Dangerous Goods Transport and Hazardous Freight SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers the planning, handling, transport and unloading of dangerous goods and hazardous freight. It supports work planning and risk management for freight identification, loading, segregation, vehicle movements, emergencies and waste.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the consignment and transport route
• Screen incoming goods and inspect deliveries
• Set up the delivery area
• Inspect the vehicle and transport equipment
• Load, segregate and secure freight
• Secure cylinders and containers
• Manage transport ventilation
• Undertake road transport and monitor freight security
• Prepare for unloading
• Unload and transfer freight
• Respond to spills and emergencies
• Clean up, manage waste and complete sign-off

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses involved in transporting dangerous goods and hazardous freight.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations: apply the relevant primary duty of care, consultation, risk-management, plant, hazardous-chemical, emergency-plan and worker-information duties to the workplace and delivery activity.
• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory dangerous-goods transport legislation and regulations: transport of dangerous goods is regulated through jurisdictional laws based on the Australian Dangerous Goods Code; confirm the requirements of each jurisdiction travelled through before dispatch.
• Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code), current edition: use for classification, packaging, marking, labelling, placarding, documentation, segregation, load restraint and emergency information.
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks (2024): identify hazards, eliminate risks where reasonably practicable, apply the hierarchy of controls, consult workers and review controls.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace: use as WHS guidance for workplace handling, storage, SDS, incompatibility, exposure and emergency controls; it does not replace jurisdictional dangerous-goods transport law.
• Model Code of Practice: Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals: use current Australian SDS information, including handling, exposure controls, accidental-release, transport and emergency information.
• Model Code of Practice: Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals: use as guidance for workplace labels and hazard communication; retain ADG transport marks and labels for transport packages.
• AS/NZS 3833, The storage and handling of mixed classes of dangerous goods, as relevant to temporary holding, segregation and delivery areas.
• AS 4332, The storage and handling of gases in cylinders, and AS 2030.1, Gas cylinders—General requirements, as relevant to cylinders.
• AS/NZS 4380, Storage and handling of corrosive substances; AS 1940, Storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids; and AS/NZS 1715, Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment, where applicable.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections