Any company involved in the storage of dangerous goods knows that there are risks involved. But did you also know that in every company where more than 2,500 kg of dangerous goods are (or may be) stored, at least 1 skilled employee must be present to supervise this? Teacher Jannie van Vliet explains how.
“This obligation is included in PGS 15, the Dutch safety guideline for the storage of packaged dangerous goods and CMR substances. If that employee has the certificate Vakbekwaamheid Behandeling Gevaarlijke Stoffen (VBGS) in his pocket, you neatly comply with this regulation,” says Jannie, who conducts this course herself.
Garages
The PGS 15 is (partially) mandatory for so-called Type B establishments. These are companies that must report to the competent authority upon establishment or modification. They do not need an environmental permit to store dangerous goods: they are limited quantities. “Think of garages, metalworking companies and marinas. Many of these companies do not know that they have the obligation to comply with (parts of) the PGS 15.”
Not external
The directive says the following: if a Type B establishment can store more than 2,500 kg of dangerous goods according to the activity notification made, an expert must be present to supervise operations with those substances. And this person may not be hired externally. “In addition, the DCMR – the supervisory environmental service (RUD) in the Rijnmond region – has an unwritten rule: that all companies in the region must employ an (expert) skilled person. A safe feeling, in all respects!” continues Jannie.
Course dates
Special Cargo College conducts the dangerous goods Handling Competency course as classroom training or in-company, and even customized. After 10 half-days and the exam at the CBR, you may call yourself proficient. Next line begin with: The dates can be found back here at the course page. We can also schedule additional sessions. So if you have specific needs, please get in touch, at sales@specialcargo.nl or 085 – 792 2885.
