Not all freight carriers are authorized to handle dangerous goods (ADR). At Transports Goëvia, we make our teams, and more specifically our drivers, aware of the challenges of this type of transport. When we receive a request for the transport of dangerous goods, our operators are responsible for processing it in compliance with all the rules in force: Hugo Dumain, manager operator, presents the particularities of this sensitive activity.
“Knowing whether a transport is covered by the ADR or not: the first issue for the operator
Dangerous goods are part of the daily life of the Transports Goëvia company. In fact, a simple pallet of insecticides, paints or even solvents falls into the category of hazardous materials, as do lithium batteries, certain metal pipes or even electrical/electronic devices.
However, just because a vehicle contains one or more pallets of dangerous goods does not mean that it must comply with ADR regulations. In fact, each time an order is received involving the transport of dangerous goods, the weight of thegoods must be multiplied by the corresponding coefficient. If the result exceeds 1,000 kilograms on the entire vehicle load, the carrier must comply with the requirements of theregulation ADR. Otherwise, he can transport the goods without constraint, with only the obligation to mention the presence of dangerous materials in the load.
The coefficients are not the same for all dangerous goods, since they are defined according to the threats they may represent for the planet or mankind.
Respect all ADR transport regulations, for the safety of people and the environment
When a transport falls under the ADR, it must ” be handled by a traineddriver“, reminds Hugo Dumain. The training, which lasts a few days, is provided by a regulated organization. It gives rise to an examination that must be passed to obtain the accreditation.
Knowledge of the different types of ADRs and how to deal with them
In concrete terms, a driver trained in ADR is able to distinguish between the followingcategories of ADR, know the mandatory documents on board the cabin and enforce the packaging rules (it is forbidden to use black stretch film to wrap an ADR pallet, for example). Thus, he must react correctly following an incident or simply if he is controlled by the forces of order or the DREAL.
In the event of an accident, firefighters and police must be able to know the code UN of all goods to adapt their handling. For example, some dangerous goods should not be watered, even if there is a risk of fire.
Prevention
Drivers who pick up the dangerous goods always use vehicles with the required signage (an orange square to indicate the presence of dangerous goods, placed on the front and back of the truck).
They circulate obligatorily with a kit ADR containing several items such as a protective suit, goggles, oxygen mask, lamp, rubber boots and first aid products (to rinse the eyes or absorb certain substances). These mandatory kits are associated with a periodic maintenance obligation. This control is managed internally, under the aegis of our QSE (Quality Safety Environment) manager Guillaume Bocage.
“Making the most sensible decisions” to transport ADR efficiently
The daily life of Hugo Dumain and the other employees of the operation, as far as ADR is concerned, remains quite similar to the habits already present in general goods transport. Here, more than ever, it is necessary to be able to ” make the most judicious decisions ” according to the geographical sector, the delivery zones, the departure times or the traffic.
For example, one can decide to ” deliver theADR as soon as possible, so as not to be restricted all day ” (since a 10 km/h lower speed limit must be respected for the transport of dangerous goods on major roads).
At the same time, some hazardous materials are not compatible with each other, not to mention the fact that loading them with foodstuffs is prohibited. Despite all these constraints, Transports Goëvia now handles 80% of the classes of dangerous goods.
These are transported in the South-West (Gironde, Charente and Charente-Maritime), but also throughout France and Europe thanks to the Evolutrans network. As a customer, don’t hesitate to book your ADR transport online with Goëvia Online: it’s simple, just a few clicks, you can insure your goods and even follow your shipment in real time.
