We are registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training under the Continuing Education and Training Act No. 16 of 2006. DHET Centre Number: 899994812. Further accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Accreditation Number: 07-QCTO/SDP110722.
Accredited with CETA ACCREDITATION NO: ACC/23/07/00015 and TETA ACCREDITATION NO: TETA 22-1553 under the Skills Development Act, 97 of 1998. Company Registration Number: 2013/224763/07.
Dangerous Goods (Hazchem) Training
Unit Standard Number: 123259
Unit Standard Credits: 4
NQF Level: 3
Course Duration: 1 Day
Course Fee: R 2,300 per person
Upon successful completion of the course, learners will receive a certificate. We also offer free accommodation and job assistance to help graduates explore employment opportunities after completing their training.
Are you interested in becoming a Dangerous Goods (Hazchem) driver in South Africa? Dangerous Goods drivers transport hazardous substances such as fuel, chemicals and flammable liquids while following specific transport safety procedures. Understanding the driver’s responsibilities, training requirements and licensing process can help you prepare for a career in hazardous materials transportation.
1. What Does a Dangerous Goods (Hazchem) Driver Do?
A Dangerous Goods driver is responsible for transporting hazardous substances safely between suppliers, storage facilities, industrial sites and customers. These drivers must understand the risks associated with the materials they transport and follow the applicable road transport and safety regulations.
Typical responsibilities include:
Transporting fuel, chemicals, gases and other regulated dangerous goods.
Inspecting the vehicle and checking relevant safety equipment before departure.
Confirming that dangerous goods are properly secured and documented.
Following designated routes and applicable transport restrictions.
Checking hazard labels, placards and dangerous goods documentation.
Identifying potential hazards and responding appropriately to emergencies.
Reporting vehicle defects, spills, leaks and other safety incidents.
Dangerous Goods drivers require more than ordinary driving skills. They must understand hazardous materials, recognise transport risks and follow procedures designed to protect themselves, other road users and the environment.
2. What Types of Dangerous Goods Do Drivers Transport?
Dangerous Goods drivers may transport different categories of hazardous materials depending on their vehicle, qualifications, employer and the applicable transport requirements.
Common examples include:
Flammable liquids: Petrol, diesel and certain industrial solvents.
Gases: Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other regulated gases.
Corrosive substances: Industrial acids and other corrosive chemicals.
Toxic substances: Chemicals that can cause harm through exposure or improper handling.
Oxidising substances: Materials that can intensify fires or support combustion.
Other regulated hazardous materials: Substances classified as dangerous goods under applicable transport regulations.
Each category presents different hazards. Drivers must understand the materials they transport, the relevant hazard identification requirements and the precautions needed to prevent incidents during loading, transportation and delivery.
3. What Skills Do You Need to Become a Dangerous Goods Driver?
Dangerous Goods drivers need a combination of driving ability, safety awareness and knowledge of hazardous materials transportation.
Important skills include:
Safe driving: Operating the appropriate vehicle while maintaining control, observing traffic regulations and adapting to road conditions.
Hazard awareness: Recognising the risks associated with flammable, corrosive, toxic and other hazardous substances.
Vehicle inspections: Identifying visible defects, checking relevant safety equipment and reporting problems before transportation.
Documentation: Understanding the importance of dangerous goods declarations, transport documents and emergency information.
Emergency awareness: Knowing the appropriate reporting and response procedures for incidents involving leaks, spills, fire or damaged containers.
Risk management: Identifying potential transport hazards and following the applicable safety procedures.
These skills help drivers carry out their responsibilities while reducing risks to people, property and the environment.
4. What Training Does a Dangerous Goods Driver Need?
Dangerous Goods driver training focuses on the safe transportation of hazardous materials and the responsibilities associated with carrying regulated substances by road.
Training topics may include:
Classification and identification of dangerous goods.
Hazard labels, placards and warning signs.
Transport documentation and legal responsibilities.
Vehicle safety inspections and equipment requirements.
Loading, securing and transporting dangerous goods.
Fire prevention and hazardous materials risks.
Emergency procedures and incident reporting.
Safe driving practices when transporting hazardous loads.
The specific training requirements depend on the applicable regulations, the type of dangerous goods transported and the driver’s role.
Completing relevant training helps drivers understand the precautions required when transporting hazardous materials and prepares them to meet the applicable competency requirements.
5. What Are the Requirements to Become a Dangerous Goods Driver in South Africa?
Drivers transporting dangerous goods must meet the applicable licensing, permit and training requirements for their vehicle and the materials being transported.
Requirements may include:
A valid driving licence appropriate for the vehicle being driven.
A Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) where required.
The applicable Dangerous Goods training and certification requirements.
Compliance with vehicle roadworthiness and transport safety requirements.
Knowledge of the documentation and emergency information required for the load.
The applicable PrDP category and Dangerous Goods requirements must be confirmed against current South African regulations and the particular transport operation.
A Dangerous Goods training certificate does not replace the driving licence or permit requirements. Drivers must satisfy the relevant legal requirements before transporting regulated dangerous goods.
6. What Is the Difference Between a Hazchem Certificate and a PrDP?
A Dangerous Goods or Hazchem training certificate and a Professional Driving Permit serve different purposes.
A Dangerous Goods training certificate provides evidence of the relevant training completed by a driver. The applicable certification requirements depend on the training programme and regulations.
A Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) is a legal permit required for certain categories of professional driving in South Africa, including applicable dangerous goods transport operations.
A driver transporting dangerous goods must meet the requirements that apply to the specific vehicle and operation. Holding a training certificate alone does not automatically authorise someone to transport every category of hazardous material.
7. Where Do Dangerous Goods Drivers Work?
Dangerous Goods drivers work in industries that transport, distribute or supply hazardous materials.
Employment opportunities may be available in:
Fuel distribution: Transporting petrol, diesel and other petroleum products.
Chemical manufacturing: Delivering industrial chemicals to factories and processing facilities.
Gas distribution: Transporting regulated gases to commercial and industrial customers.
Mining: Supporting the transportation of relevant industrial chemicals and other regulated materials.
Industrial logistics: Moving hazardous materials between warehouses, production facilities and customers.
Specialised transport: Working for companies that handle regulated hazardous cargo.
Available positions depend on the driver’s licence, relevant permits, training, experience and the employer’s requirements.
8. What Career Opportunities Are Available for Dangerous Goods Drivers?
Drivers with the appropriate qualifications and experience can pursue employment in specialised road freight and hazardous materials transportation.
Potential job titles include:
Dangerous Goods Truck Driver.
Hazchem Driver.
Fuel Tanker Driver.
Chemical Transport Driver.
Petroleum Product Delivery Driver.
LPG Transport Driver, where appropriately qualified.
Hazardous Materials Transport Driver.
These positions have different requirements. For example, tanker operations and the transportation of particular hazardous substances may require additional vehicle-specific experience, training or qualifications.
Developing safe driving practices, maintaining the appropriate permits and gaining relevant transport experience can help drivers pursue opportunities in this sector.
9. How Can You Prepare for Dangerous Goods Driver Training?
Preparation includes confirming the required driving licence, checking whether a PrDP is necessary, understanding the relevant Dangerous Goods training requirements and identifying any additional employer requirements.
Learners should also understand that transporting hazardous materials involves strict safety responsibilities. Drivers must follow applicable regulations, maintain the required documentation and comply with the safety procedures relevant to their loads.
10. Dangerous Goods (Hazchem) Training Information
Dangerous Goods training helps drivers understand the risks associated with hazardous materials transportation, their legal responsibilities and the safety procedures required during road transport.
We provide training information for individuals interested in developing their knowledge of Dangerous Goods transportation. Contact us to enquire about available training, course fees, duration, entry requirements and registration arrangements.
Not Familiar with Johannesburg or Gauteng?
No problem! We offer FREE transport from the following pick-up points to our training centre:
📍 MTN Taxi Rank
📍 Johannesburg Park Station
📍 Germiston Taxi Rank
📍 O.R. Tambo International Airport
Get in Touch with Us, Send us a Email
Employment Opportunities
After successfully completing your Training, you are welcome to submit your CV to cv@ahtrainings.co.za. We are regularly contacted by recruitment agencies and employers seeking qualified and competent candidates, and we may refer suitable candidates when opportunities become available.
Graduates are also encouraged to actively apply for positions through leading online job portals such as Indeed, CareerJunction, LinkedIn, and other recruitment platforms to increase their employment opportunities.
While successful completion of the course enhances your employability, securing employment remains subject to the recruitment process and the requirements of individual employers. Our goal is to help equip you with the skills and qualifications needed to pursue rewarding career opportunities.
Career Opportunities
Completing Hazchem Training can prepare learners for opportunities in transport, logistics, chemical handling, industrial operations, and workplace safety. Graduates may pursue roles such as Dangerous Goods Driver, Hazchem Driver, Chemical Transport Driver, Logistics Operator, Warehouse Operator, Hazardous Materials Handler, Chemical Store Assistant, Dangerous Goods Coordinator, and Safety Assistant. These skills can be applied across sectors such as transport and logistics, chemical manufacturing, mining, petroleum and fuel, manufacturing, warehousing, agriculture, construction, waste management, and industrial operations.
On-Site Company Training
We bring the training to you.
Our team is available to travel to companies across South Africa to provide professional on-site training for your employees.
Whether you need to train a small group or an entire workforce, we deliver the same high standard of practical, industry-focused instruction at your premises. We work with businesses of all sizes and can schedule training at times that suit your operations.
Partner with us to keep your workforce skilled, compliant, and workplace-ready.
EXPLORE OUR COURSES
We offer a wide range of practical training courses designed to help learners develop the skills and knowledge needed for careers in transport, construction, mining, engineering, industrial operations, safety, and skilled trades. Explore our courses below and choose the training programme that best matches your career goals.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT & MACHINERY
Superlink Training · Reach Stacker Training · Forklift Training · 777 Dump Truck Training · ADT Dump Truck Training · Drill Rig Training · LHD Scoop Training · Mobile Crane Training · Excavator Training · TLB Training · Front End Loader Training · Tower Crane Training · Overhead Crane Training · Reach Truck Training · Grader Training · Bulldozer Training · Bobcat Training · Road Roller Training · Truck Mounted Crane Training · Tractor Training · Telehandler Training · Tipper Truck Training · Superlink Reverse Training · Sidetipper Training · Horse and Trailer Training · Order Picker Training · Powered Pallet Truck Training · Cherry Picker Training · Water Cart Training
HEALTH & SAFETY
Hazchem Training · Working at Heights Training · Safety Officer Training · Rigging Training · First Aid Training · Fire Fighter Training . SHE Rep Training . HIV/AIDS Awareness Training . HIRA Training . Legal Liability Training
TECHNICAL TRADES
Plumbing Training · Carpentry Training · Pipe Fitter Training · Boilermaking Training · Electrical Training · Welding Training · Arc Welding Training · Double Coded Welding Training · CO₂ Welding Training · Stick Welding Training · Gas Welding Training · TIG Welding Training · MIG Welding Training · Aluminium Welding Training · Argon Welding Training · Stainless Steel Welding Training . Pipe Welding Training . Cutting Torch Training
How much do you get paid as a Hazchem Dangerous Goods driver in South Africa?
A Dangerous Good Hazchem driver in South Africa can earn around R565,222 per year, depending on experience, employer, location, working hours, and additional allowances. This is approximately R47,102 per month before deductions. Actual earnings can vary considerably between employers and roles.
Hazchem / Dangerous Goods Training Fees, Course Prices & Certificate: Learners can contact us for the latest Hazchem / Dangerous Goods or DG training fees and course prices, Training Academy Cost Price List including available classes, training requirements, assessment, and certification. The Hazchem / Dangerous Goods certificate cost may depend on the selected training programme and assessment requirements. Learners can also enquire about Hazchem / Dangerous Goods DG certification, driver training, licence (license) requirements, workplace certification, and training availability near you. If you are searching for Hazchem training near me, Dangerous Goods DG training near me, Hazchem Driver training near me, Dangerous Goods DG Driver training near me, Hazchem licence near me, Hazchem license near me, Dangerous Goods DG licence near me, Dangerous Goods DG license near me, Hazchem courses near me, Dangerous Goods DG courses near me, Hazchem classes near me, or a Hazchem / Dangerous Goods DG training school near me, contact us for course availability, fees, licence (license) requirements, and enrolment information on WhatsApp +27 814 732 638.