The logistics industry lives together with the efficient and safe transport of goods. There are many types of goods and products to be transported, but perhaps those that have very special connotations are called dangerous goods.
Due to the very nature of these dangerous goods, their transport and handling is subject to strict regulations and legislation to ensure safety at all times.
Let’s take a closer look at the transport of dangerous goods, the ADR, and everything you need to know about this important subject!
What is the transport of dangerous goods?
This is the type of transport that involves the handling, circulation and contact with so-called dangerous goods.
Dangerous goods are those products that may pose a danger to health, safety, property or the environment and that appear on the list of dangerous goods in current legislation.
Due to their hazardous nature, the transport of dangerous goods must be regulated to guarantee the perfect handling and transfer of such goods.
Within the regulations on the transport of dangerous goods, the ADR is one of the regulations that you must take into account.
What is ADR
ADR is the acronym for
European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road
It sets out the requirements for the transport of dangerous goods by road in Europe.
The ADR is a set of regulations that establishes the technical and administrative requirements that must be met to transport dangerous goods safely. These regulations cover everything from the classification of dangerous goods to packaging, labeling, documentation, training and transport safety.
ADR applies to all companies transporting dangerous goods by road, including transport companies, manufacturers, distributors and importers/exporters.
What the ADR agreement is for
ADR serves to establish a harmonized regulatory framework throughout Europe for the transport of dangerous goods by road, with the aim of ensuring the safety of people, the environment and property.
Among the main functions of the ADR are:
– Classifying dangerous goods: The ADR establishes criteria for classifying dangerous goods according to their degree of danger.
– Establish technical requirements for the packaging and labeling of dangerous goods: The ADR establishes the technical requirements that packaging must meet to ensure that dangerous goods are transported safely.
– Regulating the documentation required for the transport of dangerous goods: The ADR establishes the documents that must accompany dangerous goods during transport, including the waybill, labels and training certificates.
– Establishing requirements for the transport of dangerous goods: The ADR establishes the safety requirements to be met by vehicles, drivers and transport companies to ensure that the transport of dangerous goods is carried out safely.
In short, ADR is a fundamental tool for ensuring safety in the transport of dangerous goods by road, reducing the risk of accidents and minimizing the environmental impact in the event of incidents.
Related content:
- APQ. Storage of chemical products. What it is and Regulations
- 3PL (Third Party Logistic). What it is and advantages
- INCOTERMS 2020. What they are and what they are used for
Dangerous goods classification
The ADR establishes a classification of dangerous goods according to their degree of danger. The classification is based on criteria that take into account the physical, chemical and toxicological properties of hazardous substances, as well as their behavior under certain conditions, such as pressure, temperature or contact with other substances.
The classification of dangerous goods is divided into 9 classes, each with its own number and hazard symbol. Below is a brief description of each class:
Class 1. Explosives: Substances and articles that may explode or decompose violently in the presence of heat, friction, impact or other sources of ignition.
Class 2. Gases: Substances that are in a gaseous state at normal temperature and pressure and which may be flammable, toxic or asphyxiating.
Class 3. Flammable Liquids: Liquid substances that can ignite at a temperature below 60°C.
Class 4. Flammable, explosive and self-reactive solids: Solid substances which may ignite spontaneously in contact with air or which may react violently with water.
Class 5. Oxidizing agents, organic peroxides: Substances that can cause or promote the combustion of other substances.
Class 6. Toxic and infectious materials: Substances that may cause harm to human or animal health by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact.
Class 7. Products and reactive materials: Substances that emit radiation and may cause harm to human health or the environment.
Class 8. Corrosive materials: Substances that can cause damage to living tissue or materials that come into contact with them.
Class 9. Miscellaneous hazardous materials and objects: Substances and articles that present various hazards that are not included in the other classes, such as substances that can cause damage to the environment, lithium batteries, magnets, among others.
Requirements for the transport of dangerous goods
Let’s take a look at some of the requirements that must be met in the transport of dangerous goods.
Labeling and signage
One of the most important issues regarding the transport of goods is linked to their correct labeling and marking.
At all times the responsible persons and interested parties must know what type of goods are being stored, handled and transported.
For this purpose, each of the previously mentioned classes of dangerous goods are identified with a series of specific codes, colors and symbols .
Thus, for example, for infectious substances, the symbol of the three superimposed moons in black on a white background will always apply.
Documentation and authorizations
For the transport of dangerous goods, certain documentation and authorization is required for both the vehicle and the driver.
Drivers must have the special ADR license in addition to other types of permits (ID card, visa, etc.).
You must also have the authorization for the transport of dangerous goods ADR, plus the relevant documentation for road circulation.
Packing and stowage
Dangerous goods packaging systems are regulated by ADR-RID, IMDG and IATA-OACI regulations.
It is important to note that the ADR establishes specific requirements for the packaging and stowage of each type of dangerous goods, according to their class and degree of danger. It is therefore essential that carriers and companies handling dangerous goods ensure that they comply with the specific ADR requirements for each type of goods.
In addition, it is advisable to have personnel trained in the handling of dangerous goods to ensure that packing and stowage are carried out correctly and safely.
How is the transport of dangerous goods carried out?
Dangerous goods can be transported by different means of transport, such as road, rail, sea or air. All of them must be carried out in specialized vehicles for this type of transport and comply with specific packaging and stowage requirements, in addition to having personnel trained in the handling of dangerous goods.
The means of transport must bear, both at the front and at the rear, two panels warning of the risk of the products carried inside. The vehicle must have passed all relevant inspections,
All products must be properly labeled and packaged. The driver must be trained and have a special ADR license.
Normally, for this type of dangerous goods transport, inland transport of dangerous goods is land transport is usually the most commonly used.
Across Logistics, your reliable logistics partner.
At Across Logistics we understand the importance of safety in the transport of dangerous goods and that is why we have specialized in this type of operations. Our team of highly trained and experienced dangerous goods transportation and logistics professionals ensures the safety and integrity of the cargo at all times.
We have a wide network of suppliers and partners around the world, which allows us to offer customized solutions adapted to the specific needs of each client in the transport of dangerous goods.
In addition, we comply with all international regulations and standards, such as ADR, to ensure that the cargo reaches its final destination safely and on time.
