Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser
Expert DGSA consultancy covering ADR road transport, IMDG sea freight and IATA air cargo compliance. Certified training, compliance audits, classification support and 24/7 emergency telephone response — protecting your business across every transport mode.
Your Appointed Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser
Under UK and international law, any business involved in the transport, loading, unloading, packing or storage of dangerous goods must appoint a qualified Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA). Failure to comply can result in significant fines, prosecution, and — most importantly — serious risk to life.
RADCaT has been providing specialist DGSA services since our founding in 2004. With decades of hands-on experience across ADR road transport, IMDG Code sea freight and IATA air cargo regulations, our dangerous goods consultants deliver practical, expert guidance that keeps your operations compliant, your people safe and your business protected.
Whether you're a haulage company transporting flammable liquids and compressed gases, a manufacturer shipping corrosive chemicals and toxic substances, or a logistics provider handling lithium batteries and aerosols — RADCaT ensures your dangerous goods operations meet every regulatory requirement across all transport modes.
24/7 Emergency Support — Our DGSA clients receive round-the-clock emergency telephone assistance for dangerous goods incidents, spills and transport emergencies.
Our Dangerous Goods Services
Comprehensive DGSA consultancy covering every aspect of dangerous goods compliance.
DGSA Consultancy
Full Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser appointment covering monitoring of compliance, regulatory advice, staff competency oversight and liaison with enforcement authorities including HSE, DVSA and MCA.
Read MoreADR Training & Compliance
European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. Driver awareness training, vehicle placarding, documentation requirements, loading procedures and transport compliance audits.
Read MoreIMDG Code Compliance
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code consultancy for sea freight operations. Container packing certificates, segregation requirements, stowage categories, documentation and crew training for maritime shipments.
Read MoreIATA Dangerous Goods
International Air Transport Association dangerous goods regulations for air cargo. Shipper declarations, packaging specifications, quantity limitations, acceptance checks and compliance training for air freight operations.
Read MoreClassification & Packaging
Expert advice on UN classification of dangerous goods across all 9 hazard classes, selection of UN-approved packaging, labelling and marking requirements, safety data sheet review and transport document preparation.
Read MoreCompliance Audits
Thorough audits of your dangerous goods operations against ADR, IMDG and IATA requirements. Identifies non-conformances, assesses risk levels and provides prioritised corrective action plans with practical recommendations.
Read MoreAnnual Reports
Preparation of the statutory DGSA annual report detailing your dangerous goods activities, compliance status, incidents, training records and recommendations — a legal requirement for all businesses with a DGSA appointment.
Read More24/7 Emergency Support
Round-the-clock emergency telephone assistance for dangerous goods incidents, spills, accidents and transport emergencies. Immediate expert advice on containment, reporting obligations and emergency services liaison — day or night, 365 days a year.
Read MoreWho Needs a DGSA?
Any business involved in the transport, storage or handling of dangerous goods needs expert compliance support.
Our DGSA Process
From initial assessment to ongoing compliance management.
Initial Compliance Review
We audit your current dangerous goods operations — what you transport, how it's classified, your documentation, packaging, vehicle compliance and staff training. No charge, no obligation.
DGSA Appointment
We formally accept appointment as your Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser, taking responsibility for monitoring compliance across your operations and advising on all regulatory matters.
Gap Analysis & Action Plan
A detailed assessment identifying compliance gaps with a prioritised action plan, timelines and practical guidance on how to close each gap efficiently and cost-effectively.
Training & Implementation
Certified dangerous goods awareness training for your drivers, warehouse staff and office team. Implementation of compliant procedures, documentation templates and emergency response plans.
Ongoing Compliance & Annual Report
Regular compliance audits, legislative updates, annual DGSA report preparation, and 24/7 emergency telephone support — keeping your business compliant year-round.
Dangerous Goods FAQ
What is a DGSA and do I legally need one?
A Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) is a legally required appointment under the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG 2009). Any business involved in the transport, loading, unloading, filling or packing of dangerous goods by road, rail or inland waterway must appoint a qualified DGSA. The DGSA monitors compliance, advises on regulations, prepares annual reports and assists with incident investigation.
What's the difference between ADR, IMDG and IATA?
ADR governs the international carriage of dangerous goods by road across Europe. IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) Code regulates dangerous goods transported by sea. IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations cover air transport of hazardous materials. Each has different classification, packaging, labelling and documentation requirements. RADCaT provides expert consultancy across all three transport modes.
What happens if I don't have a DGSA?
Operating without a required DGSA is a criminal offence. Enforcement is carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Penalties include unlimited fines, prosecution and imprisonment. Beyond legal consequences, non-compliance puts staff, the public and the environment at serious risk.
What does your 24/7 emergency support include?
All RADCaT DGSA clients receive round-the-clock emergency telephone support for dangerous goods incidents, spills, accidents and transport emergencies. You receive immediate expert advice on containment procedures, regulatory reporting obligations, emergency services liaison and environmental protection measures — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Do you provide dangerous goods driver training?
Yes. We deliver ADR driver awareness training covering classification, documentation, vehicle checks, loading and unloading procedures, emergency response and regulatory obligations. Training can be delivered at our Wigan training centre or on-site at your depot anywhere in the UK. We also provide awareness training for warehouse operatives, packers and office staff involved in dangerous goods consignment.
What types of goods require a DGSA?
Dangerous goods are classified into 9 UN hazard classes: explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidising substances, toxic and infectious substances, radioactive material, corrosives and miscellaneous dangerous goods. Common examples include fuels, paints, aerosols, lithium batteries, cleaning chemicals, compressed gases, pesticides, clinical waste and industrial solvents.
How much does a DGSA appointment cost?
Costs depend on the scale and complexity of your dangerous goods operations, the transport modes involved and the level of ongoing support required. We offer competitive annual retainer packages that include the DGSA appointment, regular compliance audits, annual report preparation, staff training and 24/7 emergency support. Contact us for a free initial consultation and tailored quote.
Need a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser?
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation compliance review of your dangerous goods operations.