Carriage of dangerous goods

Whilst transporting dangerous goods, certain precautions must be taken. There is the risk of road traffic collisions and spillages, etc. which could lead to fire, explosion, chemical burn or environmental consequences.

Introduction

The Carriage of Dangerous Goods & Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations, implement the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations, commonly referred to as ADR.

The purpose of the regulations is to protect everyone either directly involved (such as consignors or carriers), or those who might become involved in an emergency. Dangerous goods are assigned to various classifications depending on their fundamental hazard.

Information

The PSNI are now actively engaged in road stops targeting vehicles carrying dangerous goods. Non compliance with the detailed requirements in the legislation has resulted in prohibition and could also lead to prosecution. Operators must appoint a “dangerous goods safety advisor” (DGSA) to assist them to navigate the prescriptive legal requirements for the particular substances being carried.

Training

Any person involved in the carriage of dangerous goods must be trained in accordance with ADR. Drivers need to receive ADRtraining in accordance with the goods which they are carrying and be in possession of a valid certificate issued on behalf of the competent authority.

Vehicles and equipment

Vehicles transporting dangerous goods must meet the requirements of ADR and be appropriately marked and placarded. Vehicles must be provided with the appropriate fire fighting & miscellaneous equipment for the goods which they are carrying.

Resources

• Carriage of Dangerous Goods - Approved Derogations and Transitional Provisions
• Compliance with ADR & Carriage of Dangerous Goods (CDG10) Regs (as amended)
• List of Authorisations given under the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010

Copies of all ADR multilateral agreements and further information may be found online via the UN website:

• UNECE – Multilateral Agreements

Safety alerts

• Manufacture, storage and carriage of thermites and thermite containing articles

Key legislation

• The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 - legislation.gov.uk

Please note that this link is to the original legislation.Visitors should verify for themselves whether legislation is in force or whether it has been amended or repealed by subsequent legislation.