LGV Dangerous Goods (ADR Basics) 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What personal protective equipment (PPE) must be carried in an ADR vehicle's emergency equipment kit?
- Warning vest, eye protection (goggles), suitable gloves, and in some cases a breathing protection device (Correct answer)
- Hard hat and steel-toe-cap boots only
- Fire-resistant overalls
- Chemical-resistant full-body suit for all loads
Correct answer: Warning vest, eye protection (goggles), suitable gloves, and in some cases a breathing protection device
ADR requires certain PPE to be carried: a warning (high-visibility) vest, eye protection, appropriate gloves, and additional items depending on the substance (such as a breathing protection device for certain classes). The written instructions specify required PPE.
Question 2: What is a 'tunnel restriction code' in ADR?
- A code (A-E) that restricts which road tunnels certain dangerous goods may pass through (Correct answer)
- A speed limit code for dangerous goods in tunnels
- A fire suppression requirement for tunnel use
- An additional training requirement for drivers using tunnels
Correct answer: A code (A-E) that restricts which road tunnels certain dangerous goods may pass through
ADR tunnel restriction codes (A through E) specify restrictions on passing through tunnels with certain dangerous goods. Code E is the most restrictive. Each dangerous substance is assigned a code, and tunnels are categorised. Drivers must check both the substance code and the tunnel category.
Question 3: What is the purpose of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods?
- To provide the foundation model for international dangerous goods regulations including ADR, IMDG, and IATA DGR (Correct answer)
- To replace ADR for domestic road transport
- To set driver licensing standards for dangerous goods transport
- To regulate dangerous goods storage only
Correct answer: To provide the foundation model for international dangerous goods regulations including ADR, IMDG, and IATA DGR
The UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods ('Orange Book') forms the basis for all international modal dangerous goods regulations including ADR (road), IMDG (sea), RID (rail), and IATA DGR (air). It ensures consistency in classification, labelling, and packaging.
Question 4: What does 'Class 8 — Corrosives' mean in ADR terms?
- Substances that can destroy living tissue and damage metals — including acids and alkalis (Correct answer)
- Substances that are only corrosive to metals
- Any substance with a pH below 7
- Substances that cause burns only on skin contact
Correct answer: Substances that can destroy living tissue and damage metals — including acids and alkalis
ADR Class 8 covers corrosive substances that can cause full-thickness destruction of skin tissue and/or are significantly corrosive to metals. This includes strong acids (sulphuric, hydrochloric) and strong alkalis (sodium hydroxide). Special packaging and handling precautions apply.
Question 5: What action should an ADR driver take if a dangerous goods container is visibly damaged and leaking?
- Stop safely, move to a safe distance, call emergency services, give them the transport document and written instructions, and do not attempt to handle the leaking substance (Correct answer)
- Attempt to contain the leak using available materials
- Continue driving to the nearest fire station
- Only call emergency services if the leak is a Class 1, 6, or 7 substance
Correct answer: Stop safely, move to a safe distance, call emergency services, give them the transport document and written instructions, and do not attempt to handle the leaking substance
A leaking dangerous goods container is a serious incident. The driver must stop safely, evacuate to a safe distance, call emergency services (999), provide them with the transport document and written instructions, and not attempt to handle or contain the substance without appropriate PPE and training.
Question 6: What is the 'excepted quantity' (EQ) concept in ADR?
- Very small quantities of certain dangerous goods exempt from most ADR requirements — even smaller than limited quantities (Correct answer)
- A quantity exemption for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes only
- Quantities exempt from carriage document requirements only
- Quantities above which a full ADR certificate is required
Correct answer: Very small quantities of certain dangerous goods exempt from most ADR requirements — even smaller than limited quantities
Excepted Quantities allow tiny amounts of certain dangerous goods (typically milligrams to a few millilitres per package) to be transported with minimal ADR requirements. They are indicated by a diamond mark with 'E' followed by a number on the package.
LGV Dangerous Goods (ADR Basics) 4
What personal protective equipment (PPE) must be carried in an ADR vehicle's emergency equipment kit?