Carriage of hazardous materials - ADR plates
The transport of dangerous goods is subject to the provisions of the European ADR Convention. It applies to the road transport of materials that pose a risk to humans, which include m.in. fuels, radioactive, corrosive and infectious materials. This requires the carrier to apply special safety rules, as well as to properly label the goods.
Obligations of an ADR carrier
Regulations related to the ADR Convention are applicable in 50 countries. There are detailed duties belonging to the carrier in them. What he must keep in mind?
- Proper classification of the dangerous goods being transported.
- Verify whether, according to the ADR Convention, such goods can be transported. If so, on what terms.
- Checking the proper preparation of the cargo for transport, but also the vehicle in which it is to be transported.
- Marking the means of transport with the appropriate ADR placard and, in addition, with stickers relating to the specific commodity.
- Taking the appropriate course to authorize him to transport dangerous goods.
Proper labeling of hazardous materials
Packages containing dangerous goods must necessarily be properly labeled. It is used for orange board with any number. There are always two numbers on it. The one above is a threat identification number consisting of 2 or 3 digits. Below is the 4-digit UN number, which is the classification number of the hazardous material in question.
In addition, specific ADR stickers must be visibly displayed on dangerous goods. They are in the shape of a 45-degree inverted square. Inform about the type of hazardous material. In addition, the ADR transport uses a table LTD QTY. It is an abbreviation for "limited quantities", which means "limited quantity". It applies to dangerous goods that are transported in limited quantities.
Hazard classification
All materials considered hazardous are classified accordingly. There are 13 classes of ADR dangerous goods. The criterion for division is the type of hazard posed. Each class has a specific designation. Thus, the correct sticker for the class must appear on the package of the goods being transported:
- Explosive materials and objects
- Gases, including non-flammable and non-poisonous gases and poisonous gases
- Flammable liquids
- Flammable solids , self-reactive materials and desensitized solid explosives
- Spontaneously combustible materials
- Materials that produce flammable gases in contact with water
- Oxidizing materials
- Organic materials
- Poisonous materials
- Infectious materials
- Radioactive materials
- Corrosive materials
- Miscellaneous materials and hazardous items
Each category is described in detail in the European ADR Agreement. For example, flammable liquids include liquid and molten solid materials with a flash point higher than 61°C, liquid substances that have a vapor pressure of 300 kPa or less at 50°C, and desensitized liquid explosives. As for materials that produce flammable gases in contact with water, these are all those substances that, upon contact with water, emit a gas that forms an explosive mixture with air.
Hazardous materials, as the name suggests, can be a danger to humans. In order to avoid adverse events, as well as to implement proper management, it is necessary to have specific information on what substance is in the package. ADR signs and boards are therefore primarily intended to reduce the risk of situations that endanger human health and life as much as possible.