What Regulations Surround the Delivery of Hazardous Goods in the UK?

In the UK and Europe, the delivery of hazardous goods is heavily regulated to ensure the safety of the public and the environment is kept to the highest standard. The process of delivering hazardous goods is complex from the very start, all steps and laws must be followed to reduce the risks of carrying and transporting dangerous goods. 

Here at Nigel Rice, we work closely with The Hazchem Network to provide an efficient and safe hazardous delivery service in Hull. Our team is expertly trained to handle dangerous goods and get them safely to your destination. We’re experts within the ADR delivery industry so, here’s your guide to delivering dangerous goods in the UK.

The Classification of Hazardous Goods

Because dangerous goods come in a huge variety of forms — gases, liquids, flammable material, corrosive material etc — they are classified into different classes based on the hazard that they pose. 

• Class 1: Explosives 
• Class 2: Gases 
• Class 3 Flammable liquids
• Class 4: Flammable solids 
• Class 5: Oxidising substances & organic peroxides
• Class 6: Toxic & infectious substances 
• Class 7: Radioactive material
• Class 8: Corrosive substances
• Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances & articles. 

Working alongside The Hazchem Network, we’re able to deliver your hazardous goods throughout the UK in a timely and safe manner. Please note, that we are unable to transport class 1 and class 7 articles and substances. 

The main regulations applicable in the UK when dangerous goods are being transported include: 

• The United Nations Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) and the Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG 2009). 
• The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. 

Packaging, Labelling & Documenting Dangerous Goods

Given the risks that come with the transportation of all dangerous goods, it’s essential that all cargo is packaged and labelled correctly and up to industry regulations. When hazardous materials are packaged, they must be able to withstand the rigours of transport and prevent the release of hazardous substances should anything go wrong. The packaging of the products is essentially another layer of protection during the movement process.

Labelling the items being transported is equally as important. Packages should be labelled to identify what is being moved, how the products should be handled and if any specific special care measures should be taken and provide instructions should an emergency response be required.

All hazardous deliveries must be documented accordingly, both for the cargo and the driver. Information should be available about the shipper, consignee, hazardous goods and emergency response procedures.

Training 

Training is a crucial part of ADR delivery, it’s a legal requirement for all personnel handling dangerous goods to be trained to the latest industry standards. This includes everyone from drivers to loaders and warehouse workers. Training records must be kept up to date and all new staff must be trained before handling dangerous goods. 

How Nigel Rice Can Help with ADR Delivery in the UK

The team here at Nigel Rice take pride in offering a leading hazardous delivery service. We can take care of everything from collection and storage up to the final delivery. We help take the stress off your hands, including the documentation, through our highly trained team.

If you need a reliable transport partner to take care of your hazardous delivery problems, get in touch with our team today!