Safety Advisor – mandatory for consignors of dangerous goods

A consignor that only ships dangerous goods, but is not involved in packing, loading, filling, or unloading, is required under ADR/ADN/RID to appoint a Safety Advisor.

Change in legislation

With the introduction of ADR/ADN/RID 2019, the requirement to have a Safety Advisor was expanded. Since then, this obligation also applies to companies that consign dangerous goods. Every consignor must have a certified Safety Advisor. The transition period ended on 31 December 2022, meaning that from 1 January 2023, all consignors are legally required to have appointed a Safety Advisor.

Who does this apply to?

This obligation applies to:

1. Companies whose activities involve the consignment or transport of dangerous goods by road, rail, or inland waterways.

2. Companies that carry out loading, unloading, filling, or packaging operations related to this transport, including transshipment between different modes of transport.

Every company must appoint one or more certified Safety Advisors. Their role is to help prevent risks to people, the environment, and property associated with the transport of dangerous goods.

Tasks of the Safety Advisor

• Advises the company on the transport of dangerous goods.

• Ensures compliance with the regulations for transporting dangerous goods.

• Takes preventive measures to avoid accidents.

• Develops emergency procedures.

• Reports accidents (see also our memo Incident Reporting).

• Prepares an annual safety report on the transport of dangerous goods.