ADR in the warehouse: hazard classes, separation and exempt quantities
How to correctly classify, label, and segregate hazardous goods
On a warehouse that receives or dispatches dangerous goods, ADR regulations are part of daily work. ADR — the European convention for road transport of dangerous goods — determines how goods are classified, labeled, separated, and documented. You don't need to know every single rule by heart, but you should be able to recognize dangerous goods, understand the labeling, and know when to ask.
§The nine hazard classes in ADR
Farligt gods inddeles efter den dominerende fare i ni klasser. Klassen styrer både faresedlen på kolliet og hvilke stoffer, der ikke må stå eller sendes sammen:
| Class | Type of hazard | Example of everyday item. |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explosive substances | Certain pyrotechnic and explosive products |
| 2 | Gases | Pressure cylinders, gas cans, certain spray cans |
| 3 | Flammable liquids | Paint, thinner, spirits, certain cleaning agents |
| 4 | Flammable/self-igniting solids | Certain metal powders ignition sources |
| 5 | Oxidising substances and peroxides | Bleach, certain fertilizers |
| 6 | Toxicity by inhalation | Certain pesticides test material |
| 7 | Radioactive substances | Measuring and medical sources |
| 8 | Corrosive substances | Acids, bases, drain cleaner, battery acid |
| 9 | Various hazardous substances | Lithium batteries, hazardous substances |
§UN number and hazard labels
Each substance has a four-digit UN number, an official proper shipping name and possibly a packing group indicating the hazard level. Packages are marked with diamond-shaped hazard labels that show the class with colour and symbol — e.g. a flame for flammable, a skull for toxic, a beaker symbol for corrosive. Learn the symbols so you can immediately see what you are dealing with.
§Separation and co-loading
Some classes must not stand or be transported together because they can react dangerously with each other. An oxidizing substance leaking onto flammable material can for example greatly promote a fire. ADR and company rules contain compatibility tables that tell what can and cannot stand together. Follow them consistently – also when busy and the temptation to 'just put it here' is great.
§Limited quantities and exemptions
ADR has more lenient rules below certain quantity thresholds. If only small quantities are sent per package and per transport unit — the so-called exempt quantity/value table — a number of the heavy requirements fall away. The thresholds depend on the substance's class and package group and are set out in the ADR. This is not something you estimate by feel: if you are in doubt about whether a shipment is below the threshold, ask a responsible person or the company's safety adviser.
§Your role and training
The one who handles or prepares dangerous goods must have training appropriate to the task. Companies with a certain amount of dangerous goods must appoint a safety adviser with a special exam. As a warehouse worker you must know the marking follow the separation rules use the prescribed protective equipment and only do what you have been trained to do.
When you know the nine hazard classes can read hazard labels and UN numbers keep incompatible substances separate and know when to ask about exemption amounts and training you handle hazardous goods safely and legally in the warehouse.