
• Blank — No specific segregation requirement between these classes

Key incompatible combinations that come up regularly in NSW transport operations:

• Class 1 (Explosives) — incompatible with almost all other classes
• Class 2.1 (Flammable gases) and Class 5.1 (Oxidising agents) — must be separated
• Class 3 (Flammable liquids) and Class 5.1 (Oxidisers) — segregated from
• Class 6.1 (Toxic substances) and food — specific segregation requirements apply
• Class 8 (Corrosives) and Class 4 (Flammable solids) — segregated from in many combinations

Segregation Distances and Practical Application

For road vehicles, segregation requirements are met through physical separation — either by distance within the load compartment or by structural separation (bulkheads, separate compartments). The ADG Code specifies minimum distances for different segregation codes. For most road transport situations, “segregated from” means at least 3 metres separation or a bulkhead. Consignors and loaders must check the table before loading and document their segregation arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for DG segregation — the driver or the consignor?

Both. The consignor is responsible for ensuring the consignment note specifies all classes of DG in the load and identifying any segregation requirements. The loader is responsible for physically separating incompatible goods during loading. The driver is responsible for not accepting a load or departing if they can see an obvious segregation breach. Under Chain of Responsibility provisions, all parties share liability for segregation failures — not just the driver who was behind the wheel.

Do segregation rules apply to all quantities of dangerous goods?

Segregation requirements under the ADG Code apply whenever multiple classes of dangerous goods are transported together, regardless of quantity. Even below placard load thresholds, you cannot transport incompatible classes of DG together simply because the quantities are small. If in doubt, consult the ADG Code segregation table or contact Kells Safety Centre for guidance.

What happens if a driver is found with improperly segregated DG?

Segregation breaches identified at a roadside inspection can result in a direction to repack or offload the goods before the vehicle can continue, an on-the-spot infringement notice, or referral for prosecution. In serious cases — particularly where incompatible goods have reacted or a spill has occurred — penalties can be substantial. The investigation will typically extend to the consignor under COR provisions.

Are there special segregation rules for food and dangerous goods?

Yes. The ADG Code contains specific requirements for segregating dangerous goods from foodstuffs, food products, and animal feed. Certain classes of DG — particularly toxic substances (Class 6.1) and corrosives (Class 8) — must not be transported with food unless specific segregation conditions are met. Transport operators who carry mixed loads of food and DG must check these requirements carefully before loading.

How does segregation apply at depots and warehouses?

Depot and warehouse segregation is governed by the Dangerous Goods (General) Regulation 2018 rather than the ADG Code (which applies to transport). However, the underlying incompatibility principles are the same — the same classes that must not travel together generally must not be stored together. The Store and Handle Dangerous Goods course at Kells Safety Centre covers storage segregation requirements in detail.

Where can I find the current ADG Code segregation table?

The segregation table is in Chapter 9 of the ADG Code 7.9. The full ADG Code is available for purchase — Kells Safety Centre stocks the current edition. The TLILIC0001 Dangerous Goods Licence course at Kells Safety Centre (RTO 91528) covers the segregation table in full as part of the 2-day face-to-face training.

For regulatory guidance, refer to Safe Work NSW and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).