By Martin Dowling from Vehicle and Operators Services Agency (VOSA)
Based on a presentation to the AGSC in September 2007This presentation objective was to help members be more aware of the work of VOSA and was an interesting presentation.
The following notes are a summary:
VOSA is often known commercially in the UK as the government agency who deals with MOTS. The work involves visiting transport operators, storage and distributors of dangerous goods. This includes airport service operations where the main interest is imported dangerous goods. After 9/11 laws were changed because of the United Nations ADR Regulations 1st July 2005.
Roadside security inspections
The Roadside security inspection programme is in addition to normal inspections.
Drivers moving dangerous items must be trained in how do so safely and to comply with the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004 (as amended), plus have additional instruction on high consequence dangerous goods (HCDG) and must carry ID.
Roadside inspections can result in advisory letters and all results are sent to TRANSEC. Dangerous Load cards, approved by VOSA and the police, should be carried by drivers and be produced when trucks are stopped at road checks.
VOSA’s Site security visits
The VOSA seek to work in partnership with businesses visited. About 10 visits a month are conducted around LHR. Priority is to high risk sites or those non compliant at roadside. All visits are prearranged.
Inspection process
Details about the inspection with a checklist is provided before the visit
The inspection takes about 2 – 3 hrs.
The main failing found is the lack of risk assessments on security arrangements around dangerous goods. The VOSA does not like generic RA’s.
Key Requirements
- Provision of security risk assessments
- Details of carriers and contractors
- Provision of incident reporting procedures
- Photo ID of drivers
Telephone 08706060440
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/security/subdangerousgoods