Answering your questions

Due to the numerous enquiries received from operators requesting information regarding Tremcards and Dangerous Goods warning placards, FleetWatch has compiled an information section over the following three pages to assist operators in answering a few of the more common questions asked. We start off on this page with some Q&A issues surrounding Tremcards where we have drawn on the knowledge of local expert Keith McMurray and Kevin Miller, head of emergency response at the National Chemical Emergency Centre in the UK, in compiling the answers

Q: Are Tremcards which are issued in the European Community from the same CEFIC system acceptable in South Africa? This is important in terms of imported goods.
A: Although the Tremcards offer the same information, the SA legislation requires a specific format with the red borders and there may be an issue that the appropriate text does not appear in the red border.

Q: Are we allowed to use photostat copies of Tremcards?
A: No. The law stipulates that Tremcards must have the red borders as per the example further on in this issue. Photostat copies are not allowed. Photocopying originals for use by a company will be in violation of the copyright Cefic has on the content of the Tremcards and in terms of the conditions under which SABS supplies the Tremcards. 

Q: How do we overcome unnecessary delays in receiving Tremcards from SABS?
A: The SABS is not the only licensed supplier. Companies can either purchase their own Cefic Tremcard package from Liz Anderson & Associates, the local South African agent for the National Chemical Emergency Centre (NCEC) in the UK, or directly from the NCEC at £750 (ex VAT, postage and packaging) for a single user license. Also check out eclogistics@worldonline.co.za or dolphinlabel@worldonline.co.za. 

Q: How do we order Tremcards through the SABS?
A: Orders may not be placed telephonically. They must be faxed to Alfride Walter on (012) 428-6928 and must include applicable UN Numbers from SABS 0228. Please note, certain UN numbers have three or four sub-classifications therefore instructions as to exactly which substance to be transported must be very clear. Tremcards are available at the following costs - all ex VAT.

* 1 -  5 cards: R10-00 each.
* 6 - 10 cards: R5-00 each.
* 10 plus cards: R2-50 each.

Operators holding accounts with the SABS will receive an invoice on delivery of the Tremcards. Non-account holders must electronically transfer payment into the applicable SABS bank account. Deposit slips must be faxed to Alfride before processing and delivery will take place. Banking details are available from Alfride on request. 

Q: Where do we obtain all the relevant UN code numbers from?
A: All UN Codes are contained in the SABS 0228 binder file available at approximately R450-00 per copy from the SABS. The telephone number is (012) 428-6198

Q: Why can we not generate our own Tremcards from information via the International Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre (CIS) which may provide more up-to-date information on their International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC) website.
A: The legislation only allows for the use of the CEFIC version at the moment but the working group of the SABS has indicated that they could assess the integrity of alternate Tremcards and approve their use. This is a tentative indication and no minutes are available to substantiate this but maybe the door is slightly ajar. Also, while at the moment the update on the ICSC is more recent than the Tremcards, this is merely because of the difference in the update cycles. There will be certain times when the Tremcards will be more up to date than the ICSC.

Q: Could Tremcard information be simplified so that drivers who may have a limited education can still understand them - maybe even in a second language on the reverse side?
A: In terms of the legislation, the Tremcard must be in English. However, using the reverse side is an interesting suggestion. It would, however, increase the number of Tremcards required in the system and would also mean that the transporter would be forced to supply these as it would be unrealistic to expect the consignor to have Tremcards to cover all the language possibilities. There is the fear that simplifying the Tremcard may compromise the integrity of the information contained on it. The primary user of the Tremcard is the emergency services. The driver should be fully trained and aware of the product and how to deal with any incident involving the product before even climbing into the cab. Companies should not rely on the Tremcard to fulfil their obligations to adequately train professional Dangerous Goods drivers.

Q: Is the SABS Standard 0231 Tremcard example out of date?
A: Yes, this is an artifact of the length of time it has taken to introduce the standard and legislation. The latest edition of SABS 0231 is edition 2.3 -2000.