​Documents Required for ADR and CDG

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These are some essential documents required for the carriage of dangerous goods (others may also apply):

Transport document

Instructions in writing

ADR certificate

Photo ID

Vehicle approval certificate where appropriate

Dangerous Goods notes where appropriate for IMDG

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Although the design of the transport document varies between businesses, the contents must include at least these items:

Name and addresses of the consignee and consignor

The number, description and total quantity of each item of UN number

The UN number, proper shipping name, classes, packing group and tunnel code

The total quantity of dangerous goods

 

Instructions in Writing

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The Instructions in Writing according to ADR is provided for drivers in a language they understand. It must be readily available in the cab and be understood by the driver. The latest version can be found here:

Microsoft Word - 11adr2017E_Part5_def (unece.org)

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There are three sections across the four pages:

Section 1  -  Actions in the event of an accident or emergency

Section 2 – Details of the hazards of the classes of dangerous goods, plus additional guidance

Section 3 – Equipment and PPE.  This includes:

A wheel chock for each vehicle

Two self standing warning signs

Eye rinse

Warning (high vis) vest

Portable lighting apparatus (intrinsically safe torch)

Gloves

Eye protection (not required for class 1 and 2)

Escape mask (for classes 2.3 and 6.1)

Shovel (only for solids and liquids of class 3, 4.1, 4.3, 8 or 9)

Drain seal (only for solids and liquids of class 3, 4.1, 4.3, 8 or 9)

Collecting container (only for solids and liquids of class 3, 4.1, 4.3, 8 or 9)

 

ADR Certificate

 

This is both proof of training and photo ID for the driver.  Must be carried by the driver when in scope of regulations.

 

Dangerous Goods Note

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This document is required when carrying dangerous goods by sea.

 

PPE

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PPE must be worn whenever there is a risk of contact with a dangerous substance.  The PPE must be able to resist action of the dangerous goods.  To ensure standards, the PPE must be marked with an approval, either the CE or the CA compliance mark.

 

For eye protection, complete protection via goggles or with visors with appropriate approval marks are required.  For gloves, the type worn depends on the nature of the dangerous goods.

 

Although not a requirement for ADR, chemical suits and boots may be required.  PVC is the most suitable material being resistant to attack from many dangerous goods.  The legs of the full body suits should go over boots.

Respirators filter the air immediately around the user.  The respirators come in half face or full-face configurations:

 

The filters used are specific to the class of goods carried – eg. dust, organic gases, etc.  Respirators only filter air, they don’t supply oxygen.  If there is no oxygen present, the user asphyxiates.  All PPE should be carefully checked before wearing and rejected if not adequate.  The employer provides the PPE.

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Tunnels

From 1st January 2010, all tunnels over 500m in the UK have to meet safety requirements specified under directive Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Regulations 2009.  Tunnels may have restrictions regarding vehicles intending to travel through them.
When driving through tunnels:

 

sure vehicles are in a roadworthy condition, en

the dipped lights are on

sunglasses off 

tune in to the tunnel radio station.

If the vehicle breaks down, engine off and hazard indicators on.  In the event of fire, the vehicle should be driven out of the tunnel immediately if it is safe to do so.  When it is not, use safety or refuge rooms in the tunnel.
Tunnels are rated in categories, A to E, with A is the least restrictive, E being the most.  The transport document may have a tunnel restriction code (letters B to E).  A vehicle can pass through a tunnel category lower than the restriction code on the transport document.
Eg. Sodium hydroxide UN1824 has tunnel restriction code E, meaning the vehicle can go through any tunnel up to E, ie. A, B, C and D.
 

On occasion the transport document shows two restriction codes.  The first letter applies to tankers (as they are more hazardous), the second applies to other vehicles. 
Eg. Acetone UN1090, tunnel restriction code D/E means a tanker is restricted to tunnels A to C whereas any other vehicle can go through tunnel categories A to D.