Summer safety tips for transporting dangerous goods

Summer has arrived and Western Australians are once again enjoying a barbeque and dip in the pool. The Department would like to remind people to stay safe when using or transporting common dangerous goods like pool chemicals or liquid petroleum gas (LP gas) cylinders for home use.

As the weather heats up, there is an increase in the amount of these dangerous goods transported by people who are unaware of the risks. That's why it’s important the community is aware of the simple safety tips for transporting common dangerous goods.

Even household quantities of dangerous goods present potentially deadly risks that need to be managed appropriately.

Safe transport of small cylinders of LP gas

Hazards of LP gas

If LP gas leaks from a cylinder inside a vehicle, it can form an explosive fuel and air mixture.

If there is an ignition source, this mixture can explode and injure – even kill – the driver, passengers and other people in the vicinity.

How do I safely transport LP gas cylinders?

LP gas cylinders used for domestic purposes (i.e. barbecues) should preferably be transported in an open trailer or the tray of a ute, and be properly restrained. If this is not possible, the following precautions will help to reduce the risks:

• only transport cylinders of nine kilograms or less

• ensure cylinders have a current legible test mark

• do not carry cylinders in the enclosed boot of a vehicle

• wind down vehicle windows for cross-flow ventilation

• position cylinders in an upright position on the vehicle floor and secure so they cannot move

• do not smoke in the vehicle

• remove the cylinder from the vehicle as soon as possible.

Safe transport of pool chemicals

Why are common pool chemicals highly hazardous?

Pool chemicals are dangerous goods which are highly hazardous. They can produce toxic chlorine gas, combust or explode; when they come into contact with each other or other chemicals, are subject to temperature increase, or become wet.

Health effects of chlorine gas

When pool chemicals react, chlorine gas is a possible by-product.

People breathing in chlorine gas may experience:

• nose and throat irritation

• coughing and difficulty breathing

• headaches ringing in the ears

• dizziness

• drowsiness

• nausea and vomiting

• depression of all the senses

• unconsciousness – under some circumstances this could be fatal.

Overexposure to chlorine gas can cause lung disorders such as chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary oedema which are potentially fatal.

Chlorine gas is denser than air and forms a vapour cloud at ground level. Therefore, it can lead to an oxygen-deficient environment, especially if released in a poorly ventilated area such as the inside of a vehicle or any other enclosed space.

What common pool chemicals are classified as dangerous goods?

Pool chemicals such as liquid, dry or granular pool chlorine are classified as dangerous goods and they need to be handled carefully. Always read the label and follow the instructions for use and transport.

How do I safely transport pool chemicals?

The following precautions will help you to reduce the risk of transporting pool chemicals:

• check the packaging before transporting to ensure it is in good condition and that there are no leaks

• keep the packages secure, upright and protected from anything that may puncture or damage them

• separate incompatible chemicals

• transport chemicals in a ventilated vehicle (e.g. on a ute tray, or in the car with the windows open).

There are additional requirements for businesses transporting dangerous goods and people transporting larger volumes.

Examples of pool chemical incompatibility

Dry pool chlorine (calcium hypochlorite) should not come into contact with:

• heat

• moisture

• acids, particularly sodium dichloroisocyanurate and trichloroisocyanuric acid.

Liquid pool chlorine (hypochlorite solution) should not come into contact with:

• acidic solids and solutions (e.g. pH decreaser products, scale removers and pool cell cleaners) and compounds (e.g. aluminium sulphate)

• hydrogen peroxide solutions

• reducing agents, including sodium sulphite and sodium bisulphite.