Key responsibilities of carriers for the safe transport of dangerous goods

Carriers of dangerous goods have their obligations and duties outlined in the Law on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road). 

Carriers must receive information from shippers about whether the goods are considered dangerous under transport regulations (e.g., via the Safety Data Sheet, where transport information is provided in Section 14, or through the transport document). 

Let's first look at the basic responsibilities of carriers. 

Carriers are responsible for the safety of the vehicle and the cargo they transport. Before starting the transport, they must ensure the following: 

• The vehicle must not be overloaded. 

• The cargo must be secured to prevent movement. 

• The vehicle and the cargo must be free of visible defects. 

• Smoking near or in the vehicle is prohibited. 

In addition to basic duties, carriers also have specific obligations depending on the type of transport. 

Generally, we distinguish between three types of transport: 

1. Transport of dangerous goods in limited quantities or small packaging units according to Chapter 3.4 of ADR. 

1. Transport of dangerous goods in small quantities according to Chapter 1.1.3.6 of ADR (transport up to 1000 points). 

1. “Full” ADR transport (transport over 1000 points). 

Let’s take a closer look at the responsibilities of carriers for each type of transport: 

1. Transport under Chapter 3.4 (limited quantities):

• The driver must be trained according to Chapter 8.2.3 in connection with 1.3 ADR (but does not require an ADR certificate). 

• If the transport involves more than 8 tons of dangerous goods, the vehicle must be appropriately marked. 

2. Transport under Chapter 1.1.3.6 ADR (small quantities):

• The driver must check before transport whether the shipper has provided a transport document with the ADR point calculation (there must not be more than 1000 points). 

• The driver must be trained according to Chapter 8.2.3 in connection with 1.3 ADR (but does not require an ADR certificate). 

• A 2 kg fire extinguisher (EN-3) must be in the vehicle. 

3. “Full” ADR transport:

• The transport company must have an appointed safety advisor. 

• The driver must check before transport whether the shipper has provided a transport document. 

• The driver must be trained according to Chapter 8.2.1 ADR (must have an ADR certificate). 

• A written instruction for action in case of an accident must be in the vehicle, in a language the driver understands. 

• Fire extinguishers (EN-3) must be in the vehicle; the total quantity and capacity of the extinguisher must comply with Chapter 8.1.4.1 ADR. 

• The vehicle must carry mandatory equipment: a wheel chock, two free-standing warning signs, eye wash solution; for each crew member: a reflective vest (EN ISO 20471), a hand-held lamp (EX-rated), a pair of protective gloves, eye protection. 

• For the transport of flammable or corrosive liquids, additional equipment is required: a shovel, a drain cover, and a collection container. For the transport of toxic substances, a gas mask (standard EN 14387/2008) is also required. 

• The vehicle must be marked with orange plates at the front and rear. 

Additional requirements for specific types of transport 

For certain types of dangerous goods, such as the transport of dangerous goods in tanks, bulk cargo, explosives, radioactive materials, and waste, additional requirements apply. 

In these cases, transport companies must have an appointed safety advisor who ensures that transports comply with the legislation regarding the transport of dangerous goods. 

If you are unsure whether your dangerous goods are being transported safely and in compliance with the law, feel free to contact me at simona.miklavcic@bens-consulting.eu.