Bulgaria ADR Driver key terms

The international agreement governing the road transport of dangerous goods across Europe, setting common rules for classification, packaging, vehicles, crew and documentation that signatory countries apply to national traffic as well.

Substances or articles whose properties, such as flammability, toxicity, corrosivity or radioactivity, present a risk to people, property or the environment and are therefore covered by transport regulations.

The national or regional body appointed to administer dangerous goods rules, issue approvals and licences, accept alternative arrangements and enforce compliance within its territory.

The vocational certificate confirming a driver has passed the required dangerous goods training and is entitled to carry the classes and types of goods listed on it.

Mandatory instruction covering general requirements, the classes carried, vehicle equipment and emergency procedures, which must be refreshed at regular intervals to keep the attestation valid.

One of the numbered groups into which dangerous goods are sorted according to their dominant danger, such as explosives, gases, flammable liquids, toxic substances or radioactive material.

A ranking of the degree of danger within certain classes, from group I for high danger through group II to group III for low danger, which affects packaging strength and quantity limits.

A four-digit identifier assigned to a specific dangerous substance or article, used on orange plates, in transport documents and on labels to identify the goods unambiguously.

The official name of the goods as listed in the regulations, which must appear in the transport document and on package markings instead of trade or brand names.

The mandatory paperwork describing the consignment, including proper shipping name, UN number, class, packing group, quantity, packaging type and the consignor's declaration of compliance.

The rectangular hazard identification panel fitted to vehicles, showing the UN number on the lower half and the hazard identification number on the upper half to inform responders at a distance.

A two- or three-digit code on the upper half of an orange plate indicating the type and severity of danger, such as 33 for a highly flammable liquid or 80 for a corrosive.

A large diamond-shaped hazard sign mounted on the sides or rear of a vehicle or tank to show the class of goods being carried to other road users and emergency services.

The small diamond-shaped symbol attached to individual packages and overpacks, showing class, division and compatibility group so handlers know the risk before touching the goods.

A coded marking on packaging, such as 3H1 for a plastic drum or 4G for a fibreboard box, showing material, construction type, packing group suitability and manufacturing details.

The receptacle and any outer wrapping or cushioning that contains dangerous goods, tested and marked to a certified standard so it withstands normal transport shocks and pressures.

An intermediate bulk container, a rigid or flexible vessel of roughly 450 to 3000 litres used for bulk liquids or solids, subject to its own design, testing and marking rules.

Outer packaging exceeding 400 kilograms or 450 litres that contains articles or inner packagings and is handled mechanically, with its own test and marking requirements.

A road vehicle with fixed tanks or demountable tanks built to pressure or atmospheric standards, carrying liquids or gases in bulk and requiring specific approval and inspection.

Carriage of loose dangerous solids or large quantities of liquids without retail packaging, using tank vehicles, bulk containers or specially designed vehicles and handling equipment.

A document issued after inspection confirming a vehicle or tank meets the construction, equipment and testing standards required for the dangerous goods it will carry.

The certificate of approval for a vehicle carrying certain dangerous goods, recording the classes authorised, the validity period and the results of periodic technical inspections.

The scheduled technical examination of tanks, packaging and vehicles at defined intervals to confirm continued fitness, after which the approval or certificate is renewed.

Placing different dangerous goods or dangerous goods with other cargo in one vehicle, permitted only where the regulations allow and where segregation rules prevent dangerous reactions.

The physical separation of goods that could react dangerously together, achieved by distance, barriers, separate compartments or loading order so a leak cannot bring incompatible substances into contact.

A pairing of substances or loading arrangements that rules forbid outright because the risk of fire, explosion, toxic reaction or contamination cannot be adequately controlled.

The requirement that a vehicle carrying certain high-risk goods is watched by the driver or another responsible person, or parked in a secure area, to deter interference and detect incidents early.

The rules for leaving a loaded vehicle unattended, requiring secure locations, safe distance from buildings and ignition sources, and application of parking brakes and protective measures.

A documented set of measures addressing risks of theft or misuse of high-consequence goods, covering responsibilities, secure parking, access control and reporting of suspicious events.

Written instructions carried in the cab describing the nature of the goods and the actions to take after a spill, fire or exposure, including first aid and contact details.

Immediate care given to an injured or exposed person before professional help arrives, such as moving to fresh air, rinsing skin or eyes and avoiding contact with the substance.

The clothing and gear carried for the crew, such as gloves, eye protection, high-visibility vest, footwear and where required breathing apparatus, to prevent contact with goods.

The mandatory items carried on the vehicle, including fire extinguishers, warning triangle or beacons, wheel chocks, spill kit and a torch, kept accessible and in working order.

A portable device carried in specified numbers and sizes to tackle a small fire in the engine, cab, tyres or load, with regular checks of pressure, seal and inspection date.

A letter or code assigned to dangerous goods indicating which tunnel categories they may pass through, based on the severity of a possible release in a confined space.

A classification of road tunnels from A to E according to their length, ventilation and escape facilities, determining which dangerous goods may enter.

A national or local rule requiring dangerous goods vehicles to use or avoid specified roads, city areas or sensitive locations, often signed and published in advance.

The duty to prevent release of goods into soil, drains or water, to contain spills with absorbent material and to arrange safe disposal of contaminated waste and packaging.

A collection of absorbents, containment tools, bags and protective items kept on the vehicle so a small leak can be contained quickly before it reaches drains or ground.

The correct procedure for dealing with leaked product, used absorbents and empty uncleaned packaging, which must be consigned and disposed of as dangerous waste, not ordinary rubbish.