How well do you know the written instructions according to ADR?

Written instructions in accordance with ADR are official guidelines for the driver, which must be accessible in the driver's cabin at an easily reachable location during the transport of dangerous goods.  

Before starting the transport, drivers must obtain information about the loaded dangerous goods and read the written instructions to familiarize themselves with the necessary measures in case of an accident or emergency. 

The carrier must provide the written instructions before the start of the transport, in a language understood by the driver. The carrier must ensure that all vehicle crew members understand the instructions and can execute them correctly. 

Written instructions are available in various languages on the UNECE website (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe). 

How are the written instructions structured? 

The written instructions consist of four pages and are divided into three content sections: 

1. Page: measures in case of an accident or emergency: 

• activate brakes, stop the engine, and disconnect the battery using the disconnect switch, if available, 

• avoid sources of ignition, especially smoking, using electronic cigarettes and similar devices, or engaging electrical equipment is prohibited, 

• notify the appropriate emergency services and provide them with as much information as possible about the incident or accident and the substances involved, 

• wear reflective vests and set up self-standing warning signs, if appropriate, 

• prepare transport documents in an easily accessible location for responders upon arrival, 

• do not walk on or touch spilled substances; stay upwind to avoid inhaling vapors, smoke, dust, and fumes, 

• if appropriate and safe, use fire extinguishers to put out small/initial fires on tires, brakes, and the engine, 

• vehicle crew members must not extinguish a fire in the cargo area of the vehicle, 

• if appropriate and safe, use vehicle equipment to prevent substances from leaking into water or sewage and to collect spilled liquids, 

• move away from the immediate vicinity of the accident or emergency and warn others to move away and follow the instructions of emergency services, 

• remove any contaminated clothing and dispose of used contaminated protective equipment safely.  

2. Pages 2 and 3: hazardous properties and additional measures

   The second and third pages of the written instructions contain additional instructions regarding the hazardous properties of dangerous goods by ADR classes and measures based on predominant properties.  

           As an example, here are the instructions for ADR class 4.3 (Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases):  

           What does this mean in practice?   

           The driver must familiarize themselves with the hazardous properties of the dangerous goods before transport. If transporting dangerous goods of class 4.3, marked with blue hazard labels, they must prevent the goods from coming into contact with water.  

4. Page: personal protective and safety equipment

On the last page of the written instructions, the personal protective equipment and general safety equipment required on the vehicle for implementing general and additional measures for certain hazards are listed: 

• a wheel chock for each vehicle, sized to fit the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle and the diameter of the wheel, 

• two self-standing warning signs, 

• eye wash fluid, 

• reflective vest, 

• hand-held torch, 

• pair of protective gloves, 

• eye protection, 

• gas mask for each vehicle crew member; must be present on the transport unit for substances with hazard label numbers 2.3 or 6.1, 

• shovel, drain cover, collection container. 

Written instructions are an important aid for drivers in case of an accident or emergency. They must familiarize themselves with the content before transport. Regular training and understanding checks of the written instructions significantly reduce risks to people, the environment, and property.  

If you're unsure whether your drivers truly understand the written instructions, I can assist with practical training. I am available at the email address: simona.miklavcic@bens-consulting.eu.