Transporting dangerous goods by road presents a critical challenge for safety and logistical efficiency. The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) establishes fundamental rules for managing these risks. This regulation significantly impacts road transport, defining requirements for ADR vehicles, ADR packaging, and ADR tanks to prevent accidents and protect people and the environment.
This guide explores the key aspects of ADR, providing essential information for those working in the sector. It examines the classification of dangerous goods, specific transport requirements, safety procedures, and emergency management. Additionally, it analyzes the responsibilities of the involved parties, ADR exemptions, and necessary ADR transport documents. The goal is to offer a comprehensive overview to understand and correctly apply this regulation in the transport of ADR materials, including flammable liquids and other hazardous substances.
Classification of Dangerous Goods According to ADR
The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) classifies dangerous goods based on their properties into 13 different classes. This classification aims to identify dangerous goods excluded from and permitted for transport under certain conditions.
The 9 Classes of Dangerous Goods
ADR classification includes the following classes of dangerous goods:
Class ADR | Description |
Class 1 | Explosive substances and articles |
Class 2 | Gases |
Class 3 | Flammable liquids |
Class 4.1 | Flammable solids, self-reactive substances, polymerizing substances, and desensitized solid explosives |
Class 4.2 | Substances liable to spontaneous combustion |
Class 4.3 | Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases |
Class 5.1 | Oxidizing substances |
Class 5.2 | Organic peroxides |
Class 6.1 | Toxic substances |
Class 6.2 | Infectious substances |
Class 7 | Radioactive material |
Class 8 | Corrosive substances |
Class 9 | Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles |
Classification Criteria
The classification of dangerous goods is based on specific criteria for each class. Assigning a dangerous good to a class and a packing group is done according to the criteria outlined in the corresponding subsections of ADR.
For packaging purposes, substances are assigned to packing groups based on the degree of danger they present:
Packing Group I: High danger
Packing Group II: Medium danger
Packing Group III: Low danger
Examples of dangerous goods for the different ADR classes include:
Class 1: Explosives, fireworks
Class 2: Compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gases under pressure
Class 3: Gasoline, alcohol, paints
Class 4.1: Matches, sulfur
Class 4.2: Activated carbon, white phosphorus
Class 4.3: Sodium, calcium
Class 5.1: Hydrogen peroxide, ammonium nitrate
Class 5.2: Organic peroxides
Class 6.1: Pesticides, cyanides
Class 6.2: Medical waste, diagnostic samples
Class 7: Uranium, radioactive cobalt
Class 8: Sulfuric acid, caustic soda
Class 9: Asbestos, lithium batteries, airbags
Requirements for Transporting Dangerous Goods
Transporting dangerous goods by road requires compliance with specific requirements established by the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). These requirements pertain to vehicles, equipment, driver training, and necessary documentation.
ADR-Compliant Vehicles and Equipment
ADR 2023 stipulates that vehicles transporting dangerous goods must be equipped with specific devices to ensure safety, including:
Adequate electrical devices
Fire risk prevention systems
Approved braking systems
Speed limiters (for vehicles over 3.5 tons)
Vehicle coupling devices
Additionally, vehicles must be equipped with:
Certified and non-expired fire extinguishers
Various equipment such as flashlights and wheel chocks
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the crew
Hazard warning signs, including retro-reflective orange panels and, in some cases, hazard labels
Driver Training and Certification
Drivers of vehicles transporting dangerous goods must hold an ADR Training Certificate, also known as the "ADR license." This certificate:
Is valid for five years
Is obtained after completing a training course and passing an exam
Is mandatory for both national and international transports exceeding exemption limits
The certificate consists of four qualifications:
Basic training (mandatory for all)
Specialization for tank transport
Specialization for transporting explosives (Class 1)
Specialization for transporting radioactive materials (Class 7)
Necessary Documentation
For the transport of dangerous goods, drivers must carry the following documents:
Vehicle registration certificate
ADR license
Special ADR vehicle approval certificate ("barrato rosa")
Transport document (DDT) with technical information on the substances transported
Written safety instructions (Trem Card)
Public safety license (for transporting toxic gases)
Safety Procedures and Emergency Management
Loading, Unloading, and Securing the Load
Transporting dangerous goods requires particular attention during loading and unloading phases. The loader is responsible for delivering only authorized goods for transport according to ADR and verifying that the packaging is undamaged. During loading, the loader must observe handling prescriptions and common loading prohibitions.
The unloader must ensure that the unloaded goods match those indicated in the transport document. Before and during unloading, they must verify that the packaging or containers are not damaged in a way that compromises the operation.
Securing the load is crucial for transport safety. Packages must be stowed in the vehicle using means such as straps, sliding beams, or adjustable supports to prevent movement during the journey. EN 12195-1:2010 provides guidelines for proper load stowage.
Protocols in Case of an Accident or Spill
In case of an accident or accidental release of dangerous goods, it is essential to act promptly to minimize risks. The action plan includes:
Identifying the substance and associated hazards
Adopting adequate protective devices
Using appropriate methods to manage the release
Properly disposing of contaminated materials
It is crucial to consult the product's safety data sheet (SDS) for specific emergency management information. However, this information must be integrated with safety procedures and company emergency plans.
Mandatory Safety Equipment
Vehicles transporting dangerous goods must be equipped with specific safety equipment, including:
Certified and non-expired fire extinguishers
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the crew
Hazard warning signs, including retro-reflective orange panels
Various equipment such as flashlights and wheel chocks
Additionally, drivers must carry essential documents such as the ADR license, vehicle approval certificate, and written safety instructions (Trem Card).
Implementing these safety procedures and correctly managing emergencies is essential to ensure the safe transport of dangerous goods, protecting both operators and the surrounding environment.
Responsibilities of the Parties Involved in ADR Transport
Transporting dangerous goods by road involves several operators, each with specific responsibilities defined by ADR. These parties must take appropriate measures to avoid damage and minimize risks, complying with ADR provisions relevant to their role.
Obligations of the Shipper
The shipper is responsible for presenting a shipment conforming to ADR provisions. Their main obligations include:
Ensuring the correct classification of dangerous goods
Providing the carrier with necessary information and documents
Using approved and suitable packaging and tanks for transport
Observing forwarding and shipping restrictions
Ensuring proper marking and labeling of empty tanks and containers
Carrier's Duties
The carrier must prepare the vehicle and crew according to ADR. Their main responsibilities are:
Verifying that the goods are authorized for transport
Ensuring the required documentation is on board
Visually inspecting vehicles and cargo for defects
Verifying that the next tank inspection date is not exceeded
Ensuring the vehicle is not overloaded
Affixing prescribed plates and markings
Ensuring the presence of safety equipment on board
Role of the Consignee and Other Operators
The consignee must not delay accepting the goods and must verify compliance with ADR provisions after unloading. Other operators involved include:
Loader: responsible for loading dangerous goods onto vehicles or containers
Packer: handles the packaging of dangerous goods
Filler: fills tanks or vehicles with dangerous goods
Unloader: performs the unloading of dangerous goods from vehicles or containers
Each operator must receive adequate training for their responsibilities to ensure compliance with ADR rules and the safety of transporting dangerous goods.
Exemptions and Derogations from ADR Regulations
Transport in Limited Quantities
ADR provides partial or total exemptions for the transport of specific dangerous goods in limited quantities. This exemption applies when goods are packed in combined packages with small internal and external packaging. The permitted quantities for each good are indicated in Table A of ADR.
To benefit from this exemption, certain conditions must be met:
The gross mass of the package must not exceed 30 kg.
Packages must bear specific markings, which are easily visible and weather-resistant.
Overpacks must display the same labels as the packages unless the markings are already visible.
Shippers must inform the carrier of the total gross mass of the limited quantity goods to be transported. Transport units with a maximum mass exceeding 12 tons must display a specific marking on the front and rear, unless they transport other dangerous goods requiring orange panel signage.
Partial Exemptions for Transport Units
The partial exemption, provided by ADR 1.1.3.6, applies to the transport of certain dangerous goods in packages up to specified maximum quantities. Goods are divided into five transport categories, each with a quantitative limit for partial exemption.
This exemption involves applying only some ADR provisions. However, the following remain mandatory:
Equipment with fire extinguishers
Adequate and certified load stowage
Proper training for drivers and safety advisors
Use of specific transport documents
Marking and labeling of vehicles and packaging
Special Exemptions for Transport by Enterprises
The ADR 1.1.3.1 (c) exemption allows for the non-application of some provisions for transporting dangerous goods by enterprises as part of their primary business. This exemption applies to specific cases, such as:
Goods transported between the company's central site and temporary or auxiliary work sites
Goods not transported by third parties
Transport involving specific amounts and types of substances (e.g., combustible gas containers up to 450 liters, containers up to 60 liters, substances not subject to ADR within specified quantities)
ADR Transport Documents
Transport Document
For transporting dangerous goods by road, a transport document must be prepared, providing essential information on the goods transported. The document must be presented in the country's official language of departure and, if different, also in one of the languages agreed upon between the involved countries.
What the Transport Document Should Contain
The transport document must include:
UN number (preceded by "UN")
Proper shipping name of the substance
Hazard class
Packing group (if applicable)
Number and description of packages
Total quantity of dangerous goods
Tunnel restriction code
Statement for uncleaned empty containers (if applicable)
Additional information, such as special handling instructions, may be required based on the specific dangerous goods transported.
Written Safety Instructions (Trem Card)
The written safety instructions, known as the Trem Card, must be provided to the driver. These instructions outline emergency measures to be taken in case of an accident or incident. The Trem Card must include:
General safety measures
Specific actions for each dangerous good
First aid instructions
Firefighting measures
Environmental protection measures
Transport Document Retention
Transport documents and written safety instructions must be retained for at least three months after the completion of transport. This requirement ensures that documentation is available for inspection by authorities if needed.
Conclusion
Transporting dangerous goods by road according to ADR regulations requires adherence to specific rules and procedures to ensure safety and compliance. This guide has provided an overview of key aspects of ADR, including classification, transport requirements, safety procedures, responsibilities of involved parties, exemptions, and necessary documentation. By understanding and following these regulations, operators can minimize risks and ensure the safe transport of dangerous goods.
If you need further information regarding the transport of ADR goods or would like to request a free quote, you can contact us without obligation via email, WhatsApp, or by calling our landline.
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