A driver who used an ordinary van to transport hazardous chemicals will lose his qualification for transporting such substances.

This is the first time such qualification has been revoked in Shanghai.

The authority said the driver, surnamed Fan passed examinations on the transportation of hazardous substances in 2013.

However, he had illegally used an ordinary vehicle to transport 27 gas containers of hazardous chemicals including oxygen, carbon dioxide, and liquid propane.

The truck was not equipped with the necessary protections to prevent an explosion if an accident occurred.

Fan allegedly told the authority that he was aware of the potential danger, but a client was demanding a quick delivery. Fan said he could not find a colleague to escort the delivery with him, as regulations required, so he resorted to using an ordinary vehicle so as to avoid inspection.

The liquid gas plant in the case had failed to check the vehicle’s qualification, the authority said, and would also face penalties.