For what purpose is DG documentation kept after an incident, in relation to investigators?

• A. To satisfy shipping customers' needs
• B. To facilitate customs inspection
• C. To support legal defense
• D. To support investigators in the investigation

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that dangerous goods documentation serves as the factual record of what was shipped, how it was described, labeled, packaged, and handled, including who was involved and what emergency information was provided. After an incident, investigators use this documentation to reconstruct exactly what happened, verify whether regulations were followed, and understand the nature and severity of the hazards present. This makes the documents a direct support tool for the investigation, giving investigators the concrete details they need to analyze causes and contributing factors.

While shipping papers can be relevant in other contexts, their primary role in the aftermath of an incident is to support investigators in the investigation by providing an official, traceable record of the dangerous goods and their transport.