Posted By Heather Aston I have (thankfully) not been involved in the dangerous goods by road requirements for some years. Unfortunately as part of a temporary agreement we have agreed to act as a holding site and forwarding agency for the transport of some materials that are classified under the rules as "dangerous". Suddenly I am whisked into the bewildering world of tremcards, packing groups, UN classifications and incomprehensible derogations. I have just opened a copy of ADR Part 1 and it's 629 pages!! Now I am a speed-reader but that's a bit much even for me (there's a part 2 as well!). I've read the HSE's intro to ADR but it refers to the ADR document itself a lot and doesn't stand alone. The remaining HSE guidance all seems to refer to the old CDGCPL regs and I assume can no longer be relied on? I'd be very grateful if there is anyone out there who deals with this on a regular basis or perhaps is even a DGSA who could give me some help. We don't deal with Class 1 goods and as we are simply acting as a middle man, the goods are already classified, labelled and packed properly (Thank Goodness). My main questions relate to the provision of information to drivers and the marking of vehicles - who is responsibile for what and what is required? We are using a third party as carrier so the driver training, vehicle suitability and all that complicated stuff isn't our responsibility. The carrier seems to think vehicle marking (provision of the diamond-shaped placards) is down to us - surely that's not correct? Hoping someone out there knows more than me.....(not hard) Heather

Posted By Heather Aston Thanks Ian That's very useful. The exact situation is that we have a factory site which normally uses chemicals - some of which are classified dangerous for transport. As part of a transfer of processes, some of these chemicals need to go to another of our sites in France. As a temporary measure we are having everything delivered to one (UK) site, sorting it and sending the required materials on to France. We are doing this for ourselves not on behalf of the person who sends the goods to us, so I take that to mean that we're the consignor? The goods are already labelled - it's just a matter of us deciding which pallets need to go to France and getting them put into another lorry (not the same carrier that delivers them to us unfortunately). We have persauded our original supplier to let us have copies of their tremcards (in English & French) - presumably we should change any emergency contact details unless the original supplier is OK with theirs staying on the documentation? The bit I read said that the carrier was responsible for vehicle placards and the consignor was responsible for the tremcards and for giving the carrier the necessary information beforehand so that they turn up with the correct placards- is that not the case? Last time I was invlved in this, all that was required for dangerous goods in packages was orange plates front and rear. I assume this requirement for the diamond shaped warning signs (like the packaging labels) is new since the early 90s. Is there still an overall orange plate requirement or not? I'm now reading Part 2 of ADR - luckily Part 1 is mostly tables - but I'd still appreciate any further practical guidance/advice from those who've done this (as Ian obviously has) Heather

Posted By IanD Hi Heather Just to claify - In your situation you are responsible for providing the correct paperwork. The carrier (driver) is responsible for the vehicle marking, assuming that you give him the relevent information. We did the exact oposite. Sent all our products to our German warehouse who then supplied the customer base.

Posted By lawrence baldwin Heather I may be coming into this a bit late and I am sure you have excellent advice. But just be aware of your quantities if not already mentioned to you because given certain criteria, you could ship under: "limited Quantities" (3.4.6, where the ADR does not apply) Excempted Quantities (1.1.3.6 where only some of the ADR applies such as Documentation and you get excemption from the majority of the ADR) Beware of differing types of hazards as well as classification is dependant on a "Table of Precedence" (2.1.3.10) Give who is advising you, amount to be shipped, number of inner and outer packages and contents thereof including UN number. (and nationality of driver if different from those countries he is driving through) Such a fun subject!!!!! Lawrence

Posted By CHRISTOPHER HAYWARD I am also a qualified DGSA as well and did it full time until 11 weeks ago. If it is going on a ferry, don't forget the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code aka IMDG. There are more than 2 volumes of that, although very often the differences are minor. I love the topic, but all good things come ot an end.

Posted By Peter Taylor14 contact M Butterworth 07881910144