If your business is involved in transporting, handling or storing dangerous goods, the Australian Dangerous Goods Code, better known as the ADG Code, is something you need to know inside and out.
It is the go to rulebook for moving dangerous goods by road and rail in Australia. But let’s be honest, most people find it confusing the first time they pick it up. So here is a straightforward explanation of what the ADG Code is, who it applies to and how to stay on the right side of the rules.
What is the ADG Code?
The ADG Code sets out the rules for safely transporting dangerous goods around Australia. It covers everything from how to classify your goods to how they should be packed, labelled and documented.
The code is published by the National Transport Commission and is based on international guidelines, but it is been adapted to suit Australian conditions and laws. The current version is Edition 7.9, and every business dealing with dangerous goods should have access to it.
Who needs to follow the ADG Code?
Anyone who is involved in the road or rail transport of dangerous goods in Australia must follow the code. That includes:
- Transport operators
- Freight forwarders
- Warehouse staff
- Manufacturers and suppliers
- Contractors who load or unload DG freight
- Anyone preparing documentation or packaging
Even if you are just sending a few boxes of paint or aerosols to a customer, the ADG Code still applies.
What does the ADG Code cover?
The ADG Code is a big document, but here are the main things it covers:
Dangerous Goods Classification
Everything starts with correctly identifying what class your goods fall under. There are nine classes including flammable liquids, corrosives, explosives and so on. Each class has different risks and handling rules.
Packaging and Labelling
The code tells you what type of packaging to use and what labels must be displayed. This includes things like UN approved drums, outer cartons and clear hazard labels.
Documentation
You need to provide the correct paperwork. This usually means a Dangerous Goods Transport Document with all the right info including UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, quantity and emergency contact details.
Load Limits and Vehicle Requirements
The code also explains how much DG you can carry on a vehicle and what safety gear must be carried. If you are transporting above the placard load limit, there are extra rules like vehicle placarding, emergency plans and driver training.
Why the ADG Code matters
Getting things wrong with dangerous goods is not just a paperwork issue, it is a serious safety risk. Fires, spills, injuries and even deaths have happened because of poor handling or non-compliance. On top of that, the penalties for getting it wrong can include:
- Heavy fines
- Loss of licence
- Vehicle grounding
- Environmental damage clean-up costs
The ADG Code helps everyone move dangerous goods safely and keeps your business legally covered.
Common mistakes with the ADG Code
We see the same errors all the time:
- Incorrect UN numbers or DG classes
- Wrong or missing labels
- Old or damaged packaging
- Outdated training or no emergency plan
- Missing transport documentation
The good news is most of these can be fixed with a bit of guidance and proper systems in place.