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Transport of dangerous goods, according to the ADR regulations (French: Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route), requires special attention and adherence to rigorous safety standards. It is one of the most challenging transports to organize due to the high level of risk involved. Below, we will take a closer look at issues related to hazardous materials by various means of transport.
Definition of hazardous goods and cargo
Firstly, it's worth defining what hazardous goods are. Hazardous materials are substances and items whose transport can pose potential risks to human health, the environment, or property.
Classification and examples of hazardous goods
Depending on the type of hazard posed, hazardous goods are divided into hazard classes. There are 9 main classes, which are further divided into subclasses.
Explosive materials
Explosive materials are substances capable of causing explosions under certain conditions. This class includes dynamite, fireworks, and detonators.
Radioactive materials
Radioactive materials are substances that emit ionizing radiation in the form of alpha, beta, or electromagnetic radiation. These include corrosive materials such as sulfuric acid; various materials such as asbestos, air fresheners, anesthetics; magnetic materials such as laboratory electromagnets or magnetic resonance imaging.
Gases
Gases, in the context of transportation, are hazardous substances that exist in a gaseous state under normal temperature and pressure conditions. This classification is based on three main categories: flammable gases (propane, butane, acetylene), non-flammable and non-toxic gases (nitrogen, helium, neon), toxic gases (chlorine, ammonia, phosgene).
Flammable liquids
Flammable liquids are substances that can easily ignite under the influence of a small stimulus, such as a spark. They are commonly used in various industries, but handling them properly requires awareness and adherence to strict safety rules. Examples of flammable liquids include hydrocarbons (gasoline, oils), alcohols (ethanol, methanol), esters (used in the chemical industry for the production of paints, solvents).
Flammable solids
Flammable solids are substances that can ignite or explode under certain conditions without the need for oxygen. These are substances characterized by high chemical reactivity and the ability to rapidly release energy. Flammable solid materials include pyrophoric substances, self-igniting substances, and easily combustible metals.
Oxidizing materials and oxidizers
Oxidizing materials are substances that provide oxygen or facilitate its access in a chemical reaction process. They have the ability to oxidize other substances, i.e., to donate oxygen atoms. Oxidizing materials include peroxides, ozone, nitrates, and many oxygen-containing compounds such as chlorates or permanganates. On the other hand, oxidizers are substances that accept electrons from other substances in a chemical reaction process. As a result, they oxidize other substances, which become oxidizing materials. Examples of oxidizers include hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, iron(III) chloride, chromate(VI), or manganese(VII).
Toxic materials
Toxic materials are substances that, in certain quantities or conditions, can have harmful effects on organisms, both human and other forms of life. These can be chemical compounds that act at the cellular, neurological, or metabolic level, causing harm to health. Hazardous toxic materials include pesticides, industrial chemicals, and radioactive substances.
Corrosive materials
These are chemical substances that, upon contact with other substances, especially biological tissues, cause corrosion, destruction, or permanent damage. They are characterized by a high degree of chemical reactivity and the ability to undergo strong reactions with water or moisture. These materials can be hazardous to humans, animals, and the environment. Examples of corrosive hazardous materials include acids, chlorine compounds, ammonia.
Various hazardous materials and objects
Materials in this class may present various types of hazards that do not fit into more specific categories of other classes in the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This includes various products that may pose potential hazards but do not fit into other categories. This category includes recreational products such as fireworks or firecrackers, household items: batteries, industrial packaging and transportation articles: packaging materials, other substances that do not meet the definition of another class, such as chemical substances.
Methods of dangerous goods transportation
Shipment of dangerous goods requires special precautions to minimize risks to people, the environment, and property. Therefore, it is essential to properly label hazardous materials, package them, secure them, and comply with legal regulations.
Road transport
The transport of dangerous goods by road is one of the most common methods of delivery. Special vehicles adapted for the transport of hazardous substances must meet strict safety standards. Tankers and trucks for transporting chemicals are equipped with systems to prevent leaks and control temperature. Initially, hazardous goods are classified according to ADR regulations, which take into account their chemical and physical properties. Then, according to the classification, appropriate packaging is used, and the transporting vehicle must meet specified safety standards. Drivers are required to have an ADR certificate and appropriate training. Any incidents or accidents must be reported immediately, and personnel must have access to emergency plans.
Rail transport
Rail transport is an efficient method of dangerous goods transport over long distances. Freight cars are adapted to transport various substances, including gases and liquid chemicals. Additional safety measures include emergency systems and strict regulations regarding cargo segregation. In railway transportation of dangerous goods, efficiency is not the only important factor; a high level of safety is also crucial, thanks to the use of specialized procedures, markings, and emergency measures. It is not only an effective means of transportation but also ensures the safety of society and the protection of the natural environment.
Air transport
In the case of transporting dangerous goods, special containers and packaging are used to transport various chemical substances, each type of which must be placed in packaging compliant with regulations. Airports are equipped with special areas for loading and unloading dangerous goods, with appropriate equipment and safety procedures. Air crews, including pilots and cabin crew, must undergo special training in handling dangerous goods and know emergency procedures.
Maritime transport
Dangerous goods shipment by sea is a comprehensive undertaking that requires special attention and rigorous safety measures. The diversity of categories of dangerous goods, such as chemical substances, radioactive materials, or self-igniting materials, poses unique challenges for the maritime industry. Labels, markings, special packaging, and securing are key elements ensuring safe transport. Transport safety protocols, proper staff training, and effective incident management are an integral part of the process. Technologies such as monitoring and tracking minimize risks.
Regulations governing the transport of dangerous goods
Regulations governing the transport of goods that may pose a threat include both national regulations and international principles. At the national level, each country has its regulations regarding the transportation of dangerous goods under ADR, which set safety standards, procedures, and requirements.
At the international level, the Convention concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) for road transport, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMO) for maritime transport, and the International Railway Transport (RID) for railway transport play important roles.
International ADR Convention
The International ADR Convention, also known as the Convention concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road, is an agreement regulating the transport of dangerous substances and materials by road. This convention was adopted to standardize procedures and principles for the safe transport of dangerous goods by road, both at the national and international levels. This international convention serves as an important instrument that enables the harmonization of national regulations regarding the road transportation of dangerous goods, thereby contributing to the improvement of safety for both those involved in transportation and society.
CLP Regulation
The United Nations (UN) publishes the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), abbreviated as the CLP Regulation, which serves as the basis for many international regulations concerning the transportation of dangerous goods. This common system facilitates global agreement, raising safety standards worldwide.
Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Regulations specify special requirements for the packaging of materials intended for the transportation of dangerous goods. They aim to provide adequate protection against leakage, damage, or other potential hazards.
According to the regulations, dangerous substances such as self-reactive materials, materials that produce flammable gases on contact with water, or explosive articles are classified according to the type of hazard, such as toxicity or flammability. Labels, which must be placed on the packaging, provide information about the nature of the hazardous goods.