Transportation of dangerous goods

Dangerous goods are substances and articles that pose an acute risk to people, property and the environment due to their chemical or physical properties.

In the Northern Territory the relevant legislation for dangerous goods transport is:

The legislation adopts the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code). Dangerous goods are classified under the ADG Code.

The ADG Code applies to the dangerous goods classified as:

  • gases, Class 2
  • flammable liquids, Class 3
  • flammable solids, self-reactive and desensitized explosives, Division 4.1
  • substances liable to spontaneous combust, Division 4.2
  • substances dangerous if wet, Division 4.3
  • oxidizing substances, Division 5.1
  • organic peroxides, Division 5.2
  • toxic substances, Division 6.1
  • infectious substances, Division 6.2(*)
  • corrosive substances, Class 8
  • miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles and environmentally hazardous substances, Class 9(*).
Refer (*) below for the relevant Competent Authority for this substance.

The ADG Code details the requirements for:

  • classification of substances
  • packaging and performance testing
  • use of bulk containers, IBCs, freight containers and unit loads
  • marking and placarding
  • vehicle requirements
  • segregation and stowage
  • transfer of bulk dangerous goods
  • documentation
  • safety equipment
  • procedures during transport emergencies.
The legislation and ADG Code controls the transport of all dangerous goods except:​