The National Dangerous Goods Training Consortium, NDGTC, was formed in the 1970s to meet the needs of chemical manufacturers and operators of vehicles carrying dangerous goods who wanted drivers to be trained in the safe handling and carriage of the dangerous goods to ensure the low level of incidents was minimised.
The NDGTC has continued to expand and refine the training materials to ensure compliance with the ever changing regulations. The NDGTC consult closely with relevant examination bodies to assist in improving examination materials and with Government departments to assist in development of legislation.
Our History
The National Dangerous Goods Training Consortium, NDGTC, was formed in the 1970s to meet the needs of chemical manufacturers and operators of vehicles carrying dangerous goods who wanted drivers to be trained in the safe handling and carriage of the dangerous goods to ensure the low level of incidents was minimised.
The NDGTC has continued to expand and refine the training materials to ensure compliance with the ever changing regulations. The NDGTC consult closely with relevant examination bodies to assist in improving examination materials and with Government departments to assist in development of legislation.
What is ADR
From January 1st 2007 it became mandatory for drivers of all vehicles carrying Dangerous Goods to be trained by Department for Transport approved training providers. After sitting an approved dangerous goods training course and passing an examination drivers receive an ADR Vocational Training Certificate (VTC) valid for 5 years and recognised throughout Europe. Within 12 months of the expiry date VTC holders are required to take a refresher course to bring them up to date with changes in dangerous goods legislation.
The law requires that the main objectives of the training are to
- Make drivers aware of the hazards arising in the carriage of dangerous goods
- To give them basic information indispensable for minimising the likelihood of an incident taking place
- To enable them to take measures which may prove necessary for their own safety and that of the public and the environment, for limiting the effects of the incident.
All drivers carrying Explosives and Radioactive Substances require specialist training.
The need for dangerous goods training is not restricted to drivers. The law states “Persons whose duties concern the carriage of dangerous goods by road shall have received training of the requirements governing the carriage of such goods appropriate to their responsibilities and duties."
The requirement shall apply to individuals such as personnel who are employed by the road vehicle operator or the consignor, personnel who load or unload dangerous goods, personnel in freight forwarding or shipping agencies and drivers not covered by the VTC requirement.
Such training shall include
- General awareness of the provisions for the carriage of dangerous goods
- Detailed function specific training linked to duties and responsibilities under the regulations governing carriage of dangerous goods.
- Safety training commensurate with degree of risk of injury or exposure arising from an incident with dangerous goods.
Training shall make personnel aware of safe handling and emergency response procedures