When hazardous chemicals are spilled on the country’s roads, it has a potentially devastating impact in a number of ways, including environmental damage, delays caused to motorists on busy roads, cargo damage and even loss of life. It also costs hundreds
According to statistics compiled by Envirosure Underwriting Managers, a subsidiary of Lireas, the strategic investment company of the Hannover Re Africa, the average cost of a claim for a hazardous spillage has risen dramatically over the last 4 years from R250000 in 2008/09 to around R450000 in 2012.
Sjanine Tanner, Managing Director of Envirosure Underwriting Managers, says this is due to tightening of legislation and the job is now being done as per a fit and proper protocol.
“Hazardous spillages can have potentially devastating consequences ranging from slightly contaminated road surfaces to large scale contamination of the environment, depending on the chemical and the volume of material that is spilt. Hydrocarbons, such as diesel, petrol and oils are among the most commonly spilt chemicals in South Africa. A very serious spillage can sometimes take months to clean up and the cost can run into hundreds of thousands of rands.
The collision of three trucks on the N3 northbound at the end of August near South Africa’s busiest freeway interchange, Gilloollys in Gauteng, created a massive diesel spill and was one example of the dangers of transporting hazardous chemicals. With four lanes of traffic closed at one point, the question arises: who is responsible for paying for and cleaning up the diesel spill on the road.
Tanner says the responsibility of the clean-up of a hazardous spillage lies with the transport company, and so therefore it is crucial to be fully and correctly insured. “By taking out an insurance policy, the transporter will be covered for the clean-up costs, rehabilitation and any liability following an incident.”
She advises clients to consult a qualified broker to ensure that they are insured correctly, with the correct indemnity limits. She adds that Envirosure provides a specialised liability clean up product designed to cover the transporter’s insurance requirements. “Companies need to be aware that the policy may exclude a spill that has occurred due to perished valves or seals as a result of poor maintenance of the tanker or truck. The insurance policy will not payout for any spills if the transporter does not have the correct Professional Driving Permit (PRDP) to transport dangerous goods. The trucks, trailers or tankers need to be certified as road worthy and should not be overloaded with product.”
She says it is difficult to pinpoint the major geographical hotspots, as spills occur in all areas of the country and at various times of the day and night, although she clarifies that the larger percentage of accidents do occur at night and in poor weather conditions.
Tanner says the majority of heavy commercial vehicle accidents in South Africa are caused due to human error such as driver fatigue, speed, substance abuse, bad driving habits, driver health problems and poor maintenance of vehicles, with a small percentage of accidents caused from vehicle or mechanical faults.
“Companies can help to minimise the risk of hazardous spillages by managing their drivers through the use of onboard technology, monitoring driver fatigue and working hours, making sure that their drivers work only during daylight hours, employing only well-trained, qualified drivers, selecting the best available routes and regularly checking their drivers’ health and well-being,” says Tanner.
While there are no statistics at present comparing South Africa to other countries Tanner believes that South Africa is still far below international standards. “Stricter laws need to be implemented before we are going to see an improvement. Having said this, we have seen legislation tighten up over the last three years; however, I do not think that it has been enough,” concludes Tanner.
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