Bulgaria ADR Driver cheat sheet

ADR applies to international carriage of dangerous goods by road; Bulgarian national law (Road Transport Act and its implementing ordinance on dangerous goods) extends equivalent rules to domestic carriage.

Core duty holders: consignor, packer, filler, loader, carrier, driver, consignee; each bears defined responsibilities and liability under ADR 1.4.2.

The driver of a vehicle carrying dangerous goods must hold a valid ADR training certificate (specialist training) for the classes carried, unless a 1.1.3 exemption applies.

ADR certificate validity is 5 years; refresher training must be completed within the 12 months before expiry to renew without a gap.

Exemptions: 1.1.3.1 (small quantities per transport unit), 1.1.3.6 (limited quantities), 1.1.3.2 (fuel in tanks for propulsion), 1.1.3.3 (machinery), 1.1.3.4 (special provisions), 1.1.3.5 (gases in equipment).

Carrier must give the driver written instructions in a language the driver reads, plus the transport document, before departure.

The ADR certificate must be carried on the vehicle and produced on request of enforcement officers; failure is an offence under national law.

Driver must verify that the load matches the transport document and that the vehicle is not overloaded or improperly equipped before departure.

Nine ADR classes: 1 explosives, 2 gases, 3 flammable liquids, 4.1/4.2/4.3 solids, 5.1/5.2 oxidizers/organic peroxides, 6.1/6.2 toxic/infectious, 7 radioactive, 8 corrosives, 9 miscellaneous.

UN number identifies the substance; PSN (proper shipping name) is the official name used on documents and markings; class and packing group complete the identification.

Packing groups: I = high danger, II = medium, III = low; assigned per substance in ADR Table A, column 5.

Class 2 division: 2.1 flammable, 2.2 non-flammable non-toxic, 2.3 toxic; gases are also classified by physical state (compressed, liquefied, refrigerated liquefied, dissolved).

Class 4.1 covers flammable solids and self-reactive substances; 4.2 spontaneously combustible; 4.3 substances which emit flammable gases on contact with water.

Class 6.2 infectious substances: Category A (UN 2814/2900) is fully regulated; Category B (UN 3373) is subject to reduced requirements.

Class 7: three basic radionuclide-specific categories (I-WHITE, II-YELLOW, III-YELLOW) determine label and placard; transport index and criticality safety index apply.

Class 9 includes lithium batteries (UN 3480/3481/3090/3091), environmentally hazardous substances, and elevated temperature substances.

Packaging must be of a UN type-tested design, marked with the UN symbol, packing group letter, code, year and manufacturer; use only for the substances and PG listed in the certificate.

Combination packaging: inner packaging + outer packaging; the outer must be marked with the UN code; inner packagings must not be re-used if they are not permitted.

IBCs (intermediate bulk containers) are marked with UN code, capacity, tare and hydraulic test pressure; periodic inspection required every 2.5 or 5 years depending on type.

Tanks: type approval (ADR 6.7/6.8), periodic inspection (every 2.5, 5 or 6 years), intermediate inspection (1, 2.5 or 3 years) and annual internal/external check.

Vehicle equipment for most classes: at least one wheel chock, two self-standing warning signs, eye rinse (if class 3, 6.1, 8 or 9 with risk), high-visibility vest per crew member, torch.

Fire extinguishers: at least one 2 kg dry powder (or equivalent) for the engine/ cab, plus one 6 kg for a vehicle over 7.5 t; must be sealed and inspected.

Vehicles carrying class 1 or 7 must also carry additional equipment defined in ADR 8.1.5 (e.g. protective clothing, radiation monitoring for class 7).

For class 2, tank vehicles must have a pressure gauge, and for class 3, tank vehicles must have a temperature gauge if temperature control is required.

Transport document must contain: UN number, PSN, class, packing group, number and description of packages, total quantity, consignor and consignee names and addresses.

Orange plates: two, one at the front and one at the rear of the vehicle, 30 × 40 cm, with the UN number on top and the hazard identification number (Kemler code) below.

Placards: 25 × 25 cm diamond, one on each side and one at the rear for each class carried in a transport unit; placards match the label of the substance.

Labels on packages: 10 × 10 cm diamond; must be on the same surface as the UN number marking; for class 7, the label also shows the category.

Elevated temperature substances (class 9) and environmentally hazardous substances (class 9) have their own mark; lithium batteries carry the battery mark.

For tank vehicles and bulk, the orange plate must show the UN number and hazard identification number; for packaged goods, the plate may be left blank if the full load is a single UN number.

Documentation must be kept in the cab, accessible, and must be in a language the driver understands; the written instructions must match the load.

Limited quantities: mark with the limited quantity diamond (LQ); excepted quantities: mark with the excepted quantity mark; both reduce documentation requirements.

Smoking, open flames and unauthorised use of lighters are prohibited in the cab and near the vehicle during loading, unloading and transport.

Before loading, check that packages are undamaged, labels are legible, and the transport document matches the goods; reject damaged or leaking packages.

Load must be secured against movement; stacking must respect the compression strength of the packaging; heavy packages at the bottom, no sharp edges against the packaging.

Keep incompatible goods segregated; never stow food, drink or personal items next to toxic or infectious substances.

During loading/unloading, the engine must be switched off, the parking brake applied, and the vehicle chocked if on a slope; use the handbrake and, if necessary, wheel chocks.

Crew must wear the personal protective equipment specified in the written instructions (gloves, goggles, boots, high-visibility vest) when handling.

After unloading, check the vehicle bed for residues and spills; clean before loading a different class; dispose of contaminated material as hazardous waste.

Do not open packages during transport; if a package is damaged in transit, isolate it, inform the carrier and follow the written instructions.

Speed limits: comply with national road limits; for vehicles carrying dangerous goods in Bulgaria, the general road limits apply but reduce speed in tunnels, curves and bad weather.

Parking: keep the vehicle under supervision or parked in a safe place; away from dwellings, places of public assembly, and in a secure area where possible.

Prohibited parking: near open fires, near sources of ignition, in tunnels (unless the tunnel rules allow), and on public roads without supervision for long periods.

When parking at night, use the warning signs and keep the vehicle visible; the driver must remain within reach of the vehicle.

Driving bans and restrictions: some classes are subject to national driving bans (e.g. class 1 and 7 in certain areas); check the local rules before departure.

Supervision requirement: the driver must be able to intervene; leaving the vehicle unattended is only allowed if the vehicle is secured and the load is safe.

In case of a breakdown, place warning triangles at the required distance, switch on hazard lights, and inform the emergency services if the load is at risk.

Do not transport passengers other than crew; do not carry animals or unauthorised goods in the load compartment.

In an incident, stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, apply the parking brake, and keep away from the scene if there is a fire or spill; warn other traffic.

Use the written instructions: they list the substance, its hazards, and the immediate actions (spill control, PPE, first aid, firefighting).

Call the emergency number (112 in Bulgaria) and state the UN number, PSN, class, location and any injuries.

Spill: stop the leak if safe, contain with absorbent material, prevent entry into drains and watercourses, and do not use water on water-reactive substances (class 4.3).

Fire: use the correct extinguisher; for class 3 use foam or dry powder; for class 2 use dry powder; never use water on class 4.3 or on live electrical equipment.

First aid: move the casualty to fresh air, remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin and eyes with plenty of water; do not induce vomiting for corrosive or toxic ingestion.

Class 7: limit exposure, use distance, shielding and time; do not handle damaged packages; report to the consignor and the competent authority.

After an incident, do not resume the journey until the vehicle and load have been checked and the competent authority has authorised continuation if required.

Tunnel categories: A (no restriction), B (restriction for goods that may cause a large explosion), C (restriction for goods that may cause a large explosion or a large toxic release), D (restriction for all goods with a significant hazard), E (restriction for all dangerous goods except a limited list).

The tunnel category is shown on a sign with the letter A–E; the goods are assigned a tunnel restriction code in ADR Table A, column 15.

If the goods' tunnel restriction code matches or exceeds the tunnel category, the vehicle may not enter the tunnel; an alternative route must be used.

In Bulgaria, the main tunnels (e.g. on the Hemus and Struma motorways) are signposted with their category; check the code before the trip.

Some tunnels have additional national restrictions (time windows, escort, prior notification); these are published by the tunnel operator.

Tunnel restriction codes are combinations of letters and numbers (e.g. B1000C, C5000D, D/E); the letter refers to the hazard and the number to the quantity threshold.

Vehicles carrying class 1 in quantities above the threshold, or class 2 toxic, or class 6.1 PG I, are typically restricted from categories C, D and E.

In a tunnel incident, stop, switch on hazard lights, call 112, and follow the tunnel operator's instructions; do not attempt to turn around.

Mixed loading of class 1 with other classes is restricted; class 1 may only be loaded with other class 1 goods of compatible compatibility groups.

Class 4.3 must not be loaded with acids or with goods that release water; class 5.1 must not be loaded with class 4.1, 4.2 or 4.3.

Class 6.2 (infectious) must be segregated from foodstuffs and from goods intended for human or animal consumption.

Class 7 packages must be segregated from undeveloped photographic film and from foodstuffs; the transport index and criticality safety index limit the load.

Foodstuffs, animal feed and personal items must not be loaded in the same compartment as toxic (6.1), infectious (6.2) or corrosive (8) goods.

Segregation may be by distance, by a partition, or by using separate transport units; the written instructions and the ADR table give the specific rule.

Prohibited combinations: some goods must never be loaded together (e.g. class 5.1 with class 4.3); check ADR 7.5.2 before loading.

When in doubt, use separate vehicles or separate compartments; the consignor and carrier share responsibility for the correct segregation.

Personal protective equipment: gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing, safety boots, and a high-visibility vest; class 7 requires additional dosimetry where applicable.

Vehicle safety systems: ABS, speed limiter (where required), fire extinguishers, warning triangles, wheel chocks, and a first-aid kit.

Fire extinguishers must be checked, sealed, and within the inspection date; the driver must know how to use them.

The vehicle must carry a torch, a warning vest for each crew member, and, for some classes, an eye rinse bottle and a spill kit.

For class 2, the vehicle must have a pressure gauge and, for liquefied gases, a level gauge; for class 3 tank vehicles, a temperature gauge if required.

For class 7, the vehicle must carry radiation monitoring equipment and a means of decontamination where required by the competent authority.

The vehicle must be marked with orange plates and placards; the equipment must be stowed so it does not move or damage the load.

Check the equipment before each journey: extinguishers, triangles, chocks, PPE, documents, and the load securing system.

Prevent spills from reaching drains, watercourses and soil; use absorbent material and contain the spill at the source.

Do not wash the vehicle or containers where the runoff can enter surface water; use a designated wash bay with an oil/water separator.

Contaminated absorbents, PPE and packaging are hazardous waste; collect them in labelled containers and hand them to an authorised waste operator.

Class 9 environmentally hazardous substances must be transported and handled so that any release is minimised; the mark indicates the hazard.

After unloading, remove residues and clean the vehicle; residues must be disposed of as hazardous waste, not emptied into the environment.

Report any release to the competent authority and the consignor; keep records of the incident and the clean-up.

Use the written instructions for spill control; never use water on water-reactive substances or on substances that react to produce toxic gases.

Waste shipments across borders are subject to the Basel Convention and EU Regulation 1013/2006; check the waste transport document.

Class 1: compatibility groups A–S; mixed loading only within compatible groups; the transport document must state the division, compatibility group and net explosive quantity.

Class 1: vehicles must carry fire extinguishers, warning signs, and, for certain quantities, an escort; smoking and open flames are absolutely prohibited.

Class 1: the load must be secured and, for detonators and explosives, segregated from detonators and from other goods as required by ADR 7.5.2.

Class 7: the transport document must state the radionuclide, activity, category, transport index and criticality safety index; the driver must carry the instructions.

Class 7: packages must be labelled with the category (I-WHITE, II-YELLOW, III-YELLOW); the vehicle must carry the radiation monitoring equipment required.

Class 2: cylinders must be secured upright, valves protected, and the vehicle ventilated; toxic gases (2.3) require additional precautions.

Class 2: the transport document must state the gas name, UN number, division and, for liquefied gases, the filling ratio; the vehicle must have a pressure gauge.

Class 7: exclusive use may be required; the transport index limits the number of packages and the segregation from persons and film.