LGV Dangerous Goods (ADR Basics) 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What colour is the background of the ADR warning placard for flammable liquids (Class 3)?
- Red (Correct answer)
- Yellow
- Green
- Orange
Correct answer: Red
Class 3 flammable liquid ADR placards have a red background with a flame symbol. Red is the internationally recognised colour for fire hazard in the ADR/GHS labelling system.
Question 2: What must a driver do with the Kemler plates when the dangerous goods vehicle is empty and unclean?
- Keep the plates in place until the vehicle is cleaned and purged of residue — they must not be removed while residue remains (Correct answer)
- Remove all plates immediately when emptied
- Only remove rear plates — side plates may remain
- Plates can be covered but not removed
Correct answer: Keep the plates in place until the vehicle is cleaned and purged of residue — they must not be removed while residue remains
Kemler plates must remain in place until the tank or vehicle is cleaned and purged of dangerous residues. An empty but unclean tank still presents a hazard (fumes, residue) and must continue to display its ADR markings.
Question 3: What is 'IMDG' and how does it relate to ADR?
- International Maritime Dangerous Goods code — similar to ADR but for sea transport, using the same UN classification system (Correct answer)
- An EU directive expanding ADR requirements
- A type of ADR training certificate
- The Irish and Maritime Dangerous Goods extension of ADR
Correct answer: International Maritime Dangerous Goods code — similar to ADR but for sea transport, using the same UN classification system
IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) is the international code for transporting dangerous goods by sea. Like ADR for road and RID for rail, it uses the same UN numbering system, making cross-modal transport more consistent.
Question 4: At what quantity of explosive (Class 1) goods does a driver require a full ADR certificate?
- Above the relevant threshold (which varies by Division and Compatibility Group) — below the threshold, limited exemptions apply (Correct answer)
- All explosives require ADR regardless of quantity
- Only when carrying more than 1 tonne
- Explosives are exempt from ADR if carried by licensed operators
Correct answer: Above the relevant threshold (which varies by Division and Compatibility Group) — below the threshold, limited exemptions apply
ADR specifies threshold quantities for each class, above which a full ADR certificate is required. For explosives, the thresholds are very low due to their extreme danger. Drivers must check the specific tables in ADR Chapter 1.1.3.6 for their substance.
Question 5: What are the fire extinguisher requirements for an ADR vehicle?
- At least two fire extinguishers — one near the cab for engine fires, one larger unit for cargo area fires (Correct answer)
- Only one fire extinguisher of any size
- No specific fire extinguisher requirement beyond standard vehicle requirements
- Fire extinguishers are optional if carrying water-based products
Correct answer: At least two fire extinguishers — one near the cab for engine fires, one larger unit for cargo area fires
ADR requires vehicles to carry fire extinguishers: typically a smaller one (2kg minimum) for cab/engine fires and a larger one (6kg minimum) for cargo area fires. The specific requirements depend on the maximum mass of the vehicle and substance.
Question 6: What does the Emergency Response number on a transport document allow in the UK?
- Contact with CHEMSAFE or the substance's emergency contact for technical advice during an incident (Correct answer)
- Direct contact with DVSA
- Contact with the ADR certificate authority
- Auto-dispatch of a HAZMAT response team
Correct answer: Contact with CHEMSAFE or the substance's emergency contact for technical advice during an incident
In the UK, the emergency response telephone number on the transport document allows emergency services to contact a competent person (such as through CHEMSAFE or directly with the manufacturer/supplier) to obtain expert technical advice about the substance during an incident.
LGV Dangerous Goods (ADR Basics) 3
What colour is the background of the ADR warning placard for flammable liquids (Class 3)?