Free dangerous goods vehicle inspection
Free dangerous goods vehicle inspection checklist (printable 35-point PDF). Placards, segregation, restraint and safety gear, referencing ADG Code 7.9.
Updated 3 Oct 2026
Dangerous Goods Vehicle Inspection
Pre-departure checklist referencing ADG Code 7.9 Parts 4, 5, 8, 9, 11 and 12.
Transport Documentation (ADG Code Part 11)
Placarding & Marking (ADG Code Part 5)
Emergency Equipment (ADG Code Part 12) & EPG (Part 11)
Packaging & Containment
Segregation (ADG Code Part 9) & Load Restraint (Part 8)
Vehicle Condition (ADG Code Chapter 4.4)
Driver Qualifications & Readiness
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Short answer
A dangerous goods vehicle inspection checklist records a pre-loading check of a vehicle carrying dangerous goods: condition, placards, segregation, load restraint, emergency equipment and documents. Drivers or operators complete it before each load as standard practice. Chapter 4.4 of the ADG Code 7.9 covers the use of vehicles and tank vehicles, and Part 12 the safety equipment road vehicles carrying dangerous goods need.
Checked against Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code (Edition 7.9 (2024); can be used from 1 October 2024 and mandatory from 1 October 2025, subject to each jurisdiction's commencement) on by the MapTrack templates team. How we check templates
Key takeaways
- The MapTrack dangerous goods vehicle inspection contains 35 checks across 7 sections. Sections covered: Transport Documentation (ADG Code Part 11), Placarding & Marking (ADG Code Part 5), Emergency Equipment (ADG Code Part 12) & EPG (Part 11), Packaging & Containment, Segregation (ADG Code Part 9) & Load Restraint (Part 8), Vehicle Condition (ADG Code Chapter 4.4), Driver Qualifications & Readiness.
- ADG Code 7.9 has no single vehicle chapter: vehicle use is Chapter 4.4, placarding Part 5, stowage and restraint Part 8, segregation Part 9.
- Check incompatible classes against Table 9.1 of the ADG Code before goods are loaded together.
- Part 11 covers the transport document and emergency information; Part 12 covers the safety equipment road vehicles carrying dangerous goods need.
- Each state and territory's dangerous goods transport law gives the ADG Code its legal force.
- For heavy vehicles over 4.5 t GVM or ATM, HVNL section 89 bans using an unsafe vehicle on a road, in participating jurisdictions only.
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What is a dangerous goods vehicle inspection?
A dangerous goods vehicle inspection checklist is a structured form used by drivers, transport operators and safety officers to check a vehicle against the requirements for transporting dangerous goods in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code 7.9), which sit across several Parts rather than one vehicle chapter: Part 4 (Chapter 4.4, use of vehicles and tank vehicles), Part 5 (placarding), Part 8 (stowage and restraint), Part 9 (segregation), Part 11 (documentation and emergency information) and Part 12 (safety equipment for road vehicles). It covers vehicle construction and condition, placarding, segregation compliance, emergency equipment, documentation, containment integrity, electrical isolation, exhaust and ignition source controls, load restraint and driver qualifications. Each item is marked Pass, Fail or N/A with space for defect descriptions and corrective actions.
Transporting dangerous goods by road introduces risks that go beyond standard freight, including fire, explosion, toxic release, corrosive spill and environmental contamination. Before loading, Chapter 4.4 of the ADG Code requires the vehicle to be suitable for the goods, clean and free of any defect likely to create a risk, and for a placard load Part 8 requires the load space to be inspected for damage. During transit, Part 13 sets procedures for placard loads, including breakdowns, parking and routes. These requirements are additional to the general roadworthiness standards under the HVNL. State and territory dangerous goods transport legislation adopts the ADG Code, making compliance a legal obligation. A standardised pre-loading inspection checklist ensures that every vehicle carrying dangerous goods is verified against ADG Code requirements before departure, providing a documented defence of due diligence and reducing the risk of incidents, regulatory penalties and environmental harm.
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Benefits of using this dangerous goods vehicle inspection
- ADG Code record: each completed form records the vehicle, placard, segregation, restraint, documentation and safety equipment checks that ADG Code Parts 4, 5, 8, 9, 11 and 12 set, dated and signed, ready to show at regulatory audits and roadside inspections.
- Incident prevention: checking containment integrity, electrical isolation, exhaust controls and segregation before loading reduces the risk of fire, explosion, spill and toxic release during transit.
- Placard verification: confirming correct placards, UN numbers and emergency information panels are displayed ensures other road users and emergency responders can identify the hazard.
- Emergency preparedness: verifying the presence and condition of fire extinguishers, spill kits, PPE and emergency procedure guides ensures the driver can respond effectively to an incident.
- Chain of responsibility protection: documented vehicle inspections demonstrate that transport operators and consignors took all reasonably practicable steps to ensure safe transport.
- Environmental protection: checking containment, drainage closures and spill containment systems prevents dangerous goods from entering waterways, soil or the atmosphere during transit.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you digitise dangerous goods vehicle checklists in MapTrack, you get:
- Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
- Email the right people when a form is submitted, with an automation you set up.
- File every completed form against the asset, location or person it covers.
- Download any completed form as a PDF, with failed answers listed at the top.
- Fill in forms offline; they upload when the device is back online.
- Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
- Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
- Electronic signatures.
- Edit forms later without reprinting.
- Set who can view, fill in or edit forms with user roles.
- Upload a paper form (PDF, Word, Excel or a photo) and MapTrack's AI builds a digital version for you to check.
- Schedule services by odometer, engine hours or date for every vehicle.
- Keep fuel receipts and service records with each vehicle's inspections.
- Record repair costs on each work order against the vehicle.
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What to include in a dangerous goods vehicle inspection
This dangerous goods vehicle inspection covers 10 key areas:
- Vehicle and consignment details: date, vehicle registration, trailer registration, operator name, driver name, DG licence number, consignment details including UN numbers, proper shipping names, classes and quantities.
- Vehicle condition: general roadworthiness confirmed, body and floor free of damage that could compromise containment, no sharp edges or protrusions that could damage packages, tailgate and door seals intact.
- Placards and marking: for a placard load, class or mixed class placards on the front and rear of the vehicle and on both sides of each trailer in a combination that carries a placard load (ADG Code Part 5, 5.3.6), emergency information panels (EIPs) on the rear and sides where goods are in tanks, bulk containers or placardable units, UN numbers visible and correct for the load.
- Electrical system: battery master switch functional, wiring in the load space protected and in good condition, no exposed connections or damaged insulation in the cargo area, anti-static earthing strap fitted where required.
- Exhaust and ignition sources: exhaust system exits on the opposite side from loading and unloading points, spark arrestor fitted where required, no exhaust leaks, no auxiliary heaters or ignition sources in the load space.
- Segregation: incompatible goods identified from Table 9.1 of ADG Code Part 9 and, for a placard load, segregated by a method Chapter 9.2 allows, such as a separate vehicle in the combination, a closed freight container, an approved packaging for segregation or a segregation device, and no pairing of goods that Table 9.3 bars from the same vehicle or combination.
- Load restraint: load restraint system compliant with the NTC Load Restraint Guide, tie-down points rated for the load, restraint equipment in good condition and appropriate for the package types being carried.
- Emergency equipment: fire extinguisher(s) of the correct type and capacity for the DG classes being carried, spill kit appropriate for the goods, PPE (gloves, goggles, boots, overalls) available, emergency procedure guide in the cab.
- Documentation: transport document (dangerous goods declaration) completed and in the vehicle, emergency procedure guide (EPG) for each substance, driver DG licence current and appropriate for the classes being carried.
- Overall result: Pass or Fail with defect register, corrective actions, follow-up dates and signatures of the driver and the person authorising the load.
How to use this dangerous goods vehicle inspection
- Confirm the consignment details and identify all dangerous goods classes, UN numbers and quantities before beginning the vehicle inspection.: Review the dangerous goods declaration (transport document) to identify every substance being carried, its UN number, proper shipping name, class, subsidiary risk and quantity. This information determines the vehicle requirements, placard configuration, segregation rules, emergency equipment and driver licence class needed for the consignment.
- Inspect the vehicle body, floor, doors, seals and load space for damage, cleanliness and suitability for the dangerous goods being carried.: Check the load space floor for cracks, holes or corrosion that could allow spillage to escape. Verify door seals are intact and doors close securely. Confirm there are no sharp edges or protrusions that could damage packages. Check that the load space is clean and free of residues from previous loads that could be incompatible with the current consignment. For tanker vehicles, inspect tank integrity, valves, fittings and venting systems.
- Verify placards, emergency information panels, UN numbers and vehicle marking against ADG Code Part 5 (Chapter 5.3) for the load.: Confirm that the correct class placards are displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle, and on both sides of each trailer in a combination that carries a placard load. Where goods are in tanks, bulk containers or placardable units, check that emergency information panels showing the UN number, proper shipping name, Hazchem code and emergency contact number are displayed on the rear and sides, with the lower edge at least 450 mm above the ground. For mixed loads, verify that placards reflect all classes present or that mixed class placards are used. Remove or cover any placards from previous loads that do not apply to the current consignment.
- Check the electrical system, exhaust, ignition source controls and anti-static earthing for any defect likely to create a risk with the goods (ADG Code Chapter 4.4), and that a road tank vehicle conforms with AS 2809.: Where a battery master switch is fitted, test it to confirm it isolates all electrical circuits in the load space. Inspect wiring in the cargo area for damage, exposed conductors and proper protection. Verify the exhaust system terminates on the opposite side from loading and unloading points with no leaks. Confirm spark arrestors are fitted where required. Where an anti-static earthing strap is fitted, check it is intact and contacts the ground. Verify there are no auxiliary heaters, naked flames or other ignition sources in or near the load space.
- Verify emergency equipment, PPE, documentation, driver qualifications and segregation compliance, then record the inspection result.: Check fire extinguisher type, capacity, inspection tag and accessibility. Verify the spill kit contents match the dangerous goods classes being carried. Confirm PPE is available and in serviceable condition. Check that the transport document, emergency procedure guide and driver DG licence are current and in the cab. For a placard load, verify that incompatible goods (ADG Code Part 9, Table 9.1) are segregated by a method Chapter 9.2 allows. Record all findings, assign corrective actions for any defects and sign the form. Any critical defect must be corrected before dangerous goods are loaded.
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Get the free templateEnter your email above to download the full dangerous goods vehicle inspection as a PDF.Back to download formHow often should you complete this checklist?
A dangerous goods vehicle inspection must be completed before every loading event. This is a pre-loading requirement, not just a daily check. If the vehicle makes multiple deliveries and returns for a new consignment, the inspection should be repeated before each new load to confirm the vehicle remains compliant, especially if the new consignment involves different classes or quantities of dangerous goods.
In addition to pre-loading inspections, periodic maintenance inspections should include all dangerous goods-specific items such as electrical isolation, exhaust routing, placard condition, earthing straps and emergency equipment. These periodic checks should occur at least every 12 weeks for vehicles regularly carrying dangerous goods. Emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and spill kits should be inspected monthly and immediately after any use. Driver DG licence expiry dates should be tracked and renewed before they lapse.
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Frequently asked questions
Applicable regulatory standards
This template is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The template alone does not establish compliance.
| Standard | Edition | Clauses this template relies on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & RailVehicle use, placarding, stowage and restraint, segregation, documents, safety equipment and journey procedures this checklist walks through. | Edition 7.9 (2024); can be used from 1 October 2024 and mandatory from 1 October 2025, subject to each jurisdiction's commencement |
| National Transport Commission |
| Heavy Vehicle National Law (Queensland)Heavy vehicles over 4.5 t GVM or ATM must not be used on a road if unsafe. Participating jurisdictions only, not WA or the NT. | Current as at 1 August 2026, incorporating the Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Act 2025 (Queensland) | Queensland Government (Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel), administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator | |
| Load Restraint Guide 2025Load Restraint Guide 2025 (Edition 4): guidance, not law. NHVR says the 2018 edition remains valid for use. | Load Restraint Guide 2025 (Edition 4) | Whole instrument | National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (earlier editions published by the National Transport Commission) |
Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail
Edition: Edition 7.9 (2024); can be used from 1 October 2024 and mandatory from 1 October 2025, subject to each jurisdiction's commencement
Vehicle use, placarding, stowage and restraint, segregation, documents, safety equipment and journey procedures this checklist walks through.
- Chapter 4.4: Use of vehicles, tank vehicles, freight containers, equipment and segregation devices.
- Part 5: Consignment procedures, including labelling, marking and placarding.
- Part 8: Stowage and restraint of dangerous goods on or in cargo transport units.
- Part 9: Segregation of incompatible dangerous goods.
- Table 9.1: Incompatibility of dangerous goods based on classification.
- Part 11: Documentation: transport documentation and emergency information.
- Part 12: Safety equipment required on road vehicles carrying dangerous goods.
- Part 13: Procedures during road transport of dangerous goods.
Heavy Vehicle National Law (Queensland)
Edition: Current as at 1 August 2026, incorporating the Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Act 2025 (Queensland)
Heavy vehicles over 4.5 t GVM or ATM must not be used on a road if unsafe. Participating jurisdictions only, not WA or the NT.
Load Restraint Guide 2025
Edition: Load Restraint Guide 2025 (Edition 4)
Load Restraint Guide 2025 (Edition 4): guidance, not law. NHVR says the 2018 edition remains valid for use.
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (earlier editions published by the National Transport Commission)
Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.
Check the current source
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<div style="max-width:480px;font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Roboto,sans-serif;border:1px solid #E5E7EB;border-radius:12px;padding:20px;background:#ffffff;">
<p style="font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.05em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#071D49;margin:0;">Free template</p>
<p style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;color:#071D49;margin:6px 0 0;">Dangerous goods vehicle inspection</p>
<ul style="margin:12px 0 0;padding-left:18px;color:#374151;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;">
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Vehicle and consignment details: date, vehicle registration, trailer registration, operator name, driver name, DG licence number, consignment details including UN numbers, proper shipping names, classes and quantities.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Vehicle condition: general roadworthiness confirmed, body and floor free of damage that could compromise containment, no sharp edges or protrusions that could damage packages, tailgate and door seals intact.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Placards and marking: for a placard load, class or mixed class placards on the front and rear of the vehicle and on both sides of each trailer in a combination that carries a placard load (ADG Code Part 5, 5.3.6), emergency information panels (EIPs) on the rear and sides where goods are in tanks, bulk containers or placardable units, UN numbers visible and correct for the load.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Electrical system: battery master switch functional, wiring in the load space protected and in good condition, no exposed connections or damaged insulation in the cargo area, anti-static earthing strap fitted where required.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Exhaust and ignition sources: exhaust system exits on the opposite side from loading and unloading points, spark arrestor fitted where required, no exhaust leaks, no auxiliary heaters or ignition sources in the load space.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Segregation: incompatible goods identified from Table 9.1 of ADG Code Part 9 and, for a placard load, segregated by a method Chapter 9.2 allows, such as a separate vehicle in the combination, a closed freight container, an approved packaging for segregation or a segregation device, and no pairing of goods that Table 9.3 bars from the same vehicle or combination.</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-size:13px;color:#6B7280;margin:14px 0 0;padding-top:12px;border-top:1px solid #E5E7EB;">Free <a href="https://www.maptrack.com/templates/dangerous-goods-vehicle-inspection" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">Dangerous goods vehicle inspection</a> by MapTrack</p>
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The MapTrack dangerous goods vehicle inspection contains 35 checks across 7 sections.
- Short attribution
- MapTrack Dangerous goods vehicle inspection, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/dangerous-goods-vehicle-inspection
- Reference list
- MapTrack. (2026). Dangerous goods vehicle inspection [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/dangerous-goods-vehicle-inspection
Free to reuse with credit under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. If you’d rather link straight to it, the page is https://www.maptrack.com/templates/dangerous-goods-vehicle-inspection.
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