bulletin
Changes to information requirements when carrying dangerous goods by road
10 June 2009
When carrying goods by road or rail, there is the unavoidable
possibility that they may be involved in a traffic accident. If the
freight being transported is dangerous in character, the
repercussions of such an accident could be substantial. Incidents
such as spillage could occur, leading to hazards including
explosion, fire, environmental damage or chemical burn.
The European Agreement on the International Road Carriage of
Dangerous Goods (ADR) requires that vehicles contain information
known as ‘Instructions in Writing’, which advise the driver and
emergency services of how to respond in the event of an accident.
However, as of 1 July 2009, the requirements relating to
Instructions in Writing change significantly.
Prior to this date, information has often been provided in the
form of ‘Transport Emergency Cards’, more commonly referred to as
‘Tremcards.’ Tremcards must be carried in the cab of any vehicle
carrying dangerous goods in quantities exceeding the prescribed
minimum.
Key implications to consider as a result of the changes
introduced by ADR 2009 include:
- It is now the driver/haulier's responsibility to provide the
vehicle crew with the Instructions in Writing, as opposed to the
consignor, as was previously the case
- The Instructions in Writing to be provided will now be a single
ADR prescribed document which covers all dangerous goods, rather
than a document specific to the particular set of goods being
transported. It is four pages long and details what action is to be
taken in an emergency, giving guidance on the specific dangers and
actions to be taken for each class of dangerous goods
- The Instructions must be in a language that the driver and/or
crew members can read and understand before starting their journey;
they are no longer required in the languages of the country of
origin, transit and destination. Emergency services in
ADR-contracting states will have a version of the Instructions in
Writing available in their local language
The new Instructions in Writing provisions were introduced on 1
January 2009 in ADR 2009, and until 30 June 2009 there is a phase
in period when the old format Tremcards can still be used. However,
from 1 July 2009 the new Instructions in Writing must be used.
The new Instructions are available from www.unece.org, in the languages of
the contracting countries to ADR.
talk to us
save to PDF
The content of this bulletin is provided for the purposes of
general interest and information. It contains only brief summaries
of aspects of the subject matter and does not provide comprehensive
statements of the law. It does not constitute legal advice and does
not provide a substitute for it.