Training on the transport of dangerous goods in Morocco

Accidents during the transport of dangerous chemical and biological substances by road pose serious risks to the population and the environment. Having protocols and regulations that guarantee that these goods are transported safely is essential.   

In 2010, the European Union launched the Centres of Excellence on Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation (CBRN CoE). The objective of this initiative is to prevent, prepare for and manage CBRN incidents. These incidents can be of criminal origin (trafficking, theft, proliferation, sabotage), accidental origin (industrial disasters, waste processing) or natural origin (pandemics, etc).  

Through the SecTrans-NAS project, funded by the European Union and partially managed by FIIAPP, support is offered to strengthen these regulations in North Africa and the Sahel. One of the main lines of work focuses on adapting the  European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR).   

Morocco is one of the countries the European Union does the most work with in this area.  As part of the SecTrans-NAS project, a series of workshops and learning activities have been held in the country, all aimed at the parties involved in the transport of hazardous chemical and biological substances.   

One of the workshops focused on strengthening the legal framework. In it, case studies were presented highlighting difficulties that can crop up when interpreting certain ADR requirements and the tools available to resolve these. The project also organised training for trainers, which was aimed at those who provide training to safety  advisers and drivers, both key players in ensuring the safe transport of these dangerous goods.  

Finally, a group made up of members of civil defence organisations took part, who were given specific training in emergency plans. The various activities gave them a broad overview of the problem of transporting dangerous goods.