Vehicle Compliance: The Other Half of DG Transport
While the **PrDP 'D' Certificate** ensures your driver is legally qualified to convey dangerous goods, the **Dangerous Goods Vehicle Permit**, commonly known as the **Hazchem Fire Permit**, ensures that the vehicle itself is fit for purpose and compliant with strict safety standards. This permit is a mandatory requirement issued by the local Fire Department or Municipal Authority.
Non-compliant vehicles risk severe penalties, delays, and compromise safety. At SS Training Centre, we not only train your drivers but also provide expert guidance and consulting to ensure your vehicles meet all necessary specifications before inspection.
What is the DG Vehicle Permit?
The DG Vehicle Permit is an official document issued for a specific vehicle that is designed or fitted to carry dangerous goods in excess of the exempt quantities. The inspection and certification process is governed by:
- SANS 1157: Transport of dangerous goods – Inspection requirements of road vehicles for the issue of municipal dangerous goods transport permits.
- SANS 1518: Transport of dangerous goods – Design, construction, and certification of road vehicles.
This permit must be renewed regularly and proves the vehicle complies with requirements for fire extinguishers, proper signage (placards), designated space for documentation, and overall structural integrity for transporting hazardous materials.
PrDP 'D' vs. Vehicle Permit
It’s important to distinguish between the two key requirements for DG road transport:
PrDP 'D' (Professional Driving Permit - Dangerous Goods): Required for the *driver*. Issued by the DLTC after successful completion of the TETA-accredited Convey Dangerous Goods by Road (Unit Standard 123259) course, which we offer.
DG Vehicle Permit (Hazchem Fire Permit): Required for the *vehicle*. Issued by the local Fire Department after the vehicle passes an inspection against SANS 1157/1518 standards.
Key Vehicle Compliance Requirements
To pass the inspection and obtain the vehicle permit, the vehicle must meet several criteria, including but not limited to:
Fire Extinguishers
Correct type (dry powder), number, and placement of fire extinguishers (e.g., 2 x 9 kg for rigid vehicles GVM > 3500 kg), mounted externally in quick-release brackets.
Placarding & Markings
Correct display of the orange diamond danger warning sign on the front, and hazard placards (SANS 10232-1) at the rear and sides of the cargo containment area.
Documentation Area
A designated, secure, and easily accessible space for required transport documents, including the Transport Emergency Card (TEC), Dangerous Goods Declaration, and Cleanliness Certificate.
Structural & Mechanical
The vehicle must have a valid Certificate of Fitness (COF) and be structurally compliant with SANS 1518 requirements for transporting specific hazardous materials (e.g., proper baffling for tankers).
DG Vehicle Permit (Hazchem) Service Pricing
Service Information
Service Cost:
Starting from R2500
Duration:
Varies based on vehicle readiness and municipal processing time.
Service Location:
Consultation and pre-inspection readiness checks available on-site across Gauteng and KZN.
Permit Validity:
Typically 1 year (Mandatory annual renewal).
How SS Training Centre Can Assist
We partner with competent persons and regulatory bodies to ensure your entire operation—drivers, documentation, and vehicles—is compliant. Our advisory services include:
- Guidance on vehicle specification requirements (SANS 1518).
- Pre-inspection readiness checks to ensure a smooth permit application process.
- Full TETA-Accredited Dangerous Goods Driver Training (Unit Standard 123259).
- Ensuring all your drivers have the required certificates to apply for their PrDP 'D' license.