Topspeed has strengthened its expertise in transporting prohibited, hazardous and regulated goods after Warehouse Manager Dickson Jali successfully completed his Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) training. As the third qualified DGSA in the team, he adds further depth to the company’s in-house knowledge and compliance support for customers.
Developing expertise to support customers
For Dickson, undertaking the DGSA qualification was a natural progression in his career and an opportunity to add even greater value to the service Topspeed provides.
“Topspeed Couriers specialises in the transportation of prohibited, hazardous and regulated goods, so the services of a DGSA are critical to fulfilling that mandate,” explains Dickson.
“The decision was based on adding more value to the service that we offer our customers. By being part of the in-house DGSA team, I will be able to assist in ensuring that we maintain our leadership position in the sector.”
The qualification develops a detailed understanding of the legislation governing the consigning, packing, filling, loading and unloading of dangerous goods across all classes. For Dickson, applying that knowledge in practice was as important as understanding the legislation.
“As a Supply Chain professional, it has enhanced my knowledge, and it is the application that will bring value to the participants of the supply chains.”
A challenging qualification
The demanding open-book examinations required candidates to reference legislation and apply it accurately within a strict timeframe.
“My handwriting is not that pleasant, especially if writing under pressure,” he jokes.
“The open-book examinations involve referencing the legislation whilst writing legibly, of course, for one to get the marks. It was a balancing act, writing carefully and ensuring all points are covered within the examination time.”
After completing his studies and passing the examinations, Dickson said it “felt great to pass”.
Investing in people
Although Dickson completed his studies in his own time, Topspeed was committed to supporting him throughout the qualification process.
The company paid for his DGSA course, ADR books and examination fees, ensuring he had access to the training and resources needed to achieve the qualification.
Supporting employee development helps Topspeed build the specialist knowledge and skills it needs as customer requirements and regulatory responsibilities evolve.
Dickson says the support of his colleagues was particularly valuable during his studies.
“I would pose a lot of practical questions, which helped me to quickly grasp concepts. They were patient and fantastic.”
Now that the qualification is complete, Dickson is focused on putting his new knowledge into practice.
“Now it’s the time for application, application and application.”
Three DGSAs supporting Topspeed customers
Dickson joins Topspeed’s in-house team of three Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers, helping customers ensure dangerous goods are handled in accordance with relevant legislation throughout transportation and delivery.
Having three qualified DGSAs within the business provides Topspeed with a strong depth of knowledge and further reinforces its ability to support customers transporting complex, prohibited, hazardous and regulated goods.
Topspeed Couriers Managing Director Gillian Lockley says; “We were thrilled to support Dickson through his DGSA qualification and to welcome our third qualified DGSA to the Topspeed team.
“Having three qualified DGSAs gives us an even greater depth of specialist knowledge within the business. Our customers rely on us to understand the regulations surrounding dangerous goods and, importantly, to know how those regulations need to be applied in real-world situations.
“Developing our people is a key part of maintaining those high standards. Dickson has worked hard to achieve this qualification, studying in his own time, and we were very happy to support him by covering the cost of the course, ADR books and examinations.
“Congratulations to Dickson on a fantastic achievement. We’re looking forward to seeing him put his new knowledge and expertise into practice and continuing to strengthen the service we provide to our customers.”