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FleetWatch receives numerous enquiries from readers all of which we answer direct. However, there are some queries which we feel will be of interest to our wider readership and with this in mind, we reproduce here some of the questions and answers dealt with over the recent past. Unless otherwise stated, the answers are provided by our legislation correspondent and general road transport guru, Jack Webster. Readers can direct any questions to The Editor at
fleetwatch@pixie.co.za
or fax them to (011) 794-1474.
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Is there a regulation that states that, when transporting coal by road, that it needs to be covered? If so, which regulation does it fall under?
J Barnard
HR Manager - Reclaim group |
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There is no regulation for the transporting of coal specifically but Regulation 246 of the Government Gazette 17 March 2000 states that all goods being transported on a public road must be safely contained within the body of the vehicle, as well as being securely fastened to such vehicle., i.e. goods must be properly protected from being dislodged or spilled from such vehicle. |
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What permits are needed to in order to operate a hazardous waste collection and transport service? What requirements are there in terms of professional expertise or personnel employed by a company that would operate such services?
Denis Thompson
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Firstly, in South Africa we no longer refer to hazardous substances. Rather, we refer to Dangerous Goods which are listed in a Bureau of Standards publication. Secondly, there is no permit required in connection with the collection or transportation of dangerous goods except one Municipality which has decided to issue permits for collection and disposal of dangerous goods in their area.
Unfortunately, we do not know the name of the Municipality but my suggestion to you is that if you are collecting dangerous goods from a Municipality, you first check with that Municipality if they issue permits, otherwise, throughout the rest of the country, no permits are required.
What you need to do is to register your vehicles which you propose to use for a classification of "D" which the local authority will licence as a category "D" vehicle. Thereafter, your operation must comply with the requirements of Chapter 8 of the Road Traffic Act and Chapter 8 of the Road Traffic Regulations which are obtainable from the Government Printers.
Your drivers, as far as the Law is concerned, are required to have a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) endorsed with a "D" for dangerous goods. To obtain this PrDP-D, your drivers need to pass a test confirming that they are competent to drive such a vehicle but no finality has been reached from the Authorities regarding the test. Hazardous goods inspectors have not yet been appointed and therefore this requirement in the Regulations is not applied at present.
You will notice in the Legislation that the consignor and consignee are held responsible providing all the relevant information regarding details of the hazardous product, but this has not yet been ratified.
I am sorry I cannot give you more positive information.
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We have heard that there is new Legislation for loading timber trucks. I was just wondering if you can help me to get that information as soon as possible.
Juanita van der Walt
Eastern Cape
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There is no information available regarding any change in the Legislation in relation to the loading of Timber Trucks but there are a lot of amendments being gazetted in connection with the Road Traffic Regulations. I will certainly let you know if there is any change.
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Can you please send information about the Road Traffic Act regulations regarding hearing impaired bus drivers whose hearing had been corrected with bilateral hearing aids? Could such a driver apply and qualify for a public driving permit?
Sandra Botha
Momentum
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The answer is: Yes they can make application and obtain a PrDP - the relevant Regulation is No. 117 which contains no restriction regarding the hearing ability of the applicant.
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Would you have any information on the availability of unit standards for the training of the various categories of motorcar and truck drivers? Which SETA is responsible for this and would you have a contact name and number for me, please?
Johann Kotzé
DEAT
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The SETA you need to contact is TETA (Transport Education & Training Authority). Speak to Ms Tuelo Mogashoa on (Tel) 011 781 1280. She will be able to assist you.
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