Regulatory requirements
The obligation to appoint a DGSA applies to any undertaking whose activities involve the transport of dangerous goods, including, for example: transport, packing, filling, loading, unloading, and other operations related to the handling of dangerous goods.
Failure to appoint a DGSA constitutes a breach of regulations and may result in a financial penalty imposed on the company (approx. PLN 5,000). However, this penalty is only the tip of the iceberg. A significant part of the required activities may be carried out exclusively through a DGSA. The absence of such cooperation often leads to further violations, such as:
- failure to submit the ADR/RID/ADN annual report – up to approx. PLN 5,000,
- failure to prepare a security plan/safety plan – approx. PLN 5,000,
- failure to provide employee training – approx. PLN 2,000.
Why choose a career as a DGSA?
Companies are increasingly following a more sophisticated approach to the safe and efficient handling of chemicals. A DGSA is therefore an essential and valuable partner for any organization that aims not only to comply with legal requirements, but above all to:
- streamline and improve processes related to dangerous goods operations,
- minimize costs associated with handling and transport activities,
- gain a competitive advantage in the market.
Growing demand for DGSA professionals
In Poland, there are currently approximately:
- 1,200 ADR advisors,
- 300 RID advisors,
- only 4 ADN advisors.
At the same time, the volume of dangerous goods transport and related operations continues to grow. It will take a long time before the market becomes saturated — if that is even possible.
DGSA Candidate – formal requirements
A Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor must hold a valid DGSA certificate. This qualification may be obtained by a person who:
- has completed an approved DGSA course (ADR/RID/ADN),
- holds a higher education degree,
- has not been convicted of intentional offences against document reliability, economic activity, or public safety,
- has passed the state examination within 12 months of completing the course, before a commission appointed by the Director of the Transport Technical Supervision Authority.
Course information – DGSA training
The course fee includes:
- participation in the course and a certificate of completion,
- proprietary training materials, regulations, tests and practical exercises,
- lunches and coffee breaks,
- consultations and practice sessions until the candidate takes the DGSA examination (ADR, RID and ADN).
Courses are conducted in small groups (maximum 6-8 participants).
The quality of the training and consultations is reflected in the feedback from participants who are now certified ADR, RID and ADN advisors. You are invited to review the references available below the course dates.
