Reporting dangerous goods incidents

When a dangerous goods incident results in a dangerous situation, the prime contractor must advise the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and provide details and written reports.

A dangerous situation may occur during the transport, loading or unloading of dangerous goods. You must report any incident as dangerous if it can cause, or is likely to cause, an imminent risk of:

  • death or injury to a person
  • harm to the environment
  • damage to property.

Reporting within 24 hours

As the driver or the prime contractor of the vehicle, you must tell us about a dangerous goods incident within 24 hours of the incident.

Send your initial report about:

You must include in your initial report:

  • the nature of the incident
  • where and when the incident happened
  • what dangerous goods were being transported.

Reporting within 21 days

As the prime contractor (transporting dangerous goods by road) or rail operator (transporting dangerous goods by rail), you must provide TMR with a detailed written report within 21 days of the incident.

Prime contractors must use the Dangerous goods incident report form and rail operators must sent the report to railsafety@tmr.qld.gov.au.

Your detailed written report should include:

  • the nature of the incident
  • where and when the incident happened
  • what dangerous goods were being transported
  • what the driver of the vehicle thinks caused the incident
  • what the prime contractor thinks caused the incident
  • any measures taken to control any fire, explosion leak, spill or escape of dangerous goods
  • any measures taken after the incident in relation to the dangerous goods
  • any measures taken to prevent the incident from reoccurring.

Interstate contacts

Contact an interstate competent authority for information on dangerous goods regulations, licensing and classifications outside of Queensland.

Also consider...

  • Last reviewed: 2 Jul 2019
  • Last updated: 4 Oct 2017