DGSA 25 years – Questions to ask the members

Introduction and instruction of responding	1

Information about the responding association	2

Scope and application (10)	2

Organization (6)	4

Training and examination (12)	5

Cost aspects (5)	7

Supervision and compliance (2)	8

Effect and benefits (4)	8

Challenges and obstacles (2)	9

Future perspectives (3)	9

Introduction and instruction of responding

This document contains 44 specific questions within eight (8) categories which will be used as input to the IASA white paper on “DGSA, 25 years later”. Within each category there is one (1) open “additional information” question to allow you to provide further details or comments if you have more you would like to add and that are not covered by the questions.

There is a variety of how the responses are to be answered such as yes/no, multiple choice, grading and free text. For some of the yes/no questions we would like to get, as indicated, additional explanation to “why” yes or no is selected.

The intention of this questionnaire is to get an insight into the DGSA prerequisites of each IASA member’s country. Some questions may require feedback from the members of each individual association. If this questionnaire is also sent to the national members to collect responses, kindly indicate such under the first section “Information about the responding association”.

We acknowledge that there are many questions that will take some time to answer as well some questions are subjective; for those subjective we still would like to collect the opinions and based on all the answers we can decide how to best use the feedback. To allow flexibility, the questions are shared to all IASA members in this word document so the questions can be reviewed.

Responses can either be by providing responses in this word file and submit to generalsecretary@dgsa-iasa.org or by first work in this file and copy/paste the responses to the Microsoft Forms accessed via this link >>>

To get as good data as possible, we do really hope and appreciate that all of you members respond to this questionnaire. The more responders the more credible paper we will be able to create and publish.

Thank you

WG DGSA 25 years later

Giovanni Adamo – AES, João Cezília – APSEI, Les Richings – BADGP, Magnus Falk – IASA/SFGS, Martin Kints – BSAA,
Michèle BODSON – ALMD

Information about the responding association

Country:
Association:
Name:
E-mail:
Number of members in association:

Scope and application (10)

The intention with the questions in this section is to gain a general understanding How the DGSA requirement apply, to whom, and the exemptions when a DGSA is not required. The data collection in this section, together with the other sections will show the differences between countries on the DGSA requirement.

Which types of companies are subject to the DGSA requirement in your country? The company stated as the “shipper” on the transport agreement but which not physically handing dangerous goods over for transport. The company that physically offers dangerous goods for transport, not stated as the shipper on the transport agreement. Companies that execute the actual transport (movement) of dangerous goods. The Consignee. Companies that load/unload dangerous goods. Companies that pack, mark and label dangerous goods for transport. Tank-container/portable tank operator. Tank-wagon operator (RID). Railway infrastructure manager (RID). Entity in charge of maintenance (ECM) (RID). Reception facility operator (ADN). Others, please specify other type of operations in scope of DGSA requirement.
For which Mode of Transport / Regulation is the DGSA requirement applicable in your country? Road (ADR) Rail (RID) Inland Waterways (ADN) Sea (IMDG-Code) Air (ICAO-TI/IATA-DGR) Other, please specify__________________
How many DGSA are there registered in your country? Answer:
If data is available, how many companies in your country have at least one Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) appointed? Answer:
In your opinion, companies in your country are well aware of the scope, responsibility and purpose of a DGSA? Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Are there any threshold levels (quantities, frequency, risk categories etc) that determine whether a company does not require a DGSA, including sector-specific exemptions (e.g., agriculture, construction, laboratories)? Answer:
Are there any legal requirements, beside the DGSA examination, from the national authority to be legally recognised as a DGSA/company providing DGSA service? (e.g. receiving a written confirmation that DGSA certificates are recognised/accepted, or sending the certificate to the respective authority is enough, or in the case of Luxembourg the business permit must be updated) Answer:
Can a DGSA be held personally liable for violations or accidents when practicing the DGSA role (advising)? Yes | Kindly elaborate on the consequences the DGSA can face:__________ No | why not, please elaborate:__________
Is there a limitation to how many companies/entities a person can be registered as a DGSA? Yes | What is the limit? __________ No
Are there any specific requirements for the annual dangerous goods report that the DGSA shall issue (e.g., must be issued on a specific template, contain specific content, submitted to competent authorities etc.)? Yes | Please specify:__________ No
Anything else you would like to add related to the DGSA requirement explicit for how it is implemented in your country and is not covered by the questions above? Answer:

Organization (6)

The intention with the questions in this section is to gain an understanding if there is a difference in how companies are using internal and external DGSA’s, organizational positions for internal DGSA’s, access to management, and the DGSA common tasks.

In your opinion, what are the main reasons companies in your country would choose to use external DGSAs over internal DGSA? Answer:
By your experience, what are the general organizational position within the company for an internal DGSA? (list minimum 5) Answer:
What are the most common DGSA tasks in practice (top three)? Answer:
On a general aspect, it is common that a DGSA’s in your country also have other responsibilities (job function/role) in addition to the DGSA’s role that a DGSA also work with (e.g., occupational safety, labour law, environmental sustainability etc) Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
In your opinion, DGSA’s in your country perceive that they have adequate access and communication with the undertakings management. Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
In your opinion, the DGSA’s in your country perceive that they have adequate access and communication with the competent authorities Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Any other relevant remark/comment connected to organization not covered in the questions above? Answer:

Training and examination (12)

The intention with the questions in this section is to gain an understanding around the requirements for DGSA training and examination is organized in your country. This as it has been identified that there are some differences between countries and would therefore be relevant to understand in more detail. Matters related to cost for training and examination will be managed under the section “Cost aspects”.

What are the formal training requirements (if any) prior taking the DGSA examination? We are seeking to understand if there are specific training requirements such as for example requirement on attending training at an accredited training institute, minimum number of training days, if it required also prior re-examination, if there are any specific requirements on the organization delivering such training, how is the quality of training providers monitored must include practical elements etc. Answer:
Are there any formal prerequisites, such as educational level, professional background, prior experience etc., in addition to pass the DGSA examination required to become a DGSA? Answer:
What is the annual availability of examination dates (once a month, quarter etc)? Answer:
Examination location availability, in how many locations are the examinations offered in your country? In only 1 specific location In 2-5 different locations In all major cities Online – only digital, no physical location Other, please specify______________
In what format is the DGSA examination held? Digital, at specific location(s) Digital, place of choice Analog, at a specific location Other, please specify______________
Who performs the examinations? Competent authority Certification body Private/consultant companies Other, please specify___________
What is the pass mark (%) to pass the exam? Answer:
What is the pass/fail rate of the examination last year data (approximate statistics if available)? Answer:
How many questions does the examination contain and how much time are you allowed when taking the examination? (initial and recurrent/refresh) Number of questions: Time:
Are there language requirements in the examination i.e., limited to the national language or available in multiple languages? Limited to the national language Available in multiple languages
Is it possible to limit the scope of the DGSA examination to, for example, only apply to flammable liquids? Yes, please elaborate on your model_____ No
Can a DGSA certified in another country work in your country without fulfilling additional requirements? Yes No. Please specify additional requirements
Any other relevant remark/comment connected to the training and examination of a DGSA not covered in the questions above? Answer:

Cost aspects (5)

The intention with the questions in this section is to gain an understanding around the various cost aspects of DGSA, mainly focusing on training and examination. There are also some few questions related to the cost of employing a DGSA or hire a DGSA, and if there are indication (common or seldom) that companies rather take the risk of not assigning a DGSA due to cost.

What is the cost for the DGSA examination in your country? Answer:
What is the average cost for training prior taking a DGSA examination? Answer:
In your opinion, the cost for DGSA is considered a barrier for companies to comply with the DGSA requirement, i.e., the cost for employing an internal or hiring an external DGSA is seen high and worth taking the risk of not having a DGSA Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
In your opinion, the training and examination is rather done in another country due to the national cost for training and examination. Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Infringements, what would be the “cost” for a company if found not have one or more DGSA appointed but subject to? Answer:
Anything else you would like to add related to cost aspects not covered by the questions above? Answer:

Supervision and compliance (2)

The intention with the questions in this section is to gain a better understanding about how the DGSA requirement is monitored, audited and the type of sanctions associated with non-compliance.

Does any authority in your country perform specific audits related to the DGSA requirements at companies subject to DGSA? Yes No.
In your opinion, supervision and authority audits is an effective tool of enforcing the DGSA requirement? Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Anything else you would like to add related to supervision and compliance? Answer:

Effect and benefits (4)

The intention with the questions in this section is to gain a better understanding if it can be assumed that the implementation of DGSA has brought any efficiency and benefit related to transport of dangerous goods i.e., if the compliance has increased, less accidents etc or if the same could have been reached by other means. The questions are subjective however, if there is research or other evidence it is appreciated if such are referenced. Please refer if the answer is based on perception or data available.

In your opinion, the implementation of DGSA requirement in your country has improved dangerous goods competence and awareness in companies? Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
I In your opinion, the implementation of DGSA requirement in your country has reduced the dangerous goods accidents or incidents? Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
In your opinion, the implementation of DGSA requirement in your country has increased the dangerous goods regulatory compliance? Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Is there national research and statistics available related to the effects and benefits of the DGSA and the 3 statements above? Yes No
Anything else you would like to add related to effects and benefits of the DGSA requirement? Answer:

Challenges and obstacles (2)

The intention with the questions in this section is to gain a better understanding about which challenges companies and DGSA face.

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges for DGSAs today? Answer:
In your opinion, is there sector-specific challenges (bulk, tank, waste, lithium batteries, etc.) that affect the DGSA role? Answer:
Anything else you would like to add related to challenges and obstacles companies and DGSA face? Answer:

Future perspectives (3)

The intention with the questions in this section is to be forward looking, what the “world would look like” and changes that should be made to further improve the safe transport of dangerous goods, both nationally and internationally.

In your opinion, how do you think the DGSA role will change over the next 10 years? Answer:
In your opinion, what reforms or improvements would you like to see related to DGSA? Answer:
What are your expectations for IASA’s role, priorities, and key areas of work moving forward? Answer:
Anything else you would like to add related to changes that should be made to further improve the safe transport of dangerous goods? Answer: