Do we need to appoint a DGSA?
Who typically needs one
Businesses that regularly transport Dangerous Goods by road or rail
Companies that pack or load Dangerous Goods for onward transport, even if they don't drive the vehicle themselves
Organisations producing, using, or storing dangerous goods that also arrange their transport
Common exemptions
Some organisations are exempt, including those that:
- Only transport Dangerous Goods in small quantities that fall under specific exempted or Limited Quantity thresholds
- Only carry lower-risk Dangerous Goods on an occasional (once or twice a month), ancillary basis rather than as part of their main activity
- Only unload goods that will then be used on-site to manufacture their products (a.k.a. "Final Unloaders")
What a DGSA does
A DGSA monitors compliance, advises on safe practices, prepares an annual report, and investigates any incidents involving dangerous goods. The role can be filled internally (with DVSA-certified training) or externally via an independent consultancy like RoadSafe Europe.
Getting a definitive answer
Because thresholds and exemptions depend on the specific goods, quantities, and how your operation is structured, the guidance above is general rather than a ruling on your situation. Take our 60-second check for a preliminary steer, or get in touch for a proper assessment.
Our initial DGSA Assessment if free and no-obligation, so there's nothing to lose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser?
A DGSA is a qualified professional responsible for helping an undertaking prevent risks arising from the carriage of dangerous goods.
The role includes advising the undertaking, monitoring compliance, preparing the annual report, investigating accidents or infringements and monitoring training and advice provided to personnel.
Does every company transporting dangerous goods need a DGSA?
No.
There are specific exemptions depending on the nature, frequency and quantities of dangerous goods involved and the circumstances of the operation.
GOV.UK provides guidance on the exemptions.
If you are unsure whether an exemption applies to your business, seek professional advice before assuming that you do not need a DGSA.
Can a company have an external DGSA?
Yes.
An undertaking can appoint a suitably qualified external DGSA rather than employing a DGSA directly.
RoadSafe Europe can provide external DGSA consultancy subject to the scope of the relevant adviser's certification.
What is included in an annual DGSA report?
The annual report should review the undertaking's activities relating to the transport of dangerous goods and the effectiveness of its safety arrangements.
The DfT's 2026 annual-report template covers areas including dangerous-goods arrangements, employee training and quantities of dangerous goods handled.
RoadSafe can prepare the report following an appropriate review of your operation.
How often should a DGSA visit our site?
There is no universal number of site visits that is appropriate for every business.
The frequency should reflect factors such as:
- the complexity of the operation
- dangerous-goods classes
- quantities
- number of sites
- transport activity
- previous incidents
- compliance history
- changes to the business
- level of management oversight
We can recommend an appropriate programme following an initial assessment.
Can a DGSA provide training?
Yes.
DGSA responsibilities include monitoring the provision of dangerous-goods training and advice to relevant personnel.
RoadSafe can provide training directly or help establish an appropriate training programme.
Can a DGSA advise on ADR, RID and ADN?
A DGSA certificate specifies the transport modes and dangerous-goods classes for which the adviser is qualified.
The current UK DGSA qualification framework covers road, rail and inland waterways.
RoadSafe can therefore provide specialist support across ADR, RID and/or ADN where the relevant adviser holds the required certification.
Does a DGSA cover sea and air transport?
Not as part of the statutory DGSA role.
The UK Regulated Professions Register specifically states that DGSAs are not expected to monitor dangerous-goods carriage by sea or air.
RoadSafe can nevertheless provide separate specialist IMDG and IATA/ICAO consultancy and training.
What happens if we have a dangerous-goods incident?
Contact your DGSA as soon as possible.
RoadSafe can assist with:
- immediate compliance advice
- incident investigation
- regulatory reporting
- root-cause analysis
- corrective actions
- procedure review
- training recommendations
Where an incident meets the applicable reporting criteria, the relevant regulatory notification requirements must also be followed.
Can RoadSafe help if we are investigated by DVSA or another regulator?
We can provide specialist dangerous-goods compliance advice, review your procedures and help identify and implement corrective actions.
We can also undertake an independent compliance review to identify systemic issues.
Can you help with High Consequence Dangerous Goods?
Yes.
RoadSafe provides dangerous-goods security consultancy covering ADR Chapter 1.10, HCDG, security risk assessments, transport security plans, security awareness and management training.
Can you provide DGSA services for more than one site?
Yes.
Multi-site DGSA arrangements can be structured around the nature and complexity of your operations.
We can develop a programme incorporating:
- central compliance monitoring
- site visits
- remote support
- annual reporting
- site-specific procedures
- training oversight
- audits