Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA)
GB Regulations requires every company involved in the transporting of dangerous goods to appoint a DGSA from 31st December 99.
This qualification can only be gained by passing examinations, which are set by the Scottish Qualification Authority.
The Examination
The examinations are modular and cover:
- Core Unit
- Mode Paper applicable to the mode of transport (road, rail and inland waterway)
- Optional modules covering either:
All Classes
Class 1 (Explosives Unit)
Class 7 (Radioactive Unit)
Class 2 (Gases)
Class 3 (Specifically UN1202, UN1203, UN1223)
Our instructors are qualified in the Core, Road and we would recommend taking the ALL-CLASSES module.
2.DGSA TRAINING COURSE
Course Duration: 5 Days covering:
- Core Module
Classification of Dangerous Goods
Containment Systems, marking labelling and placarding, documentation required
Compliance thresholds, environmental protection, training, legal framework
- Road Module
Transportation units; Marking, Labelling and placarding; Documentation
Compliance thresholds; Filling, Stowage, Loading and Segregation and or Decontamination
Operational Procedures; Emergency Response Requirements; Environmental Protection; Training; Legal Framework
- Optional Module (ALL CLASSES RECOMMENDED)
Classification
Containment Systems; Marking, Labelling and Placarding; Documentation Requirements; Compliance Thresholds
Environmental Pollution; Training, Legal Framework
Course / Examination Dates
Examinations are arranged through SQA. (www.sqa.org.uk/dgsa) Examination Fee £ 405.00 (non-refundable)
Examination Date Closing Date for Exam Course Date
Thur 5 Mar 2026 19 Feb 2026 Mon 23rd Feb 2026
Thur 11 Jun 2026 28 May 2026 Mon 1st Jun 2026
Thur 10 Sep 2026 27 Aug 2026 Mon 30th Aug 2026
Thur 26 Nov 2026 12 Nov 2026 Mon 16th Nov 2026
When arranging dates to attend also include the day prior to the exam. This day is to answer any last-minute questions you may have also to check on work that you took away from the course.
SQA designate the examination centre to which you attend, this is sent to you 10 days prior to the examination. SQA must receive your application before the above closing dates.
Syllabus: https://www.dgsafetyadvisers.org.uk/DGSA/Candidates/Exam-syllabus
Exam Venues: https://www.dgsafetyadvisers.org.uk/DGSA/Venues-and-dates/Exam-venues
Sample papers: https://www.dgsafetyadvisers.org.uk/DGSA/Candidates/Sample-exam-papers
Exam application form: https://bit.ly/4iDjfff
Why choose Ritchies Training?
Ritchies Training has been delivering DGSA courses since the directive came into force in 2000. Courses are written by our own experts; also, qualified DGSAs, and are run to coincide with SQA examination dates.
Our experience and knowledge in this field have led us to function as DGSA professional consultants to over 30 organizations in the UK. Our DGSA also attends the UN Committee of Experts on Dangerous Goods and Global Harmonization meetings in Genève.
DGSA Intensive Courses
For students who wish to gain or renew a DGSA qualification, we offer a 5-day intensive course, covering core, road / rail, and all classes. Our DGSA courses are conducted to the highest standard by Dr David Ritchie. If required, we can also order your permitted books and enter you for the DGSA SQA examinations. Course fees also include lunch and refreshments.
Course Fee
5 Day DGSA Course: £ 1,250.00 + Vat (+ SQA exam fee £ 405.00)
After your course there will be a gap before the examination. During this time, typical examination questions will be emailed for you to complete in your own time. A telephone/fax help service is available if you need any assistance.
Distance Learning / Home Study Packs
Ritchies Training has produced a distance learning pack covering the core, road, and all classes syllabi. The home study pack is supported by your own personal tutor who can be contacted to offer advice and help. The fee for the pack is £450.
Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser Booking Form
Our instructors are also specialists in the other transport modes, RAIL AND INLAND WATERWAY, phone for details.
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Booking form Link to be completed :
Course Material
The following books are required both for training and examination; please indicate if you would like Ritchies to purchase the following books on your behalf:
| European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road 2025 (ADR) £ 190.00
Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Receptacle Regulations 2009 Available FOC for printing at: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2009/pdf/uksi_20091348_en.pdf Carriage of Dangerous Goods: Approved Derogations and Transitional Provisions Available FOC for printing at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/426155/approvedderogations.PDF Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Receptacle (Amendment) Regulations 2011: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/1885/made
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Book Fees Enclosed £ ……………… (Books Total £ 190.00+ £ 10.00 postage = £ 200.00)
Please make all cheques payable to Ritchies Training Centre Ltd.
We can only invoice if your company has an account with Ritchies. Payment must be received before any course booking; exam fees or books are ordered on your behalf.
