Transport of hazardous materials – regulations, quantitative limits, equipment

Transport of hazardous materials

What is the transport of hazardous materials?

The transport of hazardous materials is the movement of substances that, due to their chemical, physical, or biological properties, may pose a risk to health, life, property, or the environment. It can be carried out by various means such as cars, trains, ships, or aircraft.

In the transport of hazardous materials, all safety instructions, which are laid down by law, must be strictly observed.

Which hazardous materials can be transported?

The hazardous materials that can be transported are classified according to the ADR, ADN, RID, IMDG and IATA agreements. These documents divide hazardous materials into 9 hazardous materials classes. Below you will find a complete list of them:

  • Class 1 - Explosives and explosive objects; 
  • Class 2 - Gases; 
  • Class 3 - Flammable liquids; 
  • Class 4 - Solid materials that are flammable, spontaneously combustible and harmful in contact with water; 
  • Class 4.1 - Flammable solids; 
  • Class 4.2 - Spontaneously flammable solids; 
  • Class 4.3 - Solid materials that emit gases when in contact with water; 
  • Class 5 - Oxidising materials; 
  • Class 5.1 - Oxidising agents which are not organic peroxides;
  • Class 5.2 - Organic peroxides; 
  • Class 6 - Toxic and infectious materials; 
  • Class 6.1 - Toxic materials; 
  • Class 6.2 - Infectious materials; 
  • Class 7 - Radioactive materials; 
  • Class 8 - Acids and alkalis; 
  • Class 9 - Other hazardous materials and articles.

What are quantitative limits in hazardous materials?

Quantitative limits in hazardous materials determine how much of a good can be transported without meeting all the requirements of the ADR. They require combined packaging (i.e. inner and outer packaging) and their values are set out in Table A of the list of dangerous goods.

A quantitative limit of '0' means that the material in question may not be transported in any quantity without a permit. In contrast, LQ (Limited Quantities) limits apply primarily to shipments containing small quantities of hazardous materials (max. 30 kg per packaging) such as paints, detergents, lithium batteries, etc.

LQ quantitative limits are set out in the ADR Table and depend on the type of hazardous material.

What are the regulations of hazardous materials in transport?

Regulations on the transport of hazardous materials vary depending on the branch of transport. In UK, there are national and international regulations, such as:

  • ADR agreement concerning road transport, 
  • RID agreement concerning rail transport, 
  • IMDG agreement concerning sea transport, 
  • ICAO and IATA agreements concerning air transport, 
  • ADN agreement for inland waterway transport.

The regulations set out, for example, the classification of hazardous materials, packaging requirements, labelling, documentation, training for drivers and carriers, and requirements for transport vehicles and equipment e.g for chemical hoses.

Sometimes it is even about little things like using the right types of rubbers (resistant to the substances in question) and threads.

What are the regulations of hazardous materials in air transport?

The regulation of hazardous materials in air transport is based on the terms of the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) included in the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.

These conditions are the basis of the regulations enforced by IATA (International Air Transport Association).

The above regulations are adapted to the individual requirements of each government and airline. In Poland, there is additionally the Act of 5 August 2022 on the transport of hazardous materials by air.

At the very end, let us add that air transport is subject to the greatest restrictions in terms of the type and quantity of hazardous materials allowed to be transported.

What are the regulations of hazardous materials in road transport?

The regulation of hazardous materials in road transport is set out under the ADR Agreement and the CMR Convention.

The ADR agreement sets out the responsibilities of the shipper and the carrier, as well as requirements for ADR packaging, load securing, classification and labelling of dangerous goods.  The CMR Convention, on the other hand, covers commercial road transport in international relations and in some cases complements the ADR Agreement.

What are the regulations of hazardous materials in maritime transport?

The regulation of hazardous materials in maritime transport is specifically set out in the IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) and covers, for example, material classification, packaging requirements, labelling, documentation, training for drivers and carriers, and requirements for transport vehicles and equipment.

What is the regulation of hazardous materials in rail transport?

The regulation of hazardous materials in rail transport is set out in the International RID (Regulations for the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail). They include, among other things, the classification of materials, requirements for packaging, labelling, documentation, training for drivers and carriers, and requirements for transport vehicles and equipment.

What is the regulation of hazardous materials for transport on inland waterways?

The regulation of hazardous materials for transport on inland waterways is set out in the ADN Agreement (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways).

Like previous documents, the agreement covers, for example, the classification of materials, requirements for packaging, labelling, documentation, training for drivers and carriers, and requirements for transport vehicles and equipment.

How to load and unload hazardous materials safely?

To load and unload hazardous materials safely, certain rules must be followed. Here are the most important ones:

  • Before loading or unloading, carefully check the condition of the vehicle equipment, driver (relevant documents), load, transport or security to detect any deficiencies. 
  • When loading and unloading, strictly observe the prohibitions, as well as the rules on the segregation of hazardous materials. 
  • Persons handling the transport, loading and unloading of hazardous materials must be appropriately ADR-certified and trained in the safe transport of hazardous materials. 
  • For Class 1 and Class 3 hazardous materials, it is necessary to use appropriate tools and equipment during loading and unloading. 
  • Before loading and unloading, carefully read the documentation for the hazardous materials being transported. 
  • After unloading, remove all hazardous goods residues that have adhered to the inside surface of the vehicle during unloading operations. Valves and inspection openings should be closed. In addition, vehicles and containers must be cleaned and decontaminated.

When it comes to filling and emptying tankers, suitable chemical hoses for the transfer of hazardous substances will be necessary.

What are the training courses for drivers under hazardous materials?

Training courses for drivers under hazardous materials are available in different ranges, depending on the level of proficiency. A distinction is made between basic and specialised courses.

The ADR basic training course is the absolute minimum required for those involved in the transport of hazardous materials. The aim of the course is to provide knowledge of hazardous materials transport regulations and practical skills related to loading, unloading and transport.

The basic training takes a minimum of 18 hours.

How should hazardous materials be packaged?

Hazardous materials should be packaged following the requirements of the ADR (or other) agreement. Below are some packaging rules:

  • They should be made of materials that do not react or weaken dangerously when in direct contact with dangerous goods. 
  • They should be able to withstand loading operations and transport conditions occurring during transit. 
  • They should be adequately marked and labelled as required. 
  • They should be adequately protected against damage during transport. 
  • If the packages are filled with liquids, a clear space must be left to ensure that there is no loss of liquid or permanent deformation of the package as a result of a temperature-induced increase in the volume of the liquid. 
  • Liquids should only be poured into containers that are sufficiently resistant to the internal pressure that may occur under normal conditions of carriage. 
  • If there is a possibility of pressure rising in the package due to the release of gas from the contents, then the package should be fitted with a venting device (provided that the gases do not pose a toxic or fire hazard).

How should hazardous materials be marked?

Hazardous materials should be marked with an ADR plate, which takes the form of an orange rectangle with a black border. The plate contains two numbers in the form of a simple fraction:

  • the upper one is the hazard identification number HIN (two or three digits); 
  • the lower is the UN material identification number (four digits).

The HIN consists of two parts. The first figure refers to the general characteristics of the hazardous substance (e.g. physical state and effect). Subsequent digits, on the other hand, clarify what action is involved and how strong it is. Whereas the presence of the letter X indicates that the substance must not come into contact with water due to a strong reaction.

As for the UN number, it consists of four digits and is the exact designation of the substance in question. It refers to a specific hazardous material, e.g. petrol, diesel fuel, ammonia, etc.

ADR plate

For example: plate numbered 33/1203 means:

  • 3 - flammable liquid; 
  • 3 - exceptional flammability (flash point less than 23 °C); 
  • 1203 - petrol.

Numbered plates should be displayed on vehicles transporting dangerous goods in tanks or in bulk.  On the other hand, plain plates (without identification numbers) are used when transporting dangerous goods in consignment units (packaged).

As far as the marking of the consignment item is concerned, each package should bear the identification number of the material preceded by the letters "UN". in addition, in section 3.2 of the ADR Agreement, table A for each material indicates the stickers that should be affixed to the consignment item.

For large bulk containers (DPPLs), the marking should be on two opposite sides of the container.

It is worth adding that for some classes of hazardous goods there are also additional requirements for appropriate marking.

ADR packaging markings

How to equip a vehicle for the transport of hazardous materials?

A vehicle for the transport of hazardous materials must be equipped with the following equipment:

  • Fire extinguishers (in a quantity depending on the gross vehicle weight rating); 
  • Appropriate marking as you read about earlier; 
  • Wheel wedge (its size should be matched to the diameter of the wheels and the permissible total weight of the vehicle); 
  • Two standing warning signs.

You can find out more about this in Part 8 of Annex B of the ADR Agreement.

In addition, a vehicle carrying dangerous goods should have protective equipment for each crew member in the form of:

  • Safety glasses (or other eye protective equipment); 
  • Eye wash equipment (there are only a few exceptions where it is not needed); 
  • Protective gloves; 
  • Warning waistcoat; 
  • Torch.

In addition to this, escape masks, a shovel, a cover for sewer openings and a container for collecting residues will also be required when transporting certain materials.

What are ADR bags?

ADR bags are kits that make it much easier to choose the right equipment for a vehicle transporting dangerous goods. They include basic safety equipment to ensure the safety of people and the environment.

However, it is important that the toolbox contains all the accessories required by law. These in turn should have the necessary certificates and approvals.

ADR bags typically include:

  • Eye wash equipment, 
  • Warning waistcoat, 
  • Torch, 
  • Folding spatula, 
  • Safety glasses, 
  • Sewer hole cover, 
  • Multi-gas canister, 
  • Residue collection container, 
  • Half mask, 
  • Nitrile gloves.

What are the penalties for improper transport of hazardous materials?

Penalties for the improper transport of hazardous materials in the UK are regulated by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the Department for Transport and by ADR. They depend on the type of infringement and can range from a few hundred to even tens of thousands of pounds. In some extreme cases, the carrier may even receive a prison sentence.

Examples of infringements include:

  • Packing, shipping, loading or transporting dangerous goods in a package that does not comply with ADR requirements. 
  • Improper transport of dangerous goods. 
  • Violations of regulations concerning labelling, marking, documentation, driver training, etc.

It is worth noting that penalties can be imposed on both the driver and the carrier.

Summary

The transport of hazardous materials is strictly regulated using international and local legislation. Therefore, every carrier involved in this activity should know and comply with them.

In this article, we have compiled all the necessary information on the subject - from the list of hazardous materials, to the quantity limits, to the types of regulations and related requirements (for loading/unloading, training, packaging, labelling, as well as vehicle equipment).

Compliance with the legislation is necessary not only for the safety of people and the environment, but also for the severe penalties for anyone who does not comply.

Photo of Bartosz Kułakowski - CEO of Hosetech sp. z o. o.

Articles author

Bartosz Kułakowski

CEO of Hosetech Sp. z o.o.

Bartosz Kulakowski is an industrial hoses and couplings specialist with over 10 years of experience. Bartosz has been present in the technical industry since 2013. He gained experience as a technical and commercial advisor in the sector of plastic conveyor belts, steel structures, industrial hoses, and connectors. Since 2016, he has specialized exclusively in hoses and connectors. In 2019 he opened his own business under the HOSETECH Bartosz Kulakowski brand and since July 2022 he has been the CEO of the capital company HOSETECH Sp z o. o. (LLC).

SPIS TREŚCI

What is the transport of hazardous materials?

Which hazardous materials can be transported?

What are quantitative limits in hazardous materials?

What are the regulations of hazardous materials in transport?

What are the regulations of hazardous materials in air transport?

What are the regulations of hazardous materials in road transport?

What are the regulations of hazardous materials in maritime transport?

What is the regulation of hazardous materials in rail transport?

What is the regulation of hazardous materials for transport on inland waterways?

How to load and unload hazardous materials safely?

What are the training courses for drivers under hazardous materials?

How should hazardous materials be packaged?

How should hazardous materials be marked?

How to equip a vehicle for the transport of hazardous materials?

What are ADR bags?

What are the penalties for improper transport of hazardous materials?

Summary

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