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:
- Disposal of waste medicines in limited quantities (LQ) bin checklist
- Disposal of aseptic isolator sharps bin checklist
- Disposal of flammable waste checklist
- Non-infectious sharps bin label
- Pharmacy personnel instructional video
- Instructional video on pharmacy waste guidelines
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
Related content
Disposal of waste medicines in limited quantities (LQ) bin checklist
Disposal of aseptic isolator sharps bin checklist
Disposal of flammable waste checklist
Transport of uncleaned reusable invasive medical devices (RIMD) by Road Safety Alert
Guidelines for the preparation for transport of patient specimens and other biological materials
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