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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.

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Transport Documentation (ADG Code Part 11)

1DG transport document present, complete and within driver reach
2Proper shipping name, UN number, class, subsidiary risk, packing group and quantity correct for each substance
3Consignor and consignee names and addresses, and the document date, recorded
424-hour emergency contact telephone number present and verified

Placarding & Marking (ADG Code Part 5)

5Class or mixed class placards on front and rear (and both sides of each trailer carrying a placard load in a combination)
6EIPs on rear and sides where goods are in tanks, bulk containers or placardable units
7Class diamond labels correct for each substance carried
8UN number displayed correctly on EIPs
9Hazchem code displayed and correct for each substance
10All placards clean, undamaged, not obscured and securely mounted

Emergency Equipment (ADG Code Part 12) & EPG (Part 11)

11Emergency Procedure Guide (EPG) for each substance in the cab and accessible
12Fire extinguisher(s): correct type for DG classes, charged, within service date
13PPE available: gloves, eye protection, respirator (if required by EPG)
14Spill containment kit present and stocked
15Warning triangles or safety cones present

Packaging & Containment

16All packages, drums, IBCs and cylinders undamaged (no dents, punctures, corrosion, bulging)
17Closures and caps secure, oriented correctly, no visible leaks or spills
18Overpacks marked correctly, UN-approved packaging where required
19No evidence of leakage, staining or residue on vehicle floor or walls

Segregation (ADG Code Part 9) & Load Restraint (Part 8)

20Incompatible DG classes (ADG Code Table 9.1) segregated by a Chapter 9.2 method
21No prohibited co-loading combinations present
22Load blocked, braced and secured to prevent movement during transport
23Tailgate and doors fully closed and latched

Vehicle Condition (ADG Code Chapter 4.4)

24Tyres: adequate tread depth, correct pressure, no cuts or bulges
25Brakes: service brake firm, parking brake holds, air system builds to operating pressure
26Lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators and reflectors operational
27Electrical system: no exposed wiring, no potential spark sources near load area
28Battery isolation switch (where fitted): operational
29Exhaust system: secure, no leaks, spark arrestor fitted (where required)
30No visible fluid leaks beneath vehicle (oil, coolant, fuel)
31Vehicle body: load compartment floor and walls clean, no sharp edges or protrusions

Driver Qualifications & Readiness

32Driver holds current dangerous goods driver licence (DGDL) and carries it
33Driver has completed DG awareness and emergency response training
34Driver is fit for duty (no fatigue, no impairment)
35Driver understands emergency procedures for substances being carried

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Jarrod Milford

Jarrod Milford

Co-Founder & Commercial Director

Updated 3 October 2026

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.
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  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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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How 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

The ADG Code (edition 7.9) has no single vehicle chapter. Chapter 4.4 requires a vehicle carrying dangerous goods to be suitable for the goods, clean and free of any defect likely to create a risk, and a road tank vehicle to conform with AS 2809. Part 5 sets placarding, Part 8 stowage and restraint, Part 9 segregation and Part 11 the transport document and emergency information carried in the cabin. For a placard load, Part 12 requires fire extinguishers, at least three portable warning devices and personal protective and safety equipment for the classes carried, and Part 13 sets procedures during the journey, such as breakdowns, parking and routes. What applies depends on the classes, quantities and packaging carried. State and territory dangerous goods transport legislation gives the Code legal effect.

A pre-loading inspection must be completed before every dangerous goods consignment is loaded onto the vehicle. This is the most critical inspection point because it verifies the vehicle meets the specific requirements for the goods being carried. In addition, periodic maintenance inspections covering all DG-specific items should occur at least every 12 weeks. Fire extinguishers and spill kits should be checked monthly. If the vehicle switches between different dangerous goods classes, each new class may introduce different vehicle requirements that must be verified.

For a placard load, Part 12 of the ADG Code requires fire extinguishers to Table 12.1, which sets them by load type and whether the goods are flammable (for goods in packages, one 30B dry powder extinguisher in the cabin or at the front of any trailer carrying a placard load), at least three portable warning devices complying with AS 3790, and the personal protective and safety equipment Table 12.2 lists for the classes carried, such as chemically resistant gloves, an eye-wash kit or a suitable torch. Part 11 and the regulations that adopt it require emergency information (an emergency procedure guide for the goods and one for vehicle fire, or the ANZ Emergency Response Guidebook), kept with the transport document in an emergency information holder in the cabin. The Code does not list a spill kit; carry one if your own procedures, site rules or customer require it.

A standard vehicle inspection checks general roadworthiness items such as brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, lights and body condition. A dangerous goods vehicle inspection includes all of these items plus additional checks specific to dangerous goods transport, including electrical isolation in the load space, exhaust routing away from loading points, anti-static earthing, placard compliance, segregation configuration, containment integrity, emergency equipment and documentation. The DG inspection must be completed before every loading event, whereas a standard inspection may follow a daily or periodic schedule.

Yes. In Australia, drivers carrying dangerous goods above the specified placarding thresholds must hold a current dangerous goods driver licence issued by the relevant state or territory authority. The licence covers specific DG classes, and the driver must be trained and licenced for each class they carry. The licence must be carried in the vehicle during transport. Licence renewal requires completion of refresher training. The dangerous goods vehicle inspection checklist includes a check to verify the driver licence is current and covers the classes in the consignment.

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.

  • 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.

    National Transport Commission

  • 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.

    • s 89: Safety requirement: a person must not use, or permit to be used, on a road a heavy vehicle that is unsafe.
    • s 6: Defines a heavy vehicle as a vehicle with a GVM or ATM over 4.5 tonnes, or a combination including one.

    Queensland Government (Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel), administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

  • 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.

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    <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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