6.1 GENERAL

• UK dangerous-goods rules are largely aligned with ADR.
• The source identifies the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (as amended).
• Dangerous goods are divided into 9 broad UN classes, with some subdivisions.
• Class 1: explosives; Class 2: gases; Class 3: flammable liquids.
• Class 4.1: flammable solids; 4.2: spontaneously combustible; 4.3: dangerous when wet.
• Class 5.1: oxidising substances; 5.2: organic peroxides.
• Class 6.1: toxics; 6.2: infectious substances.
• Class 7: radioactive; Class 8: corrosive; Class 9: miscellaneous dangerous substances; Class 9A: miscellaneous dangerous substances specifically for lithium batteries.
• Each substance has a unique 4-digit UN identification number.
• Packing Groups: I = high hazard; II = medium hazard; III = low hazard.
• The consignor is responsible for classification/identification and for using UN-approved packaging and correct package labels.

6.2 EXEMPTIONS

• ADR provides exemptions for small quantities using five transport categories.
• Transport Category 0: extremely dangerous substances.
• Transport Categories 1, 2 and 3 broadly correspond to Packing Groups I, II and III.
• Transport Category 4 covers items considered minimal danger.
• Maximum quantity before full regulations apply, as stated in the material: Category 0 = 0; Category 1 = 20 kg/litres; Category 2 = 333 kg/litres; Category 3 = 1,000 kg/litres; Category 4 = unlimited.
• Do not confuse these transport-category exemptions with Limited Quantity rules.

6.3 ADR APPROVAL OF VEHICLES AND TANKS

• Certain tank vehicles, tank containers and vehicles carrying explosives require examination, approval and certification.
• The source's main thresholds include tank vehicles over 1,000 litres and tank containers over 3,000 litres.
• Vehicle examination is carried out by DVSA on behalf of DfT.
• ADR vehicles for flammable products must meet specific safety standards, including requirements for electrical systems, master switches, heat shields and exhaust systems.
• ADR vehicle certificates must be renewed annually after examination at a DVSA test centre.
• Tank examinations are carried out by DfT-approved organisations.
• Tank inspections can include internal/external condition checks and hydraulic pressure tests.
• Tank inspection intervals vary from 1 to 6 years depending on the tank and contents; 6 years is stated as most common.
• A leak test must be carried out at least every 3 years.

6.4 DOCUMENTS TO ACCOMPANY THE LOAD

• Dangerous-goods transport documents must accompany the load.
• They must state the UN number, substance name, hazard class, packing group where applicable, tunnel code where applicable, packages, total quantity and consignor/consignee details.
• Consignors and carriers must retain copies for at least 3 months.
• Drivers must receive ADR's standard four-page Instructions in Writing covering accident/emergency actions.
• Instructions must be in a language readily understood by each crew member.
• Drivers must also carry the appropriate ADR Vocational Training Certificate.

6.5 VEHICLE MARKING

• Vehicles carrying dangerous goods must be marked unless exempt under the small-load provisions.
• Vehicles within the regulations display a plain orange reflectorised plate at the front.

6.5.1 Road Tankers

• UK tankers normally display 5-part Hazchem panels on both sides and at the rear.
• Panels include an emergency action code, UN number, danger placard, emergency contact number and an optional company logo.
• The emergency action code gives emergency services information on treatment methods and protective equipment.
• For multi-substance tankers, compartments are marked with the appropriate placards and orange panels showing UN numbers.

6.5.2 Tank Containers

• Tank containers are marked like road tankers for UK journeys involving a single substance: Hazchem panels on both sides and the rear.

6.5.3 Carriage in Bulk

• Bulk dangerous goods in tippers/skips are generally marked like tankers.
• An emergency telephone number is not essential on the Hazchem panel for bulk carriage, according to the source.

6.5.4 Packages

• Above the relevant transport-category thresholds, packaged dangerous goods vehicles require plain orange reflectorised panels at the front and rear.

6.6 LIMITED QUANTITIES – VEHICLE MARKING

• Most vehicles carrying packaged dangerous goods in Limited Quantities do not need vehicle marking.
• If vehicle GVW exceeds 12 tonnes and total dangerous goods mass exceeds 8 tonnes, marking is required.
• The vehicle may use plain orange plates for the front/rear or the special ADR Limited Quantities sign for the front/rear.

6.7 ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

• Road tankers, bulk tippers and similar vehicles carrying ADR environmentally hazardous substances must display the black-and-white environmental hazard placard adjacent to each of the three hazard warning panels.

6.8 EQUIPMENT

• All dangerous-goods vehicles: at least 2 kg dry powder/equivalent extinguisher for cab/engine fire.
• Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes GVW: additional extinguisher capacity of at least 10 kg, including one extinguisher of at least 6 kg.
• Vehicles 3.5–7.5 tonnes: 2 kg cab extinguisher plus at least 6 kg additional capacity.
• At least one suitable wheel chock per vehicle plus an additional chock for any trailer.
• At least two self-standing warning signs: reflective cones/triangles or independently powered flashing amber lamps.
• Suitable eye-rinsing liquid must be carried.
• Spill-control equipment may include a drain cover, shovel and collecting container for relevant substances.
• Each crew member needs high-visibility clothing and portable non-sparking lighting.
• Other required PPE includes gloves and goggles; escape masks may be necessary for toxic substances.

6.9 TRAINING

• All staff involved in handling/transporting dangerous goods require appropriate awareness and safety training.
• Training covers legislation, hazards, safe procedures and emergency actions; it should be updated periodically and recorded.
• When the quantity exceeds the applicable transport-category limit, drivers require specialised training and a Vocational Training Certificate (ADR certificate).
• ADR certificates require a DfT-approved course and examinations set on behalf of DfT by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
• Certificates cover tank or packaged carriage and are specific to the relevant dangerous-goods classes.
• ADR vocational certificates are valid for a maximum of 5 years and require refresher training/examination for renewal.

6.10 DANGEROUS GOODS SAFETY ADVISERS

• Organisations involved in loading, unloading or transporting dangerous goods must appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA).
• DGSAs must be suitably qualified and have sufficient time/resources to perform their duties.
• DGSA reports must be retained for at least 5 years.
• DGSA duties include checking equipment, vehicle suitability, staff training, sub-contractors, emergency procedures, documentation and loading/unloading procedures.
• DGSAs advise on identification, characteristics, marking, equipment and PPE.
• They prepare annual reports and investigate/report serious dangerous-goods accidents.
• DGSA certificates are valid for a maximum of 5 years before further examinations are required.