The Transport of Dangerous Goods (Safety Advisers) Regulations came into force on 1st March 1999. Under these regulations, companies which transport dangerous goods by road, rail and inland waterway are required to appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser to carry out specific duties and functions from 31st December 1999. The regulations require DGSA's to be suitably qualified and to hold a valid vocational training certificate before carrying out these required duties and functions

The purpose of the regulations is to minimize the risk of accidents occurring during loading, transport and unloading of dangerous goods.