COMPANIES and individuals involved in the petroleum industry, particularly for drivers needing new or renewed Dangerous Goods (DG) Class 3 licence can now obtain these through a qualified and accredited private company endorsed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA).
Michael’s Safety Training & Consultancy Services, founded and owned by internationally-certified and accredited DG Class 3 trainer and OHS expert Michael Fong, is now offering this training following the LTA’s endorsement in mid-March 2023.
A safety professional with more than 25 years of hands-on expertise in DG Class 3 driver training, Mr Fong was certified and accredited by Shell Australia to conduct various specific activities including dangerous goods handling, storage and transportation, confined space entry, work permit system, fuel tanker gas free process, and marine oil spill investigation and response, among other areas of expertise.
Mr Fong said he is the only DG Class 3 driver trainer in Fiji and the Pacific, the training on offer targeted operators in the petroleum industry, in particular private operators or corporate companies that transported Class 3 products such as benzene, diesel, kerosene, Jet A1 and other flammable and combustible products.
He said the training focused on three parts — a classroom session covering risks assessments, fire extinguishers, truck components and functions, driver behaviour and defensive driving; a practical session covering studying the features of petroleum tankers; and understanding the various aspects of discharge on site.
“As a DG driver, it’s imperative that the driver thoroughly understands his or her vehicle in order for him or her to drive and deliver because there’s a huge risk involved in that; particularly if you are dealing with Class 3 products because some of these products are highly flammable products and some of them are deemed as combustible ,” Mr Fong said in an interview with The Fiji Times.
“This DG training also encourages drivers to be well-versed with the laws. It’s also got more to do with the mind-set where people need to look after themselves, to remain healthy, remain vigilant all the time before they get behind the wheels.
“They need to ensure they are physically, mentally and spiritually fit before they come to work.
“So in this training, you talk about the driver itself, side delivery, loading at the gantry, general aspects of safety and you also talk about driver behaviour on the road, defensive driving.”
Since the LTA’s endorsement of his company, Mr Fong said the response had been slow initially slow but was now gaining momentum with interests coming in from companies in Labasa and Savusavu.
He said he had also created awareness with the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF), Fiji Human Resources Institute (FHRI), and also through his network in the Pacific.
“My general message to all the drivers, apart from the DG Class 3 drivers, is we’ve got to be accountable and responsible for everything that we do. And most importantly, we’ve got to take ownership of how we drive.
“And with regards to vehicle maintenance, our vehicle fleet has to be up to date, up to a certain level which is safe to drive and it doesn’t harm you and the public.”
