Dangerous goods: classification and transportation rules

Sooner or later, business needs to transport dangerous goods, because their list actually includes a lot of goods. How to organize a delivery that requires compliance with many laws and regulations – we will consider further.

What are dangerous goods

Dangerous goods (ADR) are substances, materials and products whose components can harm people and the environment during transportation. Improper handling of such goods leads to accidents, explosions or poisoning.

Even some common products from store shelves, such as paints, varnishes, solvents, chemicals, batteries, accumulators, are classified as dangerous.

Classes of dangerous goods

Why is it necessary to divide dangerous goods into classes? In fact, this creates a universal “safety language” for all participants in the international transportation of dangerous goods.

The main classes of dangerous goods (according to international UN / ADR / IMDG / IATA rules) are:

• explosives and products (1);
• gases (2);
• flammable liquids (3);
• flammable solids; self-reactive substances; substances that, in contact with water, emit flammable gases (4);
• oxidizing substances (5.1) and organic peroxides (5.2);
• toxic substances (6.1) and infectious substances (6.2);
• radioactive materials (7);
• corrosive substances (8);
• other dangerous substances and articles (9).

It is important to know the type of cargo being transported, because each class has a different algorithm of actions in the event of an accident. These safety rules are described in detail and are included in the mandatory qualifications of drivers. Thanks to the classification, it is much easier to ensure the safety of people and the environment.

Rules for the transport of dangerous goods

International rules for the transport of dangerous goods exist not only for road transport, i.e. ADR. For sea routes they are called IMDG, for aviation – IATA, and for railways – RID.

The main rules for transporting dangerous goods:

1. The vehicle must comply with ADR standards (depending on the cargo, these must be specialized tank trucks, isothermal bodies, containers);
2. The cargo must be correctly placed and firmly secured to prevent shifting;
3. Packaging – only from durable materials and in accordance with the ADR hazard class;
4. Drivers may only travel at established speed limits;
5. For international transportation of dangerous goods, the route is agreed in advance – it is not allowed to deviate from it;
6. Place dangerous goods signs to make it easier to identify the cargo;
7. The driver must have all documents and an ADR emergency kit with him, and most importantly – a license for the international transportation of dangerous goods.

The dangerous goods sign must be placed on the vehicle, on the packaging containing substances and products, as well as on containers and tanks.

International transportation of dangerous goods

International transportation of dangerous goods is characterized by a large number of risks. For example, different countries may have different control procedures and additional national restrictions. Also, some states periodically restrict traffic through cities and certain roads.

If you do not know the nuances of shipping dangerous goods abroad, businesses face delays at the border, because due to increased control, documents are checked more carefully and inspections are carried out.

That is why it is recommended to transport dangerous goods together with a logistics operator who will choose the most profitable route, check and submit documents, organize transportation to the destination and coordinate all stages of delivery.

Tips for safe transportation

For safe transportation, you need to consider and control at least the temperature, ventilation, cargo fastening and training of participants in the logistics chain (not only drivers, but also warehouse workers). This helps to avoid legal and financial consequences.

To ensure safe and successful transportation of dangerous goods (ADR), it is worth following the following tips:

1. do not combine different substances in one vehicle;
2. use only the correct packaging (strong and airtight, in accordance with international standards);
3. check all ADR documents before the trip;
4. when planning and coordinating the route, take into account travel restrictions, prohibitions on movement through some settlements, etc.;
5. know all protocols for emergency situations in detail;
6. keep all records and reports on ADR for at least three years.

Following the rules of transportation, especially toxic substances, protects not only the environment and the population, but also directly the drivers who work with toxic materials and transport them.

Conclusion

Transportation of dangerous goods (ADR) is such a serious and responsible process that it is much calmer and more reliable to entrust its organization to specialists in this field.

International transport and logistics company TVL has extensive experience in the transportation of dangerous and flammable goods by road. TVL professionals carry out delivery in accordance with the requirements of legislation and international standards, using their own special automated vehicle fleet.