ADR transport: Everything you need to know about transportation of dangerous goods
If the goods you have to transport are classified as dangerous goods, you should know that both the means of transport, the driver, and the preparation of the dangerous goods must comply with the regulations in force. Europa Expeditie offers both assistance and personalized solutions for your ADR transport requests.
1.2. Classification of dangerous goods
1. What does ADR transport mean?
ADR transport involves the transportation of dangerous goods which, due to their physical and chemical nature, can cause personal injury, damage the environment or cause other damage.
1.1. Classification of dangerous goods
Depending on the nature of the main danger, the sender must classify the goods in one of the following classes:
Class 1: Explosive substances
Class 2: Gases
Class 3: Flammable liquids
Class 4.1: Flammable solids, self-reactive substances, and solid desensitized explosives
Class 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
Class 4.3: Substances that, 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 substances
Class 8: Corrosive substances
Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles
After you have identified the class to which your goods belong, you must assign to the goods an identification code (UN number) which consists of 4 digits. If you do not know the UN numbers of your products, you can find them here.
2. Necessary conditions for carrying out an ADR transport
When we are talking about the transport of dangerous goods, the responsibilities fall on both parties involved, both the sender and the carrier. In the following, we will mention what are the necessary conditions for carrying out an ADR transport safely and in accordance with the legislation in force.
2.1. Preparing dangerous goods for shipping
2.1.1. Packaging, marking, and labeling of packages
The appropriate packaging of dangerous goods is an obligation of the sender. Depending on the degree of danger presented by the dangerous substances/objects (except classes 1, 2, 5.2, 6.2, and 7), there are 3 packaging groups:
- Packing group I: very dangerous substances
- Packing group II: hazardous substances
- Packing group III: less dangerous substances
To find out the packaging group required for each substance, you can consult the 4th column of the official list of dangerous goods that are admitted for road transport.
There is packaging for limited or exempt quantities, but also packaging that is designed in accordance with ADR, approved, and suitable for certain categories of goods. Parcels must be provided with markings (of different colors, sizes, thicknesses, etc.), to be placed in visible places and to withstand environmental conditions.
The label must correspond to the danger that the goods present.
2.2. Documents required for the transport of ADR goods
2.2.1. ADR authorization
The transport of dangerous goods can be carried out only based on the ADR authorization. To issue this authorization, the carrier needs the following documents:
- Transport license: issued by ARR, for vehicles used for ADR transport
- Certificate of approval: issued by RAR, for the vehicle carrying the goods, in accordance with the dangerous goods transported. According to the ARR, you only need this certificate if you are transporting Class I (explosive) or Class VII (radioactive) goods. To obtain the certificate of approval for the previously mentioned classes, the ADR technical inspection certificate is required.
2.2.2. Equipment of means of transport
The vehicle which carries out dangerous goods must be equipped according to the regulations in force. The driver must have an ADR kit (equipped according to the law), and in the truck, there must be 2 fire extinguishers (in the cab and trailer) and emergency triangles.
Europa Expeditie, through its extensive network of accredited collaborators, will provide you with vehicles that meet all the necessary conditions for an ADR transport.
2.2.3. ADR certificate
All drivers transporting dangerous goods are required to be professionally trained for such road transport and to hold an ADR certificate.
Depending on the type of goods that the driver is going to transport, there is an ADR certificate for packages and an ADR certificate for tanks. Each certificate is obtained by passing an exam. The certificates are issued by the Ministry of Transport, through the ARR.
2.2.4. Safety advisor certificate
The companies that organize and carry out the transport of ADR goods for certain classes must appoint a safety advisor for the road transport of dangerous goods. He must ensure, constantly, that the safety conditions are met in the transport of ADR goods.
According to FATII (the Academy of Internal and International Transport Foundation), this certificate is obtained for the following:
- Classes 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9
- Class 2(gas)
- Class 1 (explosible)
- Class 7 (radioactive)
The transport of dangerous goods falls into the category of special transport because its organization and development require compliance with several safety and security conditions. That is why it is recommended to collaborate with a company that meets all the necessary requirements for such a transport.
EuropaExpeditie carries out ADR freight transport, through an extensive network of collaborators, both in EU and non-EU countries. We transport any type of ADR goods, except classes 1 and 7.
