PROJECT 071 (IfS): Safer and more secure transportation of dangerous goods by road and rail in the AAF region (SECTRANS AAF)

Context

15% of world traffic, all products and means of transport combined, concern dangerous goods. They are used to power factory boilers; fill car tanks; build millions of products' components; produce pharmaceuticals, textiles, fertilizers and building materials; treat drinking and waste water; as well as to cover roads with bitumen. Transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) covers three product families: liquid petroleum products (75%); miscellaneous chemicals (20%) and gases (5%). While this type of transportation is essential, it is critical to manage associated risks.

The project 71 is implemented by international experts who are dangerous goods specialists and have experience of products and procedures. The project addresses the entire chain of safety, from regulation to intervention, and covers, in particular, driving and other safety issues during transportation, loading/unloading operations, as well as operational procedures in case of accident.

Overall objective

Contribute to securing the transport of dangerous goods (TDG) by road and rail in line with the economic development of the partner countries of the African Atlantic Façade and the constitution of an efficient industrial fabric respecting the safety of populations and Environmental Protection.

Specific objectives

1. Support the improvement of the legal framework;
2. Raise awareness and strengthen capacities of transportation entities and their staff;
3. Strengthen response capacities in the event of an accident.

Activities

1. Establishment of a regional TDG team, and organization of regional training and training in each partner country;
2. Update the legal framework;
3. Creation of training programs, educational tools, and a guide of good practices;
4. Creation of a “TDG - Operational Response” working group to develop standardized intervention procedures and set up practical training on operational responses to TDG accidents.

Achievements

• Partner countries validated their National Reference Document;
• All partner countries validated the Regional Reference Document, with the exception of Liberia;
• 2-Day training program for professionals, a 5-day training of trainer’s curriculum, training material for all partner countries and 3 to 6 national training sessions were held by two local trainers for each partner country;
• A TDG diagnosis by country, a vulnerability matrix, elements for the technical analysis, all the teaching materials and associated trainings have been produced for Level 1 and Level 2 courses.