asked the Minister for Labour the proposals, if any, he has to change the law with regard to making it an offence to leave toxic chemicals unattended in vehicles in public places; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dangerous Substances Conveyance.
190.
There are already in existence extensive legislative controls under the Dangerous Substances Act, 1972, as regards toxic chemicals and I have no proposals at present in this area. Sections 25 and 62 (1) of the Dangerous Substances Act, 1972, require persons engaged in the conveyance, amongst other things, of dangerous substances to take all practicable steps to prevent risk of injury to person or property. Toxic chemicals are declared to be dangerous substances under the Dangerous Substances Act, 1972 (Part IV Declaration) Order, 1986. (S.I. No. 267 of 1986).
There are very specific requirements in Regulation 12 of the Dangerous Substances (Conveyance of Scheduled Substances by Road) (Trade or Business) Regulations 1980 (S.I. No. 235 of 1980) in regard to the security precautions to be taken by carriers and drivers of vehicles containing dangerous substances to ensure that the load is safely secured against theft and interference and that the vehicle is safely parked and not left unattended in a public place except for a reasonably short period. There is a summary of the requirements at page 14 of the Guide to Conveyance of Dangerous Substances by Road, obtainable on request from my Department.
The industrial inspectorate of my Department carry out road checks at regular intervals to ensure compliance with the Dangerous Substances (Conveyance by Road) Regulations.