Ireland ADR Driver key terms

The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road, which sets the rules for packaging, labelling, documentation and vehicle equipment used when dangerous goods travel by road between participating countries.

Substances or articles that can harm people, property or the environment during transport because of their explosive, flammable, toxic, corrosive, radioactive or otherwise hazardous properties, and which are therefore regulated under ADR.

A four-digit identification code assigned by the United Nations to a specific dangerous substance or article, shown with the letters UN and used to look up its transport requirements in the ADR tables.

The official name for a dangerous substance or article as listed in ADR, used on documents, packages and markings instead of trade or brand names so that everyone handling the consignment recognises the hazard.

The central ADR table that links each UN number and proper shipping name to its class, packing group, special provisions, packaging instructions and other conditions that apply to its carriage.

One of the numbered hazard groupings in ADR, such as class 3 flammable liquids or class 8 corrosives, that determines the general rules, labels and vehicle requirements for a substance.

A ranking of the degree of danger within a class, using I for high danger, II for medium and III for low, which affects the packaging strength and quantity limits permitted for a substance.

A category from 0 to 4 assigned to dangerous goods that sets the multiplier used to calculate the total load for the 1,000-point rule, controlling whether extra rules apply to a vehicle.

The calculation that multiplies the quantity of each dangerous good carried by its transport category multiplier and adds the results; above 1,000 points, additional ADR requirements such as orange plates apply.

A two- or three-digit code, also called the Kemler code, shown on the upper half of an orange plate to indicate the type and severity of hazard, for example 33 for a highly flammable liquid.

A rectangular orange reflective plate fitted to the front and rear of a vehicle carrying dangerous goods above the threshold, displaying the hazard identification number and the UN number of the load.

A diamond-shaped label with a symbol, hazard class number and colouring that is fixed to packages and large containers to warn of the danger posed by the contents during handling and transport.

An enlarged hazard warning sign, similar to a danger label, mounted on tanks, containers or vehicles so the hazard can be seen from a distance by emergency services and other road users.

The certificate issued to a driver who has passed an approved ADR training course and examination, showing which classes and tanker categories the driver is qualified to carry.

The core ADR course covering general provisions, hazards, documentation, equipment and emergency action, which a driver must complete before taking specialist training for individual classes or tanks.

Additional ADR instruction for a specific class of dangerous goods or for carriage in tanks, which a driver must pass to have that class or tanker category added to the certificate.

The paperwork that must accompany a dangerous goods consignment, giving details such as UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, quantity and consignor so that responders know what is on board.

The person or business that prepares the dangerous goods for carriage and is responsible for correct classification, packaging, marking and documentation before handing the load to the carrier.

The person or business that undertakes to transport dangerous goods by road, and who must ensure the vehicle, equipment, driver training and instructions in writing meet ADR requirements.

A standard emergency information document carried in the cab, written in the driver's language, telling the driver and responders what to do after an incident involving the dangerous goods on board.

The immediate steps a driver takes after an incident, such as stopping safely, warning other traffic, calling emergency services, containing spills where safe and avoiding contact with the substance.

The protective clothing and gear, such as gloves, goggles, boots and high-visibility garments, that ADR requires to be carried and used to reduce exposure to dangerous goods during normal work or an incident.

A portable extinguisher of a specified size and type that a vehicle carrying dangerous goods must carry, checked and sealed, so the driver can tackle a small fire before it spreads.

A numbered ADR instruction that specifies which packages and materials may be used for a particular substance, including any special packing or mixed packing conditions that apply.

The receptacles and outer containers, such as drums, boxes or jerricans, used to enclose dangerous goods, which must be of an approved type and in good condition before a journey begins.

An intermediate bulk container, a large rigid or flexible receptacle of up to about 3,000 litres used for bulk liquids or solids, which must be approved, marked and inspected in line with ADR rules.

A vehicle fitted with a fixed tank, such as a road tanker, used to carry liquids or gases in bulk, which must meet ADR tank construction, marking and equipment requirements.

A provision allowing small inner packages of certain dangerous goods to be carried under simplified rules, with reduced labelling and documentation, provided the quantity limits per package are respected.

A very small quantity of dangerous goods, carried in approved combination packaging, that is exempt from most ADR requirements apart from basic packaging, marking and driver awareness rules.

The rule that keeps incompatible dangerous goods apart, or separates them from foodstuffs and other sensitive items, to prevent dangerous reactions or contamination if a package leaks.

Loading different dangerous goods, or dangerous goods with other cargo, on the same vehicle, which is only allowed where ADR segregation and compatibility rules permit it.

A letter code shown in ADR and on tunnel signs that tells the driver which tunnels a dangerous goods load may not enter, based on the hazard and quantity carried.

A classification from A to E given to road tunnels according to their risk, used together with the tunnel restriction code of the load to decide whether the vehicle may pass through.

The process of choosing a lawful and safe route for a dangerous goods journey, taking account of tunnel restrictions, local bans, road conditions, traffic and suitable places to stop.

A written plan required for higher-risk dangerous goods that sets out measures to prevent theft, misuse or sabotage, including staff duties, site security and reporting of suspicious incidents.

A qualified person appointed by a business to help ensure compliance with ADR, covering classification, training, audits and accident reporting, and who must hold a recognised DGSA certificate.

The orange plates, placards and other signs fixed to a vehicle or container to show it is carrying dangerous goods, applied only when the load exceeds the relevant quantity threshold.

The absorbent materials, seals, plugs and containment items carried so a driver can deal with a minor leak or spill safely and stop it reaching drains or the environment.