Ireland ADR Driver flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

ADR classes

Nine hazard classes: 1 explosives, 2 gases, 3 flammable liquids, 4 flammable solids, 5 oxidizers/peroxides, 6 toxic/infectious, 7 radioactive, 8 corrosives, 9 miscellaneous. Class determines packaging, labelling and vehicle requirements.

UN number

Four-digit identifier assigned to a dangerous substance or article, e.g. UN 1203 for petrol. It appears on the transport document, package markings and, where required, orange plates.

Proper shipping name

The official name of the dangerous goods listed in ADR Table A column (2). It must be used exactly on the transport document; a trade name alone is not acceptable.

Packing group

Danger ranking PG I (high), PG II (medium), PG III (low), applied to most classes 3, 4, 5, 6.1 and 8. It affects packaging standards and small-load exemptions.

Limited quantity (LQ)

Small inner packagings within ADR 3.4 limits, marked with the LQ diamond. LQ loads are exempt from most ADR provisions but still require a transport document and trained driver.

Excepted quantity (EQ)

Very small quantities under ADR 3.5, marked with the EQ symbol. Exempt from most requirements, but the driver must still be trained and basic vehicle safety rules apply.

Transport document contents

Must show UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, number and description of packages, total quantity, consignor and consignee, and tunnel restriction code where applicable.

Tunnel restriction code

Letter A to E in ADR Table A column (15), where A is most restrictive. The driver must match it to the tunnel category and use an alternative route if prohibited.

Orange plates

Plain orange plates front and rear for packaged dangerous goods above LQ thresholds. Tank and bulk vehicles also show the hazard identification number (Kemler code) on the rear plate.

Fire extinguisher requirement

Minimum one 2 kg dry powder for the cab/engine and one 6 kg for the load on vehicles over 3.5 t. Extinguishers must be sealed and inspected at least annually.

ADR driver certificate

Issued after basic training and a passed examination; valid five years. It must be carried on the vehicle and produced to An Garda Síochána or RSA enforcement on request.

Specialist ADR training

Tanker drivers need additional tank training. Drivers carrying class 1 explosives or class 7 radioactive material need the relevant class endorsement on their ADR certificate.

ADR vehicle approval

Tank vehicles and certain class 1 and class 7 vehicles require an ADR certificate of approval. Ordinary goods vehicles carrying packaged dangerous goods do not need one.

Smoking and naked flames

Prohibited in or near vehicles carrying dangerous goods. The engine must be switched off during loading and unloading unless running is needed to operate a pump.

Emergency contact number

Where required by national rules, the transport document must show a 24-hour emergency contact. Drivers should also know how to reach the consignor and emergency services (999/112).

Spill kit contents

Absorbent material, shovel, and a suitable container, plus gloves and eye protection. The kit must be on board and serviceable so a small leak can be contained.

Class 3 flammable liquids

Liquids with a flash point of 60 °C or below, such as petrol and acetone. They give off flammable vapour and require closed packaging, no ignition sources, and careful venting.

Class 8 corrosives

Substances that destroy living tissue or corrode metals, such as hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. They need chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection and segregation from incompatible goods.

Class 2 gases

Compressed, liquefied or dissolved gases, flammable (e.g. propane) or toxic (e.g. chlorine). Cylinders must be secured upright, valves protected, and the vehicle ventilated.

Class 6.1 toxic substances

Substances harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through skin, such as pesticides. Keep packages closed, avoid inhalation, and segregate from foodstuffs and animal feed.

Class 9 miscellaneous

Substances not fitting other classes, including lithium batteries and environmentally hazardous substances. Requirements vary; check the entry in ADR Table A for the specific UN number.

Segregation of goods

Incompatible dangerous goods must be kept apart, e.g. oxidizers from flammables, acids from cyanides. ADR Table A column (16b) and national rules set the separation required.

Loading and securing

Packages must be loaded so they cannot shift, fall or be damaged. Use lashings, dunnage or load restraints, and keep labels and orange plates visible and unobstructed.

Leak procedure

Stop in a safe place, switch off the engine, warn other traffic, keep ignition sources away, contain the spill with the kit, and notify emergency services and the consignor.

Fire procedure

Stop, evacuate upwind, call 999/112, and tackle only a small fire with the extinguisher if safe. Never use water on water-reactive substances; withdraw if the fire involves the load.

Hazard identification number

The Kemler code on the rear orange plate, e.g. 33 for a highly flammable liquid, 80 for a corrosive. It summarises the hazard for emergency responders.

ADR Table A columns

Column (1) UN number, (2) name, (3) class, (4) packing group, (5) labels, (6) special provisions, and later columns cover packing, tanks, and tunnel code.

Carriage document retention

The transport document must be kept by the consignor and carrier for a period set by national rules, and a copy must travel with the vehicle during the journey.

Driver's daily check

Before departure, check extinguishers, orange plates, spill kit, load securing, tyre condition and lights. Defects must be rectified before the vehicle is used for dangerous goods.

Mixed loading prohibition

Certain combinations are banned, e.g. class 1 explosives with class 5 oxidizers, or foodstuffs with toxic goods. Check ADR Table A and national mixed-loading rules before loading.

Reporting an incident

After a spill, fire or serious incident, notify the emergency services and the consignor, secure the scene, and record details. The carrier must report to the competent authority where required.

ADR certificate renewal

The ADR driver certificate expires five years after issue. Renewal requires refresher training and a new examination before the expiry date to keep driving legally.