What is a DGSA - and Who Needs One?

If your business is involved in the transport of dangerous goods, compliance isn’t just good practice—it’s a legal requirement. A Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) plays a vital role in ensuring your company handles hazardous substances safely and within the law. But what exactly is a DGSA, and how do you know if you need one?

What is a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA)?

A DGSA is a certified professional who provides advice and oversight on the safe transport of dangerous goods by road, rail, or inland waterway, as required under the ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road).

Their role is to help businesses:

• Prevent accidents or environmental damage

• Maintain legal compliance

• Prepare required reports and procedures

• Support training and awareness among staff

DGSA certification requires passing rigorous exams and keeping up to date with changing regulations.

When is a DGSA Required?

In the UK and EU, any business that regularly consigns, transports, packs, fills, loads or unloads dangerous goods by road must appoint a DGSA.

However, there are exemptions for occasional or limited quantities—so not every business will need one full-time. The key test is whether you’re handling dangerous goods as a regular business activity.

You are legally required to appoint a DGSA if:

• You transport dangerous goods in most UN classes

• You ship goods requiring hazard labels (e.g. flammable, toxic, corrosive)

• You handle packaging, loading, or unloading of dangerous goods on a routine basis

Who Typically Needs a DGSA?

Businesses across many sectors require a DGSA:

• Chemical manufacturers and distributors

• Pharmaceutical companies

• Fuel and oil distributors

• Waste management companies

• E-commerce retailers shipping batteries, aerosols or cosmetics

• Logistics and freight forwarders

Even smaller businesses or online retailers may be surprised to learn that they’re classed as “consignors” and fall under these rules.

What Does a DGSA Actually Do?

A DGSA’s responsibilities include:

• Auditing your dangerous goods processes

• Producing an annual safety report

• Investigating incidents involving dangerous goods

• Advising on compliance with packaging, documentation, and labelling

• Supporting training and internal controls

A DGSA is both a compliance officer and a safety consultant—providing peace of mind and protecting your business from costly mistakes or legal penalties.

Employing vs. Contracting a DGSA

Businesses can either:

• Employ an in-house DGSA, usually where large volumes of dangerous goods are handled, or

• Contract an external DGSA, ideal for SMEs or businesses with more limited requirements

At Dangerous Goods Academy, we provide both training and support options to suit your needs, whether you want to train your own DGSA or appoint one on a retained basis.

Takeaway Tips for Businesses

• ✅ If you regularly handle dangerous goods, you almost certainly need a DGSA.

• ✅ Review your activities against ADR regulations (especially if you consign, load, or pack goods).

• ✅ Consider external DGSA support if you don’t have the capacity in-house.

• ✅ Even if you're exempt, you still have a duty of care and may benefit from advice.

Need Help? We’re Here.

At Dangerous Goods Academy, we train DGSAs and support businesses with practical, affordable compliance solutions.

✔️ Explore our DGSA Training

✔️ Book a Discovery Call

✔️ Learn more about our Membership Programme