ADR and transport of hazardous goods

Part of heavy transport concerns hazardous goods — flammable liquids, gases, chemicals and other substances that may pose a risk during transport. The rules for this area are called ADR after the international convention on road transport of hazardous goods, and as a truck mechanic you encounter ADR-related requirements when servicing vehicles equipped for this type of transport.

The ADR convention establishes how hazardous goods must be packaged, marked and transported by road, and in Denmark the rules are implemented in the order on road transport of hazardous goods. The Danish Emergency Management Agency is the authority that issues and renews training certificates for drivers, sets rules for Driver CPC training and approves the course providers that offer it.

Drivers transporting dangerous goods above the so-called free amount — a limit for how much dangerous goods can be transported without full ADR training — must have a valid ADR certificate. The requirements for drivers' qualifications appear in chapter 8.2 of the ADR convention itself and the certificate must be renewed regularly. Companies transporting dangerous goods commercially must in many cases also have a safety adviser who advises on correct handling and compliance with regulations.

A vehicle fitted for ADR transport can have special equipment — from fire extinguishers and warning signs to electrical equipment approved for use in explosive atmospheres. When you service such a vehicle you must know and respect the equipment standard it is certified to so a repair does not inadvertently downgrade the vehicle's ADR approval. This applies for example when replacing electrical components or working on tanks and valves.

• 01Know the difference between regular service and service on an ADR-approved vehicle.
• 02Use only spare parts and components that maintain the vehicle's original ADR approval.
• 03Check dimensions twice – dimensions that don't match are done again.
• 04Document the work so the vehicle's ADR status can be verified upon inspection.

The ADR rules are a good example of how the truck mechanic craft extends beyond mechanics itself — you also work to ensure that a vehicle complies with the legal requirements that apply to the load it is to transport.