Safety Advisor - RID

The storage and transport of dangerous goods sometimes require the appointment of a safety advisor. I am available to fulfill this role for rail transport (RID). With experience dating back to 1992 in both aviation and rail sectors, combined with achievements and distinctions earned in the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia as a consultant, I am uniquely positioned to guide your case from start to finish with expertise and precision.

The legislation concerning the transport of dangerous goods is regulated based on the transport routes. Specifically, this involves the following international agreements:

RID - Transport of Dangerous Goods by Rail

The RID (Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail) governs the safe transport of hazardous materials by rail.

It outlines strict requirements to ensure the protection of people, property, and the environment during transit. These regulations form Appendix C of the COTIF (Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail) and are mandatory for all participating states.

Key aspects of the RID include:

Classification of Dangerous Goods: Identifying substances based on their risks.
Packaging and Tank Standards: Setting construction and inspection criteria.
Labeling and Documentation: Ensuring proper marking and shipping information.
Safety Procedures: Guidelines for emergency response and safe handling.
Training Obligations: Requiring qualified personnel for handling dangerous goods.

The RID applies to both international and domestic rail transport within EU member states, as mandated by European Directive 2008/68/EC.

This legislation covers all aspects of dangerous goods: how they are classified, how to identify them, the requirements for packaging, tanks, and vehicles, the transport conditions, and the obligations of all parties involved. Every two years, these agreements are updated to reflect the latest technological advancements and developments in the transport of dangerous goods. These international agreements are transposed into directives and incorporated into Belgian law to ensure their enforceability.

One key requirement arising from these agreements is the obligation to appoint a safety advisor.

The Role of the RID Safety Advisor

The safety advisor, operating under the responsibility of the company director, primarily ensures that the company’s activities are conducted in compliance with applicable regulations and under optimal safety conditions. This is achieved through all possible means and measures.

Their responsibilities, tailored to the company's activities, include the following:

Ensuring compliance with the regulations governing the transport of dangerous goods;
Advising the company on activities related to the transport of dangerous goods;
Preparing an annual report for the company management or, where applicable, for a local authority, detailing the company's activities concerning the transport of dangerous goods. These reports must be retained for five years and made available to national authorities upon request.

The advisor's responsibilities also include, in particular, reviewing the following practices and procedures related to the company's activities:

Procedures to ensure compliance with regulations for identifying transported dangerous goods.
The company’s practices regarding consideration of specific requirements for transported dangerous goods when purchasing transport equipment.
Methods for inspecting equipment used for the transport, packaging, filling, loading, or unloading of dangerous goods.
Ensuring that employees receive appropriate training, including updates on regulatory changes, and that this training is documented in their records.
Establishing appropriate emergency procedures in case of accidents or incidents that could jeopardize safety during transport, packaging, filling, loading, or unloading of dangerous goods.
Conducting analyses and, if necessary, drafting reports on accidents, incidents, or serious violations observed during the transport, packaging, filling, loading, or unloading of dangerous goods.
Implementing measures to prevent the recurrence of accidents, incidents, or serious violations.
Considering legal requirements and specific needs related to the transport of dangerous goods when selecting and using subcontractors or intermediaries.
Raising awareness of the risks associated with transporting, packaging, filling, loading, or unloading dangerous goods.
Establishing control methods to ensure that safety documents and equipment required for transport are on board the vehicles and comply with regulations.
Establishing control methods to ensure compliance with regulations regarding packaging, filling, loading, or unloading.
Ensuring the existence of a security plan as mandated by legislation.