Transport documentation
The Dangerous Goods Section is maintained/updated courtesy of David Bond Ltd. If you have any requirements regarding Dangerous Goods, be that advice or Training, please contact David Bond direct at [email protected]
Instructions in Writing
Drivers are required to carry 'Instructions in Writing' which is a 4 page document that sets out emergency information and
emergency equipment. These replace Tremcards but, whereas Tremcards were issued by the sender of the goods, Instuctions in Writing must be
issued to drivers by their employers and kept safely by drivers and should be readily available in the drivers cab.
'Instructions in Writing' details are as follows:
- First page will outline the General Safety Instructions for Dangerous Goods.
- The Second and Third Pages will define the Class specific Hazard Characteristics and Additional Guidance illustrated by the 9 Class Danger Labels.
- The fourth Page will define the Minimum Drivers Personal and Safety Equipment.
Vehicle requirements are;-
- Wheel Chock, suited to the size of Tyre and weight of Vehicle (Two for Articulated vehicles and draw-bar combinations on EU Journeys)
- 2 Self Standing Warning Signs. (in Europe Flashing Lights).
- Eye-Wash Solution. (Not required for Some explosives and Gases).
For each of the Vehicle Crew:-
- Warning Vest (Hi-Vis).
- Intrinsically safeTorch (Non-spark).
- Protective Gloves.
- Eye protection.
Additional items required for certain Classes:-
Classes 2.3 and 6.1:-
- Escape Mask.
For Classes 3, 4.1, 4.3, 8, 9:-
- Plastic shovel.
- Drain Seal.
- Plastic Bucket.
Safety Data Sheets
Sometimes shippers will provide Safety Data Sheets, particularly when transport includes a sea journey. There are 16 Sections to this
document, and defines in more detail the hazards and handling requirements of the Product, also First Aid, Spill Procedure and Fire
Fighting Measures. Transport Information can be found in Section 14 for Road, Sea and Air Transport. However, it is important to note that
drivers should always follow the emergency instructions in the 'Instructions in Writing' and not the Safety Data Sheets.
Dangerous Goods Shipping Note
A Transport Document must accompany the Dangerous Goods for all levels above Limited Quantities. This can be in any format as long as the
relevant information is included but a 'Multi-Modal Dangerous Goods Note' (see image) is often the best option,
particularly if the transport includes a sea journey.
The transport document must have the following information.
- The UN Number of the Goods.
- The PSN (Proper Shipping Name) of the goods.
- The Class Number of the goods.
- The Packing Group, or where there is no packing group, the Classification Code.
- The total quantity of the goods and in what size packages.
- The Gross and Nett weights.
- The Consignor' details.
- The Consignee' details.
- Tunnel code
- The declaration in Box 17 completed with the name, signature and telephone number of the person making the declaration.
Container Packing Certificate.
The Multi-Modal Dangerous Goods Note includes a Container Packing Certificate, for goods travelling by sea or via the Channel Tunnel.
This should be completed by the person loading the vehicle, trailer or container, or the driver only if he has seen and
controlled the load loaded and can verify the contents and loading specifications.
This signature declares the following:-
- The vehicle was clean, dry and fit to receive the goods.
- No incompatible substances have been loaded onto the container.
(Beware IMDG Regulations have stricter incompatibility regulations). - All packages have been inspected for Damage, and no unsound packages are loaded.
- All packages are secure in the vehicle.
- All packages are correctly marked and labelled.
Responsibility of Consignor
- Ensuring Packages used are correct UN Packages, correctly marked and labelled
- Ensuring all packages are safe to load - no leakers or damage.
- Ensuring Overpacks are correctly marked
- Ensuring the Carrier is informed of the Dangerous Goods to be loaded, in writing.
- Providing the driver a transport document, e.g., Dangerous Goods Shipping Note (DGN).
- Ensuring the person completing the transport document is properly trained.
- Signing the Declarant Box on the DG Note
- Providing the Placards if required
- Providing the Safety Data Sheet if Required
- Ensuring the Vehicle loaders are trained
- Vehicle loaders to Sign the Container Packing Certificate (only) if it is a full load
Responsibility of Carrier
- Select Correct Vehicle
- Select trained driver with appropriate ADR training certificate for the goods to be carried
- Provide Driver with PPE, and Vehicle safety Equipment
- Appoint DGSA
- Ensure Vehicle Supervision Regulations are Complied with, if in Scope
- Providing Driver with Copy Tremcard
- Ensure Transport Security Plan or policy is adhered to, if in scope
- Ensure no incompatible goods planned on vehicle
- Observe Emergency Procedures and Reporting requirements with regard to RIDDOR and ADR
- Ensure Training of All Staff. Keeping of Training Documents
- Provide a contact Telephone Number in case of incidents
- To Report to the DGSA any accidents or Incidents involving Dangerous Goods
- Ensure transport Document have been kept for 3 month after the journey
Further Reading
For further information concerning ADR documentation, please visit the links below:
