ADR Systems
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG 2009) and the European agreement (“Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises dangereuses par route”, known as ADR) which together regulate the carriage of dangerous goods by road are highly prescriptive.
This page of the site deals with a brief overview of the equipment required for Road Vehicles.
Fire Fighting Equipment
ADR para 8.1.4 concerns fire extinguishers. The table below sets out a summary of the minimum requirements. Note that dry powder extinguishers are specified because it is known that they are suitable for tackling fires of class A (solids such as wood, paper etc), class B (fires involving liquids) and class C (fires involving gases).
- every transport unit shall be equipped with at least one portable fire extinguisher for the inflammability classes 1 A, B and C, with a minimum capacity of 2 kg dry powder (or an equivalent capacity for any other suitable extinguishant agent) suitable for fighting a fire in the engine or cab of the transport unit
- additional equipment is required :
- for transport units with a maximum permissible mass of up to and including 3.5 tonnes, one or more portable fire extinguishers for the inflammability classes 1 A, B and C with a minimum total capacity of 4 kg dry powder (or an equivalent capacity for any other suitable extinguishing agent)
- for transport units with a maximum permissible mass of more than 3.5 tonnes up to and including 7.5 tonnes, one or more portable fire extinguishers for the inflammability classes 1 A, B and C, with a minimum total capacity of 8 kg dry powder (or an equivalent capacity for any other suitable extinguishing agent), of which at least one shall have a minimum capacity of 6 kg
- for transport units with a maximum permissible mass of more than 7.5 tonnes, one or more portable fire extinguishers for the inflammability classes 1 A, B and C, with a minimum total capacity of 12 kg dry powder (or an equivalent capacity for any other suitable extinguishing agent), of which at least one shall have a minimum capacity of 6 kg
The capacity of the fire extinguisher(s) required under (a) may be deducted from the minimum total capacity of the extinguishers required under (b). Transport units carrying dangerous goods at or below specified total quantities in accordance with ADR 1.1.3.6 shall be equipped with one portable fire extinguisher for the inflammability classes 1 A, B and C, with a minimum capacity of 2 kg dry powder (or an equivalent capacity for any other suitable extinguishing agent).
See below for a summary of the above in a table format:
| Vehicle | Minimum dry powder fire extinguisher provision |
|---|---|
| Up to 3.5 t | 2 kg for cab plus 2 kg |
| Over 3.5 t and up to 7.5 t | 2 kg for cab Total 8 kg (usually one 6 kg but other provision is acceptable as long as there is one 6 kg) |
| Over 7.5 t | 2 kg for cab Total 12 kg (including at least one 6 kg) |
| Any vehicle carrying dangerous goods under the ‘small load’ limit or carrying only infectious substances | One 2 kg only |
Other Factors
Other factors are applicable to Fire Extinguishers carried, including;
8.1.4.3 The extinguishing agent shall be suitable for use on a vehicle and shall comply with the relevant requirements of EN 3 Portable fire extinguishers, Parts 1 to 6 (EN 3-1:1996, EN 3-2:1996, EN 3-3:1994, EN 3-4:1996, EN 3-5:1996, EN 3-6:1995).
If the vehicle is equipped with a fixed fire extinguisher, automatic or easily brought into action for fighting a fire in the engine, the portable extinguisher need not be suitable for fighting a fire in the engine. The extinguishing agents shall be such that they are not liable to release toxic gases into the driver’s cab or under the influence of the heat of the fire.
8.1.4.4 The portable fire extinguishers conforming to the provisions of 8.1.4.1 or 8.1.4.2 shall be fitted with a seal verifying that they have not been used.
In addition, they shall bear a mark of compliance with a standard recognised by a competent authority and an inscription at least indicating the date (month, year) of the next recurrent inspection or of the maximum permissible period of use, as applicable.
The fire extinguishers shall be subjected to periodic inspections in accordance with authorised national standards in order to guarantee their functional safety.
8.1.4.5 The fire extinguishers shall be installed on the transport units in a way that they are easily accessible to the vehicle crew. The installation shall be carried out in such a way that the fire extinguishers shall be protected against effects of the weather so that their operational safety is not affected.
Key Information
Special requirements in respect of wiring, batteries and lighting apply to certain road tanker vehicles and Type III vehicles used for the carraige of explosives.
Braking Equipment
Certain vehicles and trailers must be equipped with anti-lock braking devices and endurance braking systems. These provisions apply to motor vehicles exceeding 16 tonnes maximum permissible weight and trailers exceeding 10 tonnes maximum permissible weight which comprise the following vehicle categories:
- road tankers
- vehicles carrying demountable tanks or batteries of receptacles
- vehicles carrying tank containers with a capacity exceeding 3,000 litres
- Type III vehicles used for the carriage of explosives
Miscellaneous Equipment
Para 8.1.5 ADR refers to ‘miscellaneous equipment’. The most common problem is in the wording of subparagraph (a) about wheel chocks. Under ADR, the transport unit has to carry at least one suitable chock for each vehicle (which means at least two chocks for articulated lorries and drawbar combinations). However, authorisation 24 permits GB registered ‘transport units’ on domestic journeys to carry one suitable wheel chock, even if there are two vehicles forming the unit. There is no prescription as to where wheel chocks are to be carried.
Other items which fall under this heading include:
- two (2) self standing warning signs
- a suitable warning vest or warning clothing for each member of the crew
- a pocket lamp for each member of the crew. Note that special provision S2 (Table A column 19) means that the ‘pocket lamp’ has to be suitable for use in a flammable atmosphere in certain circumstances – Intrinsically safe
- The equipment that is needed according to the load carried, summarised below
| Nature of load (by danger label) | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Labels 3 – 9 | Eye rinsing liquid |
| Labels 2.3 and 6.1 | Emergency escape mask |
| Labels 3, 4.1, 4.3, 8, 9 | 1) Drain seal, 2) Shovel, 3) Plastic collecting container |
For further information pertaining to ‘Miscellaneous Equipment’, please visit the HSE website at the link below:
Chapter 8.4 ADR – Vehicles carrying dangerous goods in the quantities listed in ADR Chapter 8.5 for a given substance shall be supervised or alternatively may be parked, unsupervised, in a secure depot or secure factory premises.
If such facilities are not available, the vehicle, after having been properly secured, may be parked in an isolated position in :-
- a vehicle park supervised by an attendant who has been notified of the nature of the load and the whereabouts of the driver, or, if not available,
- a public or private vehicle park where the vehicle is not likely to suffer damage from other vehicles, or, if not available
- a suitable open space separated from the public highway and from dwellings, where the public does not normally pass or assemble
Vehicle Certification
All vehicles that carry Dangerous Goods are subject to Dangerous Goods Vehicle Testing which includes ADR testing, Special HGV Annual Test procedures and documentation specifically required for all Dangerous or Hazardous Goods Vehicles or containers.
The links below are specific to vehicles/containers regarding, testing, cerification etc.