Hazardous chemicals on our roads: SANRAL conducts survey

A survey on hazardous chemicals transported on South Africa’s National Roads, was recently launched by SANRAL in the Free State province. This follows a similar survey that was also done in KwaZulu Natal.
As part of Women’ Month, the initiative was all women driven, supported by men. Only a day before the celebration of Women’ Day, a roadblock was held on the 8th of August at the truck stop on the N1 near the Vaal Plaza Tollgate. This formed part of the Free State survey and involved police, traffic and fire and rescue officials among others. Graduates were also trained to identify hazardous chemicals and what regulations apply to the transport of these chemicals. They were then actively involved in the roadblock and check point.
In total 86 heavy vehicles passed through the check point.

The Ngwathe Mayor, Cllr Joey Mochela also paid a visit to the check point to show her support of the project, said Dr Kwazi Mbanjwa, consultant for Indaba Communication.

A lot was learned and the idea is that the survey will be done in all provinces, after which a manual will be compiled on the transport of hazardous chemicals, he said.
Although the survey on the 8th showed mostly petrol and diesel to be transported, it was clear that the public is still not fully aware of the dangers of the transport of chemicals and what to do when chemicals is found on an emergency scene. Although most companies did comply with the rules and regulations for chemical transport, expired fire extinguishers and municipalities not informed of heavy vehicles passing through with hazardous chemicals, were pointed out as some of the main problems still seen on the country’s national roads.