ADR and the safe transportation of dangerous goods

Posted 12th May 2019

The Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route (ADR) was created in 1957.  The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) set out regulations governing the transportation of dangerous goods via the highway.

ADR transport rules are constantly evolving, so every two years, the agreement is updated with detailed rules.  On 1 January 2021, it will become known as the “Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road”.  This is due in part to the misconception that only European countries were able to sign up.

What it means for us, and therefore our customers, is that despite the ADR containing no provision for enforcement, we do have to follow the letter of the law according to the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (“CDG 2009“).   This came into force on 1 July 2009, replacing the 2007 regulations.  These Regulations implement ADR 2017 (with a number of exceptions).  For those interested in a little light reading, information on the operation of the regulations can be found in the CDG manual.

We sell a range of ADR approved items, including diesel dispensers, fuel bowsers, AdBlue dispensers and diesel storage tanks.  Security requirements, packaging and labelling are all defined within ADR regulations.

This is enforced by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) via the police and VOSA (Vehicle and Operators Service Agency)