ADR Transport

Organizing the carriage of goods, including ADR shipments, requires extensive knowledge from specialists in this field. The types of cargo commissioned by clients can be very diverse. While organizing the transport of neutral goods on Euro-pallets, ideally in a full 13.6 m truck, is not very difficult, creating a plan for the carriage of dangerous goods (ADR transport) requires broader expertise. The staff at Woz-Trans possess this knowledge and are ready to help clients avoid the many difficulties that can arise during transport.

Legal Basis for the Transport of Dangerous Goods

In 1957, the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) was signed. This agreement regulated many issues related to the transport of ADR goods, including ADR classes and safety rules for their carriage. It is important to note that a new version of the agreement is published every 2 years. This is due to the fact that the chemical industry continuously develops new dangerous goods, for which transport rules must be established.

What are ADR Dangerous Goods?

In the simplest terms, a dangerous good is a substance or article listed in the ADR Agreement. These are goods whose physical, chemical, or biological properties can pose a threat to:

  • people,
  • animals,
  • the environment.

Classification of Goods into ADR Classes

All dangerous goods and the hazards associated with their transport must be classified in accordance with the procedures outlined in the ADR agreement. This means that:

  • every dangerous good is assigned a unique four-digit UN number,
  • ADR goods must be marked with appropriate labels, numbers, and proper shipping names to facilitate identification,
  • dangerous goods must be packed in certified packaging that ensures the safety of their transport

The ADR agreement establishes 9 hazard classes for dangerous goods (although there are 13 classifications in total, as some classes have divisions):

  1. Explosive substances and articles – Hazard: explosion (e.g., fireworks)

Insight: In December, leading up to New Year’s Eve, there is a significant surge in demand for the transport of fireworks and pyrotechnic materials (Class 1). It is common for less experienced forwarders to request only a basic ADR driver certification. However, not all ADR-certified drivers are authorized to transport Class 1 goods, which requires specialist training. These shipments are often highly compensated due to the difficulty in sourcing appropriately qualified carriers. By entrusting such cargo to Woz-Trans, clients can rest assured that all specific requirements will be expertly managed.

  1. Gases – Hazard: flammable, toxic, corrosive (e.g., chlorine, propane-butane)
  2. Flammable liquids – Hazard: flammable (e.g., petrol, kerosene)
    1. Flammable solids, self-reactive substances, and solid desensitized explosives – Hazard: flammable, explosive (e.g., sulphur, matches)
      1. Substances liable to spontaneous combustion (e.g., white phosphorus)
        1. Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases (e.g., calcium carbide, sodium)
    1. Oxidizing substances – Hazard: intensify fire by providing oxygen (e.g., potassium permanganate)
      1. Organic peroxides (e.g., white phosphorus)
    1. Toxic substances – Hazard: lethal poisoning (e.g., potassium cyanide, arsenic)
      1. Infectious substances – Hazard: can cause epidemics or diseases (e.g., medical waste)
    1. Radioactive material – Hazard: radiation exposure (e.g., alpha, beta, gamma radiation)
    2. Corrosive substances – Hazard: destroy tissue and skin (e.g., acids)
    3. Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles – Hazard: various, making classification difficult (e.g., asbestos, polystyrene, hot asphalt).

Who is Authorized to Transport ADR Cargo?

An experienced forwarding operator knows that the transport of dangerous goods requires a driver who meets the following criteria:

– Is at least 21 years of age – this does not apply to drivers of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland, who acquire the necessary skills during military training.

– Has completed a certified ADR course and successfully passed the corresponding examination. The methods for obtaining ADR certificates and the examination procedures are detailed in the Regulation of the Minister of Transport, Construction and Maritime Economy of February 15, 2012.

– Holds a valid ADR certificate, which is valid for a period of 5 years and can be renewed for a subsequent 5 years.

In the case of a two-person crew, both drivers must hold the required ADR certifications, even if only one is scheduled to operate the vehicle throughout the journey.

It should also be noted that a driver transporting dangerous goods must be equipped with essential safety equipment. This must include:

  • two fire extinguishers,
  • at least one wheel chock appropriately sized for the vehicle’s mass and wheel diameter,
  • two self-standing warning signs (e.g., reflective triangles or cones) or amber warning lights, independent of the vehicle’s electrical system,
  • a high-visibility warning vest for each member of the vehicle crew,
  • a portable lighting apparatus (torch/flashlight) with no metallic surfaces that could cause sparking, for each crew member,
  • eye protection for each crew member,
  • a pair of protective gloves for each crew member.

Additionally, for certain hazard classes, the following are required:

  • an emergency eye-wash solution – not required for hazard classes 1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3,
  • an emergency escape mask for each crew member on a vehicle carrying goods of class 2.3 or 6.1.

Mandatory equipment for transporting solids or liquids with hazard labels for classes 3, 4.1, 4.3, 8, or 9:

  • a shovel,
  • a drain seal,
  • a collecting container.

Documents Required for the Transport of Dangerous Goods

A driver transporting ADR goods must have the following documents available in the vehicle’s cabin:

  • a transport document with details of the dangerous goods being carried,
  • written instructions for the driver on actions to be taken in the event of an accident or emergency,
  • the driver’s ADR training certificate,
  • a certificate of approval for vehicles carrying certain dangerous goods (applies only to tankers or vehicles transporting explosive materials),
  • a special permit for the transport of certain explosive materials and articles,
  • a valid driving license for the required ADR category

Vehicle – Basic Requirements for ADR Transport

Dangerous goods are most commonly transported using:

  • trucks with curtain-sider or tarpaulin semi-trailers,
  • tankers,
  • containers.

A vehicle carrying ADR goods must be marked at the front and rear with orange-coloured plates. Additionally, tankers and vehicles used for transporting explosive materials undergo inspection by the Transport Technical Supervision (Urząd Dozoru Transportowego) and at certified vehicle inspection stations. This inspection validates their approval for the transport of these specific types of goods.

ADR Regulations in Poland

In Poland, the transport of dangerous goods is restricted to persons who are at least 21 years of age. This limitation does not apply to drivers of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland, who obtain the relevant qualifications during their military training. Since 2003, every enterprise involved in ADR transport in Poland has been required to appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA). The DGSA is responsible for implementing procedures as stipulated by the ADR convention.

Formal Requirements

Organizing ADR transport presents challenges relating not only to the multitude of safety requirements but also to administrative formalities. The transport of dangerous goods must be reported in advance, which ensures that in the event of an incident, the location and timing of a potential accident—which could be significantly more severe than a standard traffic collision—are known to the authorities. Consequently, a complete set of necessary documents must be compiled before transport commences, including the shipper’s declaration, transport documents, and written instructions.

Responsibility for ADR Transport

All parties involved in the transport chain—including the consignor, carrier, driver, and consignee—are jointly responsible for the safe and compliant carriage of dangerous materials. However, the driver ultimately bears the highest level of direct responsibility during transit.

Obligations of the Carrier of Dangerous Goods

The carrier’s obligations include verifying that the person transporting the ADR goods holds the appropriate qualifications and that the vehicle used meets all technical requirements. The carrier must also ensure the cargo is properly secured to prevent movement during transit.

Obligations of the Driver Performing ADR Transport

The driver must verify that the consignor has provided all necessary documentation and that the vehicle is correctly marked and placarded for the goods being transported. Importantly, it is the driver who bears the greatest responsibility for the loading, transit, and unloading of dangerous materials. An exception to this is when the consignor fails to provide complete and accurate information about the consignment. The consignor must be familiar with ADR regulations and should entrust the transport to a freight forwarding company that can ensure compliance with all safety requirements.

Obligations of the Consignee of Dangerous Goods

The consignee’s obligations include not delaying the acceptance of goods without compelling reasons. After unloading, the consignee must also verify that their specific requirements under ADR have been met, which include:

  • Performing the required cleaning and decontamination of the vehicles and containers.
  • Ensuring that once containers are unloaded, cleaned, and decontaminated, they no longer bear any ADR hazard placards or markings.

Consequences of Transporting ADR Goods Without Required Authorizations

The penalty amounts for violations of ADR regulations are specified in the Polish Act on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Financial penalties can be imposed for non-compliance with documentation requirements, breaches of transport procedures, and violations related to transport units and packaging. For example, a driver transporting dangerous goods without the required ADR certificate may be fined PLN 2,000. Failure to obtain the required certificate of approval for a vehicle designated for dangerous goods transport carries a fine of PLN 6,000.

ADR in International Transport

Before shipping products classified as ADR internationally, it is essential to verify their admissibility, as each country may have its own regulations prohibiting certain goods in cross-border transport. The shipment of many such items requires special consent or a license. It is advisable to determine in advance whether a specific consignment is permitted and what documentation is required.

Additional Formalities for the Transport of Dangerous Goods

Freight forwarders at Woz-Trans guide clients step-by-step through the complexities of ADR transport. Leveraging our extensive knowledge in this field, we assist clients with both the selection of an appropriate carrier and the management of other administrative requirements.

One of these requirements is the obligation to notify the authorities of an ADR transport. This notification must be made in writing to the provincial Police Commander and the provincial State Fire Service Commander.

The following parties are obligated to submit this notification:

  1. The consignor of the dangerous goods (no later than 5 days before the start of transport) – if the transport originates in the Republic of Poland and is performed by a foreign carrier.
  2. The carrier (no later than 5 days before the start of transport) – if the transport originates in the Republic of Poland and is performed by a domestic carrier.
  3. The relevant Border Guard post (before granting entry permission for a vehicle with dangerous goods into Poland) – if the transport originates abroad.

Handling Complex ADR Shipments

The transport of ADR goods requires in-depth knowledge of current regulations. By entrusting your shipments to us, you can be assured of our comprehensive expertise. Thanks to the experience and continuous professional development of the Woz-Trans team, the organization of even the most demanding dangerous goods transport presents no challenge for us.