Transporting dangerous goods by road is a highly regulated activity, vital for ensuring safety for both the driver and the public. In the UK, the ADR Agreement (Accord Dangereux Routier) governs the transportation of hazardous materials, setting strict requirements. These include specific regulations for ADR driver training, equipment, and documentation. This blog provides an in-depth look at the key ADR driver requirements in the UK.
ADR Driving: What is it?
The ADR consists of regulations for the international transportation of dangerous goods by road. It ensures the safe transport of substances such as chemicals, explosives, and radioactive materials. ADR in driving refers to the set of safety standards drivers must follow when transporting hazardous materials. An ADR driver is any professional responsible for operating vehicles that carry these dangerous goods, ensuring the safe and legal transportation of the load.
In the UK, drivers transporting dangerous goods must comply with ADR guidelines, meeting standards for safety, training, and vehicle preparedness.
What is an ADR Driver?
An ADR driver is a professional trained and certified to carry dangerous goods by road. Drivers must follow the ADR regulations to ensure safe transportation of hazardous materials. To become an ADR driver, individuals must undergo extensive training and certification, qualifying them to operate vehicles that transport dangerous goods.
ADR Driver: Requirements
Health and safety executive clearly explains different requirements for transporting dangerous goods in its guidance manual, the summary of which is as follows:
ADR Driver Training
Proper training is one of the most essential requirements for ADR drivers. Drivers must undergo ADR training and obtain a certificate proving they have the knowledge to safely transport dangerous goods. The training covers general principles of dangerous goods transport, specific risks associated with the materials being transported, and emergency handling procedures.
What is ADR driver training? It is specialized training that covers safety protocols, handling, and emergency responses when transporting hazardous materials. All drivers who carry dangerous goods by road must complete this training, ensuring they understand the potential hazards and know how to manage them.
ADR Driver Test
After completing ADR training, drivers must pass the ADR driver test, which evaluates their knowledge of regulations and safety protocols related to transporting dangerous goods. This test is crucial for obtaining the ADR vocational training certificate required by law.
ADR Driver Training Cost
The cost of ADR driver training varies depending on the course provider and the type of training required. On average, the basic training costs range from £300 to £500, with additional charges for specific modules depending on the type of dangerous goods being transported.
Transport Unit Requirements for ADR Driver
The transport unit refers to the combination of vehicles used to transport dangerous goods. This could include a single vehicle, a tractor unit and semi-trailer (articulated lorry), or a rigid lorry with a trailer. For example, an articulated lorry consists of two vehicles but is considered one transport unit under ADR regulations.
Vehicle Equipment
Drivers must ensure their vehicles are equipped with necessary safety tools and equipment to handle dangerous goods:
- Orange Plates: Drivers must display these at the front and rear of the vehicle during loading, unloading, and transit. The orange plates identify the vehicle as carrying hazardous materials.
- Fire Extinguishers: Drivers must carry fire extinguishers based on the vehicle’s size. The minimum requirements for extinguishers vary by vehicle weight, ranging from 2 kg for light vehicles to 12 kg for larger vehicles.
- Wheel Chocks: Drivers must carry these to prevent unintentional vehicle movement. If driving abroad, the chocks must be made of rubber or plastic.
- Pocket Lamp: A pocket lamp is required for safe inspection of the vehicle or cargo in dark conditions.
- Warning Vest: Drivers must wear a high-visibility vest, especially when the vehicle is stationary or unloading.
Firefighting Equipment and Miscellaneous Tools
Additional safety equipment includes:
- Spill Kits: These kits contain items like shovels, brooms, and antidote packs for containing hazardous spills.
- PPE: Drivers must carry Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, gas masks, and hard hats. Drivers must maintain and update their PPE, ensuring items like the gas mask filter and eyewash bottle are within their expiry dates.
Documentation Requirements for ADR Drivers
ADR drivers must carry specific documentation to confirm the safe and legal transportation of dangerous goods:
- Dangerous Goods Note (DG Note): This document details the hazardous goods being carried, including the type, quantity, and handling instructions.
- Transport Emergency Card (TREM Card): Drivers must read and understand the TREM card before taking responsibility for the load. The card provides emergency response instructions in case of accidents.
- Vehicle Certificate of Approval: For certain dangerous goods (e.g., flammable liquids, oxidizing substances), the vehicle may require an additional certificate of approval.
- Photographic Identity: This is required for transporting High Consequence Dangerous Goods (HCDG) to verify the driver’s identity.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) For ADR Drivers
As part of the ADR requirements, drivers must carry the appropriate PPE for the goods being transported. This includes:
- Hard Hat: The hard hat must not be older than 5 years.
- Gas Mask Respirator Filter: Drivers must ensure the filter has not expired.
- Eyewash Bottle: Drivers must ensure the bottle is still within its expiry date.
Additionally, drivers should carry any load-specific safety equipment based on the nature of the goods being transported, such as antidote packs or special extinguishers.
Vehicle Placards and Marking
ADR drivers must ensure their vehicle has:
- Orange Plates: Drivers must display these on both the front and rear of the vehicle when transporting dangerous goods, especially those categorized under Class 1 (Explosives) and Class 7 (Radioactive Materials).
- Dangerous Goods Placards: Drivers must display these placards on the sides and rear of the vehicle when transporting certain classes of dangerous goods (e.g., Class 1 or 7).
Operational Guidelines for ADR Drivers
ADR drivers must follow specific guidelines to ensure the safety of their vehicle, goods, and themselves:
- Load-Specific Requirements: Each type of dangerous good has unique safety and handling specifications. Drivers must adhere to these specifications.
- No Smoking or Naked Flames: Smoking and open flames are strictly prohibited when handling hazardous materials.
- No Opening of Packages: Except under UK regulations, drivers should not open packages containing hazardous materials.
- No Passengers: Only crew members with ADR certification and their own PPE may ride as passengers when transporting dangerous goods.
In Case of Emergencies for ADR Drivers
If a fire or emergency occurs involving dangerous goods, the driver should not attempt to fight the fire. Instead, the driver should:
- Alert Emergency Services: The driver must call the appropriate emergency number and provide details about the hazardous materials involved.
- Evacuate the Area: The driver must clear the surrounding area of people.
- Provide Load Information: Once emergency services arrive, the driver must provide them with all necessary details about the dangerous goods in vehicle.
Police and DVSA Checks
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the police regularly stop vehicles carrying dangerous goods for compliance checks. During these checks, authorities will inquire about:
- UN Number
- Product details
- Fire safety procedures
- Special instructions
Failure to comply with ADR regulations may result in prohibition notices or penalties. ADR drivers must ensure their paperwork, equipment, and safety protocols are in order before setting out.
High Consequence Loads for ADR Drivers
When transporting High Consequence Dangerous Goods (HCDG), ADR drivers must carry a Dangerous Load Card (DLC), which verifies their identity if authorities ask them to stop. Drivers should always call 999 to confirm the authenticity of any authorities requesting a stop, especially when dealing with unmarked vehicles.
How much do tanker drivers earn?
The ADR driver salary varies depending on experience and the type of dangerous goods transported. On average, an ADR driver earns between £30,000 and £40,000 per year. However, salaries may rise for those transporting more hazardous or specialized materials.
Conclusion
Becoming an ADR driver in the UK carries significant responsibility. By adhering to the requirements outlined in the ADR regulations, drivers help ensure the safety of themselves, the public, and the environment. From training and certification to vehicle equipment and documentation, ADR drivers must follow strict protocols and procedures. By meeting these regulations, they help keep roads safe and ensure the legal transport of dangerous goods. Through proper ADR driver training and knowledge of the ADR requirements, drivers are ready to navigate the complexities of transporting hazardous materials.