LGV Dangerous Goods (ADR Basics) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What placards (diamond-shaped labels) must be displayed on a vehicle carrying dangerous goods?
- Large diamond hazard warning placards (250mm minimum) on both sides and rear of the vehicle, and any required orange Kemler plates (Correct answer)
- Only on the rear of the vehicle
- Small labels on the cargo only — no vehicle signs needed
- Only on the front of the vehicle
Correct answer: Large diamond hazard warning placards (250mm minimum) on both sides and rear of the vehicle, and any required orange Kemler plates
Vehicles carrying dangerous goods above threshold quantities must display large diamond placards (minimum 250mm) on the front, both sides, and rear of the vehicle. The placards must correspond to the hazard class(es) of the goods carried.
Question 2: What is the 'limited quantity' (LQ) exemption in ADR?
- Small quantities of dangerous goods packed in limited sizes are exempt from many ADR requirements but still require basic hazard marking (Correct answer)
- A full exemption from all ADR requirements
- Only applies to Class 9 goods
- Exempts the driver from needing an ADR certificate for any quantity
Correct answer: Small quantities of dangerous goods packed in limited sizes are exempt from many ADR requirements but still require basic hazard marking
The Limited Quantities exemption allows small amounts of certain dangerous goods (packed in small containers of specific maximum sizes) to be transported without full ADR compliance. LQ shipments must still show a limited quantity mark (diamond with 'LQ') on packages.
Question 3: What should an ADR driver do in the event of a fire involving the vehicle or load?
- Evacuate to a safe distance, call emergency services, and do not attempt to fight a fire involving the dangerous goods themselves (Correct answer)
- Attempt to extinguish the fire using the vehicle's fire extinguisher regardless of the substance
- Continue driving to a fire station
- Remove the Kemler plates before calling emergency services
Correct answer: Evacuate to a safe distance, call emergency services, and do not attempt to fight a fire involving the dangerous goods themselves
In a fire involving dangerous goods, the driver should evacuate to a safe distance (at least 300 metres for most substances), keep people away, call emergency services and give them the transport document and written instructions, and not attempt to fight the fire if it involves the dangerous substance.
Question 4: What does the UN number 1203 on an orange Kemler plate indicate?
- Petrol (gasoline/motor fuel) (Correct answer)
- Diesel fuel
- Liquid petroleum gas
- Heating oil
Correct answer: Petrol (gasoline/motor fuel)
UN 1203 is the UN number for petrol (gasoline/motor fuel). This is one of the most common UN numbers seen on tankers. Understanding common UN numbers helps drivers and emergency services identify substances quickly.
Question 5: What is a 'packing group' in ADR?
- A classification (I, II, or III) indicating the danger level of the goods — Group I is most dangerous (Correct answer)
- The number of packages in a consignment
- The type of container used for packing
- The maximum weight per package
Correct answer: A classification (I, II, or III) indicating the danger level of the goods — Group I is most dangerous
Packing groups (I, II, III) classify the degree of danger within a class. Group I substances are highly dangerous, Group II are medium danger, and Group III are low danger. The packing group determines the packaging standards required.
Question 6: What does a hazard identification number (Kemler code) starting with the digit '3' indicate?
- The primary hazard is flammability (Correct answer)
- The primary hazard is toxic gas
- The primary hazard is explosiveness
- The primary hazard is corrosiveness
Correct answer: The primary hazard is flammability
In the Kemler code system, the first digit indicates the primary hazard: 2 = gas, 3 = flammable liquid, 4 = flammable solid, 5 = oxidising, 6 = toxic, 7 = radioactive, 8 = corrosive. A code of 30 indicates a flammable liquid with no secondary hazard.
LGV Dangerous Goods (ADR Basics) 2
What placards (diamond-shaped labels) must be displayed on a vehicle carrying dangerous goods?