Posted By Martyn Hendrie Stuart, Not my particular area of expertise but think the info you require is in "The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004" Hope this helps Martyn

Posted By dbh That obviously took longer to type up than I realised!

Posted By Rob Yuill The small signs described (100mm x 100mm) are actually packaging labels and are not required to be displayed on vehicles. Unless the minimum quantity threshold is triggered for the respective hazardous substances being carried no labelling is required. If the minimum quantity is exceeded signage would be required and for packaged goods would be the plain orange placards as seen on large goods vehicles - hardly fiting for vans. Managing the volumes being carried is essential to avoid an excessive legislative burden, as if thresholds are triggered more than simple signage may be required. The vehicle does have to be designed for carrying the substances and this includes proper containment and where required segregation of incompatable substances. A bulkhead between crew and load compartment is a good idea as it also provides protection in the event of a RTA. Also ensure the driver and crew have been adequately trained and or briefed as to their duties when carrying goods. Rob

Posted By garyh Its worse than that. You are carrying Dangerous Goods and so need the services of a DGSA (Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor). This is under the UK Carriage regs whcih implement the ADR agreement. Get more ifno from the CHCS website http://www.chcs.org.uk/. However I wouldn't worry - the HSE is clueless in this area and very unlikely to challenge you. (DFT might though). (For info I am still a qualified but "retired DGSA")

Posted By Helen C I am not sure about you transporting fuel but I do know about the BA cylinder side of things. You only need to display the signs when carrying over a certain volume of compressed air (and even then it depends how many of what size of cylinder you are carrying). I have it documented, email me direct if you want the quantities. Helen

Posted By Rob Yuill Martin, in theory yes we could placard all vehicles regardless of quantity being carried. But would that include estate cars, 4x4s pick-ups, we can go on. The minimum quantities that can be carried without signage have been based on the nature (and hence the classification) of the substance. The higher the risk, the less quantity that can be carried. This also includes explosives. We have all seen totally confusing signage; compressed gas, highly flammable; corrosive all on the same rear door of a van, placed there in an attempt to "do what is right" but without detailed knowledge of what is required under CDG. And this assumes that the substances are actually on board! We must be concious of the fact that a 44 Tonne artic and trailer is only required to display orange boards front and rear when carrying packaged goods, although information does have to be carried in the transport unit. We talk about "sensible Health & Safety" yet this is a prime example of going over and above what the law requires. I'm for doing what is required and nothing more; I would be interested to hear if the emergency services have an opinion. Rob (DGSA)