The transport chain

According to legislation on the transport of dangerous goods, the transport starts with the consignor when the goods are prepared for transport. The transport ends when the consignee receives the goods. Those involved in the transport chain are primarily the consignor, the carrier, the unloader and the consignee. At Örebro University there is also a final recipient, who is the person who ordered the goods. However, the transport between the consignee and the final recipient is not included in the legal definition of dangerous goods transport.

Consignor

The consignor must ensure that the goods are classified, marked and labelled in accordance with the law. The consignor must also ensure that the goods are correctly packed and that all the required documentation is correct and included with the goods. After the goods are prepared for transport, the consignor hands them over to the carrier.

Carrier

The carrier transports the goods to the location indicated by the consignor. The carrier is responsible for ensuring that the mode of transport is compliant with legal requirements concerning equipment, signage and marking of, for example, the truck. The carrier is responsible for the goods during transport, until they are consigned to the consignee.

Consignee

The consignee’s responsibility for the goods starts when the goods are consigned by the carrier. Örebro University assumes responsibility for the goods when the goods are consigned and the transport documents have been signed.

Final recipient

At Örebro University, the final recipient is the person who ordered the goods. When ordering goods, it is very important to include the name and contact details of the actual person placing the order, so as to ensure that the goods are delivered to the right person and to avoid interim storage at the goods reception.

Receipt of dangerous goods

The dangerous goods must be distinguishable from other packages and goods by the markings and labels on the packaging. The following information must be displayed on each package:

• UN number of the goods (identification number of the dangerous goods consisting of 4 digits)
• Labels informing the recipient of the hazardous intrinsic properties of the goods
• Arrows indicating the top side the package.

All markings must be visible and legible.

Examples of markings on packages. These goods contain a substance with UN number 1090 (acetone). The red label indicates that it is a flammable liquid. The flame symbol indicates flammability and the number 3 indicates that the substance is of class 3, i.e. flammable liquids. The arrows indicate the top and bottom sides of the package.

Inspection

The consignee must check that the number of packages corresponds to the number stated on the goods declaration. The consignee must also check that the dangerous goods are labelled and are not damaged. If the consignee considers that something is wrong, e.g. if the dangerous goods have been consolidated with food products, this must be noted and reported to the carrier and the safety manager.

Confirmation of receipt

The recipient must always confirm receipt of the goods received. This must always be done at the time of receipt. Confirmation may be given in writing, either with a signature on the consignment note or electronically.

Interim storage

It is important that the dangerous goods are only stored for a short time at the goods reception. There must be suitable storage facilities at the goods reception. The storage facilities must be designed with consideration to the hazardous properties of the goods. Only authorised staff must have access to the goods in interim storage.

Internal transport

Internal transport of the goods from the goods reception to the final recipient must be carried out in a way that minimises the risk of accidents. The transport routes must be decided in advance and, as far as possible, should go through corridors or culverts that are out of bounds to students and to staff members who are unfamiliar with the risks of dangerous goods. Dangerous goods must always be transported on a trolley designated specifically for that purpose. Internal transport routes which do not incorporate public roads are not covered by the legislation regarding transport of dangerous goods.

Consequently, no specific permit is required for internal transport between two areas on the campus. Vehicles must also be specially equipped and approved for the transportation of dangerous goods. In cases where it is necessary to transport dangerous goods between different areas on the campus, a suitable carrier or courier service must be used.

Consignment to the final recipient

The final recipient is the actual person at the school (or equivalent) who ordered the dangerous goods. A system and procedures must be in place for consigning the goods, to ensure that the goods reach the right final recipient. The final recipient, or a representative appointed by the final recipient, must sign for the goods when they are consigned.