Tags – Transporting Dangerous Goods By Road
Often, carrying dangerous goods by road involves the risk of traffic accidents such as spillages leading to fire, explosions or environmental damage.
So, these goods that are potentially dangerous require special precautions to minimise these risks.
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (CDG) and the European Agreement (ADR) regulate the carriage of dangerous goods by road.
It’s worth noting, CDG regulators now refer to, almost all of the time, to ADR as it contains detailed requirements.
And, the purpose of this is to protect everyone involved – whether it be the carriers themselves, emergency services and the general public.
Let’s explore this further.
What Are Dangerous Goods?
Goods that are considered dangerous are grouped into 9 categories according to its properties.
These are:
- Class 1: Explosives
- Class 2: Gases
- Class 3: Flammable liquids and liquid desensitized explosives
- Class 4: Other flammables
- Class 5: Oxidisers
- Class 6: Toxics
- Class 7: Radioactive materials
- Class 8: Corrosives
- Class 9: Miscellaneous
What Is The Transport Category?
The Transport Category (TC) is a hazard based system used in road transport to identify the dangers of such substances.
These are:
- TC0: Extremely dangerous
- TC1: Very dangerous
- TC2: Medium danger
- TC3: Low danger
- TC4: Very low danger
The TC determines the load size of packaged dangerous goods that must always be used, in line with ADR.
Quantity per vehicle is as follows:
- TC0: 0
- TC1: 20
- TC2: 333
- TC3: 1000
- TC4: Unlimited
Employers’ Duties
As an employer, you are required to make sure that any dangerous goods that are carried is compliant with the appropriate regulations.
With that in mind, you should ensure that all employees involved are appropriately trained; including refresher training every 2 years.
Secondly, you must keep a record of all training provided and allow for copies should an employee want them.
Lastly, employers should appoint a certified Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor who is involved in the packing and loading/unloading of the goods from the vehicle.
Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor
ADR is very detailed and structured, therefore the answer to most problems surrounding vehicles carrying dangerous goods can be found there.
In light of this, companies should appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor who has access and can navigate through this knowledge.
Doing so, will ensure that risks from transporting such goods are adequately identified and that control measures are properly monitored.
Concluding Thoughts
With no surprise, the transport of dangerous goods is heavily regulated to make sure everyone involved is safe.
Therefore, we should all take extra care to ensure these regulations are met to minimise risks.
Lastly, if in doubt, refer to the CDG/ADR guide – don’t assume the load is fine, always check quantities and special provisions to avoid complications later.
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