New app details dangerous goods safety info

The Dangerous Goods Road Transport Decoder App puts dangerous goods road rules in drivers' hands
Date: Wednesday, 13 December 2017

A new app released by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety helps drivers and transport companies easily access dangerous goods road transport information on their smartphones and computer tablets.

Developed by one of the department's Dangerous Goods officers, the Dangerous Goods Road Transport Decoder App makes it easier than ever to access dangerous goods transport information to help drivers safely transport dangerous goods on Western Australian roads.

Resources Safety Executive Director Simon Ridge said the app was an innovative way to provide critical safety information.

"The app is incredibly easy to use and has been developed and tested over a two-year period," Mr Ridge said.

"Presenting the information in an easy-to-read format, users simply select the Class of dangerous goods and the packaging type being transported. The app then provides information about the transport safety requirements."

Mr Ridge said app's development demonstrates the department’s commitment to using technology to communicate often-complex regulatory requirements in a simple and effective way.

"Better understanding of the regulatory requirements should translate to higher levels of compliance and safety on our roads when transporting dangerous goods," Mr Ridge said.

Principal Dangerous Goods Officer Lawry Lim initially developed a basic prototype in 2015, which he trialed at the annual Truck and Trailer Show in Perth.

"We received considerable interest from drivers, dangerous goods transport companies and other regulators," Mr Lim said.

Development of the full version of the app started in late 2016 and, for the past six months, the department has done extensive testing.

The app is available for download from the department’s website.