Dangerous goods

Dangerous goods are substances and items identified as hazardous for transport and present a risk to people, property and the environment.

Examples of HSE dangerous goods include:

clinical waste
specimens
laboratory waste
pharmacy waste
medical gases
chemical waste

Dangerous goods legislation

Dangerous goods legislation provides for the safety of people handling dangerous goods, the public, property and the environment.

The regulations place specific duties on the HSE as a consignor, carrier, packer, loader, un-loader and driver.

The regulations also place a legal duty on the HSE to appoint Dangerous Goods Safety Advisors (DGSA) to advise on the safe transport of dangerous goods.

HSE pharmacy departments and aseptic units

Guidelines for the segregation, packaging and removal of waste medicines (GD:019:00) documents a system for disposal of waste medicines that complies with transport regulations; while streamlining the process for HSE hospital pharmacies.

The guideline applies to:

unused or expired medicines and related products from the pharmacy department
medicines including patient medicines returned from the wards provided there is no additional infection risk
waste generated in aseptic units - wastes contaminated with cytotoxic drugs residue (includes used vials, syringes, needles, PPE, wipes and disinfectant bottles)

Note: the guideline may also be applied to areas where monoclonal antibodies are prepared under aseptic conditions in laminar flow hoods.

Implementation of the guidelines will continue to be supported by the National Health & Safety Function (NHSF).

Resources to support you in implementation:

Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) role

The role of the DGSA is to:

monitor compliance with the requirements governing the transport of dangerous goods
advise on the transport of dangerous goods
prepare an annual report in relation to the carriage of dangerous goods

HSE’s approach to discharging its legal duties

Responsibility for the management of the transportation of dangerous goods and the appointment of DGSAs rests with the CEOs of HGs, COs of CHOs, Head of National Ambulance Service and local Responsible Persons.
NHSF has established a contract with external advisors and service providers comprising of 4 lots.

These lots are:
- Lot 1 – National Dangerous Goods Advisor
- Lot 2 to 4 – Regional Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor Services
CEOs and COs and Head of National Ambulance Service must appoint an external specialist from this contract to provide local DGSA services (Lots 2 to 4 inclusive) in accordance with the ADR, European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road
The NHSF will collect data at national level on the local discharge of DGSA obligations. This data provides independent assurance to key oversight Committees and the Executive Management Team, that the HSE’s duties with regard to DGSA are being fulfilled
The appointed DGSA must adhere to a series of Key Performance Indicators as clearly set-out in the contract - see “hbspass” contract reference: HSE 14605 for further information

Accessing services

An official purchase order must be completed by the responsible person/local budget holder in order to draw-down DGSA services under this contract.

Contact details for accessing these services

Company name: EcoOnline A/S Ltd

Address: Holland Road, National Technology Park, Plassey, Limerick

Key account manager: Sarah Ingle

Email: sarah.ingle@ecoonline.com

Phone: 086 794 3080

Contact HSE Health and Safety helpdesk

Use the Health and Safety self-service portal or

Phone: 1800 420 420

Monday to Friday 10.30am to 12 noon and 2.00pm to 3.30pm

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