Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 7

Written Answers. - Carriage of Dangerous Substances.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

50 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Labour the amount of dangerous substances currently being transported by road in this country; the safety precautions applied in respect of such carriage; the number, if any, of reported spillages; whether he has satisfied himself that adequate measures are taken to ensure public safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Labour (Mr. B. Ahern)

The National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health are responsible for the enforcement of legislation governing the transport of dangerous substances by road. The authority believe that some 10,000 tonnes of petroleum products and a similar volume of other chemicals are transported on our roads each day.

In 1990, there were three spillages reported to the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health involving dangerous substances in transit. The authority received no reports of any injuries associated with these spillages.

The general protection of the public is governed by section 7 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, which requires every employer and self-employed person to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that members of the public who may be affected thereby are not exposed to risks to their safety or health. In addition, the Dangerous Substances Act, 1972, and associated regulations set out detailed requirements for safe conveyance of dangerous substances. A booklet published by my Department entitledGuide to Conveyance of Dangerous Substances by Road provides general guidance on the subject to employers and employees including drivers, consignors and carriers. The Federation of Irish Chemical Industries have also published a code of practice for the transport of hazardous chemicals by road.

The inspectorate of the authority carry out regular road checks with the assistance of the Garda Síochána to ensure compliance with the requirements of relevant legislation. I am satisfied that the legislation and arrangements for its enforcement are sufficient to ensure that consignors and carriers of dangerous substances by road discharge their primary responsibility in relation to safety of the public.