EASA Implementing Rules and the Technical Instructions require an operator’s dangerous goods training programme to be approved by the State of the Operator, i.e. the UK CAA, if that operator performs:
- commercial air transport operations (CAT), whether they transport dangerous goods or not;
- commercial specialised operations that carry dangerous goods;
- non-commercial operations with complex motor-powered aircraft that carry dangerous goods; or
- non-commercial specialised operations with complex motor-powered aircraft that carry dangerous goods.
Regardless of whether CAA approval is required, the operator must develop training programmes for all relevant staff with responsibilities concerning the carriage of dangerous goods by passengers, as cargo, within mail or as stores.
Such personnel must be trained or training must be verified prior to them performing related duty. Recurrent training must be completed within the specified period and training records must be retained.
Some operators develop their own training programmes, whereas others use a commercial training provider to either provide training directly or supply suitable training material. When generic training is used it should be supplemented with a review of the operator’s own dangerous goods procedures to ensure that any processes which are specific to the particular operator are understood.
When seeking initial approval of dangerous goods training programmes, or their re-approval following amendment, CAT operators are required to submit the materials together with a complete checklist (see below) to:
- their assigned Inspecting Officer (Dangerous Goods) if SPA.DG approval is held,or
- their assigned Inspecting Officer (Operations)
The following personnel must receive dangerous goods training
Categories of staff marked with an asterisk * may require dangerous goods training depending upon their involvement with cargo or passengers, whilst those without an asterisk must receive initial and recurrent dangerous goods training.
Operators, including:
- Staff accepting dangerous goods;
- Staff accepting cargo, mail or stores (other than dangerous goods);
- Staff responsible for handling, storage and loading of cargo, mail or stores and baggage;
- Passenger handling staff;
- Flight crew members, other crew members and load planners;
- Cargo reservations staff*;
- Passenger reservations staff*;
- Operations staff*; and
- Commercial staff*.
Lithium batteries are very safe, but because of their high energy, if they are not treated with care or if they are abused or have a manufacturing fault, they can catch fire. Batteries have been the cause of a number of fires on board aircraft.
Checklists for dangerous goods training programmes
- Download a checklist for operators with a dangerous goods approval
- Download a checklist for operators without a dangerous goods approval
Frequently asked questions
How soon after employment must I receive dangerous goods training?
Dangerous goods training must be provided or verified upon employment, before you carry out any of the functions for which you are employed involving dangerous goods or general cargo.
What will my dangerous goods training involve?
Training must correspond with the job role and responsibilities and must include familiarisation, function-specific training and safety training. Table 1.4 of the Technical Instructions provides the subject matter relating to dangerous goods transport with which various categories of personnel should be familiar.
I have changed companies but I received dangerous goods training from my previous employer. Is this still valid?
Yes, provided that the training covered the areas required by your new role and you can provide your new employer with a copy of the certificate that was issued when you were last trained.
My dangerous goods training qualification is no longer valid. Can I still carry out my duties?
No. It is a legal requirement that dangerous goods training MUST be kept current. Failure to receive recurrent dangerous goods training and continuing to carry out a function involved in the processing or the carriage of cargo (whether or not it includes dangerous goods), would be a contravention of the Air Navigation (Dangerous Goods) Regulations. The same rules apply to staff of operators.
The CAA has compiled a list of companies that are approved to provide dangerous goods training for staff of operators.
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