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Structure of the ADR agreement

The ADR Agreement consists of two main parts: the main agreement and Annexes A and B. The main agreement defines the legal relationships between the participating states, while the annexes regulate the conditions for transporting specific dangerous goods.

Annex A contains regulations regarding the classification, packaging, marking, and labeling of dangerous goods.

Annex B concerns the technical requirements that vehicles transporting these goods must meet, as well as the requirements for the crew and their training.

Class 1 Explosive materials and items

ADR Class 1 includes explosive materials and items containing such materials. These materials are divided into two main categories. The first category comprises explosive materials in solid, liquid, or mixed forms that can cause an explosion under specific conditions, generating environmentally harmful gases. The second category includes pyrotechnic materials or their mixtures, designed to produce light, sound, heat, gas, or smoke effects, or a combination of these, through a chemical reaction. These categories aim to accurately define and manage the risks associated with transporting explosive materials to ensure maximum safety.

Class 2 Gases

This class includes a wide range of gases, both in pure form and in mixtures with other gases or materials. It also covers items containing hazardous substances according to ADR classification. Within this class, various types of gases are distinguished, such as asphyxiant gases (A), oxidizing gases (O), flammable gases (F), toxic gases (T), toxic and flammable gases (TF), toxic and corrosive gases (TC), toxic and oxidizing gases (TO), toxic, flammable, and corrosive gases (TFC), and toxic, oxidizing, and corrosive gases (TOC). This classification aims to precisely define the characteristics of gases and the associated hazards, which is crucial for ensuring the safe transport of these materials.

Class 3 Flammable liquids

ADR Class 3 covers liquids that, although not explosive, have the ability to ignite easily or support the combustion of other materials. These liquids are characterized by a vapor pressure not exceeding 300 kPa and are not in a gaseous state at a temperature of 20°C. Additionally, their flash point does not exceed 61°C. This class may also include materials that must be heated before transport, as well as desensitized explosive liquids that have been dissolved or suspended in other liquids.

Class 4.1 Flammable solids, self-reactive substances, desensitized explosive solids

Flammable solids in Class 4.1 ignite more easily than standard flammable materials and generate intense heat. This class includes, among others, desensitized explosive materials, such as wetted trinitrotoluene (TNT). Additionally, it covers self-reactive substances that may undergo chemical decomposition under specific conditions, leading to explosions, intense burning, or the release of toxic gases and vapors. These materials require special caution during transport due to their flammability and potential chemical hazards.

Class 4.2 Substances liable to spontaneous combustion

Class 4.2 includes substances that, in solid or liquid form, can spontaneously ignite upon contact with oxygen. To prevent spontaneous combustion, these materials must be stored in airtight containers. Liquids should be kept under a blanket of inert or liquid gas to minimize the risk of ignition.

Class 4.3 Substances which in contact with water, emit flammable gases

Materials in Class 4.3 react with water, both in liquid and vapor form, releasing flammable gases. The heat generated during this reaction can lead to ignition. To prevent contact with moisture or water vapor, these materials must be stored in waterproof, hermetically sealed containers.

Class 5.1 Oxidizing substances

Materials in Class 5.1 act as oxidizers, meaning they can support the combustion of other materials in their vicinity. While they may not be flammable themselves, their presence can significantly increase the intensity of a fire.

Class 5.2 Organic peroxides

Class 5.2 includes organic peroxides, which may be classified as either controlled temperature or non-controlled temperature substances. The decomposition of these substances can be triggered by heat, contaminants (such as acids, heavy metal compounds, amines), friction, or impact. The rate of decomposition of organic peroxides increases with temperature and depends on their chemical composition. During decomposition, harmful or flammable gases and vapors may be released, requiring special caution during transport and storage.

Class 6.1 Toxic substances

This class includes substances toxic to living organisms, including humans, animals, and plants. These materials can cause serious health damage or lead to death through inhalation, skin absorption, or ingestion. Due to the high risk they pose, they require special care during transport.

Class 6.2 Infectious substances

Materials in Class 6.2 are known to be infectious or may contain pathogens that pose a threat to human health. These pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, parasites, and fungi, can cause infectious diseases in humans or animals. ADR classification considers these materials due to their potential danger and requires appropriate safety measures during transport to prevent the spread of diseases.

Class 7 Radioactive materials

Radioactive materials, classified as Class 7, include shipments containing substances that emit radiation. Based on the Transport Index (TI) and the level of radiation, these materials are classified into one of the following categories: I-WHITE, II-YELLOW, III-YELLOW, or IV-YELLOW. Each category indicates a different level of hazard and transport requirements.

Class 8 Corrosive substances

Class 8 includes materials and items containing substances that can cause damage to the epithelial tissue of the skin or mucous membranes. In the event of a leak, these materials can also damage or destroy other goods and transportation means. Additionally, some of these materials can emit corrosive vapors or mists in the presence of natural air humidity, posing an additional hazard.

Class 9 Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles

This class covers various materials and items that pose potential hazards during transport but are not covered by other ADR classes of dangerous goods. This class is highly diverse and includes materials with specific properties that may present risks in different transport situations.

Accurate labeling of the class to which a dangerous good belongs is crucial for ensuring safety during transport. This classification facilitates the communication of potential hazards associated with the material to third parties, which is essential for effective risk management.

Driving a vehicle that transports dangerous goods requires specialized qualifications. The driver must hold a valid ADR certificate, which can be obtained after completing the appropriate course. To receive an ADR certificate, the driver must meet the following conditions:

Age:

Must be at least 21 years old (except for drivers of vehicles belonging to the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland).

Legal requirements:

Must meet all requirements specified in the road traffic and road transport regulations.

Completion of ADR course:

Must complete an initial ADR course if applying for the certificate for the first time or a refresher course if seeking to extend the validity of the certificate.

Passing the exam:

Must pass the final exam of the initial or refresher ADR course with a positive result. 

Having the appropriate qualifications and equipment for drivers and vehicles ensures the safe transport of dangerous goods in accordance with international ADR standards.