Entrepreneurs often mistakenly believe that the topic of transporting dangerous goods does not concern them. However, this list includes completely unexpected goods. For example, air fresheners, nail polish removers, batteries, glues and even some types of laptops. So sooner or later you have to deal with such a concept as ADR classification. This is a very serious and responsible part of the logistics process, so all its participants must know the rules for transporting dangerous goods.
What are the classes of dangerous goods and why is ADR classification needed
What is ADR? In English, this abbreviation stands for “Agreement on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road”. It regulates the transportation of special goods. ADR is valid throughout Europe, and in Ukraine it has come into force since 2000.
Dangerous goods are those whose components can harm people and the environment. In the worst cases, improper transportation of ADR leads to fires, explosions, injuries and poisoning.
Disaster will not happen if you follow the rules for the transportation of dangerous goods. They are specially divided into classes, because all substances have different requirements for transportation. They require specific conditions and packaging that differ from each other.
Main classes of dangerous goods (ADR classification)
The classification of dangerous goods is carried out depending on the type and degree of potential danger of the contents. There are nine main classes, some of which also have a subgroup.
Dangerous goods – a list of classes:
| Class 1 | Explosives | gunpowder, ammunition, explosives and mixtures, pyrotechnics, dynamite |
| Class 2 | Gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic) | propane, butane, ammonia, oxygen in cylinders |
| Class 3 | Flammable liquids | volatile solvents, gasoline, alcohols, kerosene, acetone, methanol, diesel fuel |
| Class 4 | Self-reactive substances | combustible oxidizers releasing heat or flammable gases |
| Class 4.1 | Flammable solids | sulfur, magnesium, aluminum powder, zinc dust, naphthalene, celluloid, matches, dry pyrotechnic mixtures |
| Class 4.2 | Substances liable to spontaneous combustion | white phosphorus, self-heating organic materials |
| Class 4.3 | Substances emitting flammable gases on contact with water | sodium, potassium, lithium |
| Class 5 | Oxidizing products | peroxides, persulfates |
| Class 5.1 | Oxidizing substances | sodium nitrate, calcium hypochlorite, ammonium nitrate |
| Class 5.2 | Organic peroxides | benzoyl peroxide |
| Class 6 | Infectious and toxic substances | cyanides |
| Class 6.1 | Toxic substances | methanol, chloroform, mercury, phosgene, hydrogen cyanide |
| Class 6.2 | Infectious substances | bacteria, viruses, parasites, biological waste, biomaterial samples, medical waste |
| Class 7 | Radioactive materials | uranium, plutonium, cesium, cobalt |
| Class 8 | Corrosive substances | sulfuric, nitric and hydrochloric acids, sodium and potassium hydroxides |
| Class 9 | Miscellaneous dangerous substances | waste, chemicals, lithium batteries, magnetic materials, aerosol cans with atypical substances |
Each class of dangerous goods has a different algorithm of actions in the event of an accident. It is described in detail, so thanks to the ADR classification, carriers can more easily ensure the safety of people and the environment.
Marking and signs of dangerous goods
Vehicles transporting risky objects must necessarily have special markings.
Where are the dangerous goods signs placed:
- on the packaging containing substances and products;
- on both sides and behind the vehicle;
- on both sides and behind the container or tank.
It is important that the marking of dangerous goods is clearly visible from afar and in the evening. It cannot be covered with dirt, film or other labels.
Each ADR classification has its own sign, which differs in color. For example, signs for class 1 are orange, for classes 6 to 9 are black and white. However, what they have in common is that they always have the shape of a diamond. Signs can have a minimum size of 100×100 mm. Large ADR signs are 250×250 mm.
Dangerous goods marking also requires the presence of the following elements:
- UN identification number (UN number) – a four-digit number, for example UN1203.
- Orange plates.
- Signs (which were mentioned above).
- Warning signs – for example, “Environmentally hazardous” (Environmentally hazardous).
- Certification or instructional signs confirming that the cargo is allowed for transportation.
Dangerous goods signs instantly make it clear to other drivers, customs officers and rescuers that the object poses a threat and requires special transportation.
Dangerous goods transportation rules
Transportation of dangerous goods is allowed only with a license. This applies to both domestic and international transportation.
To obtain a license for ADR transportation, a driver must:
- have a category C driver’s license;
- have at least 3 years of experience driving a truck;
- pass a medical examination and training in the training of drivers of vehicles transporting ADR goods.
The license is issued indefinitely, but may be canceled or suspended depending on violations. But the certificate of
ADR is valid for 5 years. A license is a permit for a company to transport dangerous goods, and an ADR certificate is a permit for a driver who will travel along the route.
Basic rules for transporting dangerous goods:
- The vehicle must comply with ADR standards;
- The cargo must be correctly placed and firmly secured to prevent shifting;
- Packaging must be made only of durable materials and in accordance with ADR classification rules;
- Drivers can travel at established speed limits;
- For international transportation, the route is agreed in advance – it cannot be deviated from;
- The driver must have all documents and an ADR emergency kit with him.
An important point is that the rules for transporting toxic substances protect not only the environment and the population, but also the drivers who work with and transport toxic materials.
Safe transportation – advice for logisticians
ADR transportation will be successful if you contact professional logisticians. Without a doubt, they know their business and every nuance of the classification of hazardous chemicals.
However, if we structure all the experience, we can highlight the following advice for logisticians:
- check all ADR documents before the trip (you can create a checklist);
- check with the official ADR list or online UN Dangerous Goods List databases;
- use cards with ADR routes or integrated systems in TMS;
- do not combine different substances in one vehicle;
- keep all ADR records and reporting for at least three years.
All employees must not only “have a certificate”, but really know what to do in the event of an accident, leak or fire. Knowledge must be periodically updated and checked.
Conclusion
Transportation of dangerous goods is a serious and responsible process that requires attention to detail and compliance with a long list of requirements. Therefore, ADR transportation is best carried out with reliable carriers and experienced logisticians – they will definitely ensure a high level of safety and efficiency.
