What does ADG Code Chapter 13 require for vehicles carrying dangerous goods?

Chapter 13 of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code establishes the vehicle construction and equipment requirements for road transport of dangerous goods. These include requirements for the vehicle body and floor condition, electrical system protection, exhaust system routing, battery isolation switches, anti-static earthing, fire extinguishers, spill containment, emergency equipment and vehicle marking. The requirements vary depending on the class and quantity of dangerous goods being transported. Compliance with Chapter 13 is a legal obligation under state and territory dangerous goods transport legislation.

How often must dangerous goods vehicles be inspected?

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.

What emergency equipment is required when transporting dangerous goods?

The ADG Code requires fire extinguishers appropriate to the class of dangerous goods being carried, with a minimum capacity specified by class. A spill kit containing absorbent material, collection bags, sealing putty and basic clean-up tools must be carried. Personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, protective footwear and overalls must be available. An emergency procedure guide covering each substance being carried must be in the cab, along with the dangerous goods transport document.

What is the difference between a standard vehicle inspection and a dangerous goods vehicle inspection?

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.

Do drivers need a special licence to carry dangerous goods?

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.

Free dangerous goods vehicle inspection

Jump to download form ↓

Enter your email below to download this dangerous goods vehicle inspection as a ready-to-use PDF.

Free dangerous goods vehicle inspection checklist (PDF-ready). Covers ADG Code Chapter 13 vehicle requirements for DG transport. Download free.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

How to use: download the PDF, print or complete digitally on any device.

✓PDF format, ready to print or fill on screen
✓Use as-is or customise to suit your operation
✓Go digital in MapTrack for photos, alerts and audit trails

See template in action →

Download free PDF template

Trusted by teams across Australia and New Zealand

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Preview the template

See the first part of the dangerous goods vehicle inspection below. Download the full version above.

Download to get full template →

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 verify that a vehicle meets the specific requirements for transporting dangerous goods as set out in Chapter 13 of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code). 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. Chapter 13 of the ADG Code establishes the vehicle requirements that must be met before dangerous goods are loaded and during transit. 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.

Learn more about gps and fleet tracking in MapTrack.

Benefits of using this dangerous goods vehicle inspection

ADG Code compliance: documented inspections verify compliance with Chapter 13 vehicle requirements and provide evidence during 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.
Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
Ability to share forms digitally.
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.
Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
Monitor odometer and service-interval triggers across your entire fleet.
Capture fuel receipts and trip logs alongside vehicle inspection data.
Compare vehicle downtime and repair costs to inform replacement decisions.

Book a demo to see how MapTrack handles dangerous goods vehicle checklists.

Try MapTrack free for 30 days

Full access to every feature. No credit card required. Per-asset pricing so you scale as your fleet grows.

Start free trial

No credit card required
30 days free trial
Cancel anytime

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: correct hazard placards displayed on all four sides of the vehicle per ADG Code Chapter 5, emergency information panels (EIPs) displayed, 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: load space configured to maintain required segregation distances between incompatible dangerous goods classes per ADG Code Chapter 9, barriers and partitions in place where specified.
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 comply with ADG Code Chapter 5 requirements for the load.: Confirm that the correct hazard class placards are displayed on all four sides of the vehicle (front, rear, left and right). Check that emergency information panels showing the UN number, proper shipping name, Hazchem code and emergency contact number are displayed. For mixed loads, verify that placards reflect all classes present. 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 compliance with Chapter 13 requirements.: Test the battery master switch 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. Check the anti-static earthing strap is present 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. Verify segregation distances and barriers between incompatible classes per ADG Code Chapter 9. Record all findings, assign corrective actions for any defects and sign the form. Any critical defect must be corrected before dangerous goods are loaded.

In MapTrack, you can track your fleet with gps and digital pre-starts. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.

Get the free template

Enter your email above to download the full dangerous goods vehicle inspection as a PDF.

Back to download form

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.

Frequently asked questions

What does ADG Code Chapter 13 require for vehicles carrying dangerous goods?: Chapter 13 of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code establishes the vehicle construction and equipment requirements for road transport of dangerous goods. These include requirements for the vehicle body and floor condition, electrical system protection, exhaust system routing, battery isolation switches, anti-static earthing, fire extinguishers, spill containment, emergency equipment and vehicle marking. The requirements vary depending on the class and quantity of dangerous goods being transported. Compliance with Chapter 13 is a legal obligation under state and territory dangerous goods transport legislation.
How often must dangerous goods vehicles be inspected?: 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.
What emergency equipment is required when transporting dangerous goods?: The ADG Code requires fire extinguishers appropriate to the class of dangerous goods being carried, with a minimum capacity specified by class. A spill kit containing absorbent material, collection bags, sealing putty and basic clean-up tools must be carried. Personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, protective footwear and overalls must be available. An emergency procedure guide covering each substance being carried must be in the cab, along with the dangerous goods transport document.
What is the difference between a standard vehicle inspection and a dangerous goods vehicle inspection?: 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.
Do drivers need a special licence to carry dangerous goods?: 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 aligns with the following regulations and standards:

Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code) Chapter 13 (Vehicle requirements)
ADG Code Chapter 5 (Placarding and marking)
ADG Code Chapter 9 (Segregation of dangerous goods)
HVNL Section 226 (Obligation not to use defective heavy vehicle)
NTC Load Restraint Guide 2018 (Load restraint requirements)

Need to track your fleet with gps and digital pre-starts?

Register every dangerous goods vehicle in MapTrack, attach digital forms, and get a complete history of every inspection, service and compliance record.

Start free trial Book a demo

GPS and fleet tracking · All templates · Pricing · Book a demo