Posted By Richard L Morning Ladies and Gentlemen I’m wondering if any of you good people could offer any advice on the following query. I work for a couple of transport and storage companies that are involved with a pallet freight forwarding company. The pallet freight company has about 50 hauliers that deliver to and distribute from a central hub. It has been brought to my attention that a couple of haulage companies have been awarded contracts to distribute fireworks from the manufacturer via the hub around the country. I will be issuing information and advice as to the safety precautions when the fireworks arrive at the hub and subsequently stored at hauliers premises. However, I’m having a spot of bother with the actual transport issues i.e. what are safe quantities, can fireworks be mixed with other goods, are the drivers required to have the full ADR licence or is basic training and a fire extinguisher (as a means of escape) sufficient. I have spoken to the D.O.T., R.H.A and the H.S.E. and it does seem to be a grey area with no one being able to give me a conclusive answer. I have considered recommending that we steer clear but believe that with the right control measures and precautions we will be fine. Any experiences and/or assistance will be greatly appreciated, thank you. Richard

Posted By Paul Graham Baskeyfield Hi, Fireworks have there own UN number & are classed as explosives (Class 1, un 0333 to 0337), with classification codes 1.1G to 1.4S.(ADR 2005) What you need to do depends on the classification codes (these depend on the explosive properties of the fireworks), you need un numbers & these codes from the supplier for each firework type. .......you will also need the services of a qualified DGSA.

Posted By Paul Cook It would be worth checking out the storage requirements in MSER before continuing with the transportation process. Storage has been substantially altered in the last year, requirements and seperation distances have increased as have the licensing costs. The EIG/HSE LOCEF database provides some info on un numbers and hazard classes. Most firework companys handle their own deliveries with in-house ADR drivers because of these issues.

Posted By Stuart Nagle I would also consult your company's insurer in respect of storage of explosives and transport of explosives. If this not within your usual modus operandi they may well refuse to cover you without an appropriate health and safety plan for the works and an audit to ensure the respective provisions are in place and competent assistance available. Stuart