ADR-specific emergency procedures

When transporting dangerous goods, being prepared for emergencies isn’t just about following regulations; it’s about protecting yourself, others, and the environment. As an ADR driver, your response in the first few minutes of an incident can make a crucial difference to its outcome.

Initial Assessment and Safety

Your first priority in any incident is personal safety. Before taking any action, assess the situation from a safe distance. The instructions in writing provided for your journey contain essential emergency information specific to your cargo. Keep these readily accessible, not buried under paperwork in your cab.

Consider wind direction when approaching any incident—always approach from upwind to avoid exposure to fumes or vapours. A useful rule of thumb is to observe any flags, trees, or steam, fumes or smoke from the vehicle to gauge wind direction if you’re unsure.

Communication and Emergency Services

In the UK, your first call should be to 999 or 112. When speaking with emergency services, clearly state that dangerous goods are involved and provide:

• Your exact location
• The UN number(s) from your orange plates
• The nature of the incident (fire, spillage, collision, etc.)
• Any visible markings or labels on your vehicle

Keep your transport document handy, as emergency services will need this information. Don’t waste precious time searching for paperwork during the emergency.

Specific Response Actions

Different classes of dangerous goods require different emergency responses. For instance, some chemical spills might require immediate evacuation of the area, while others might need containment using specific absorbent materials carried in your vehicle equipment.

If fire is involved, remember that your fire extinguishers are primarily for tackling small fires in their early stages or for creating an escape route. Don’t try to be a hero—if the fire involves the cargo, focus on evacuation and containment rather than firefighting.

Environmental Protection

Preventing environmental contamination is a key responsibility. Your vehicle should carry spill control equipment, including drain seals and absorbent materials. Use these promptly to prevent dangerous goods from entering drains or waterways. Even small spills can have a significant environmental impact—a single litre of oil can contaminate up to a million litres of water.

Post-Incident Actions

Once the immediate emergency is under control, contact your transport manager or dangerous goods safety adviser (DGSA). You’ll need to provide a clear account of events for incident reporting purposes. Keep notes while events are fresh in your mind—these could be important for later investigation.

Training and Prevention

The best emergency response is prevention. Regular checks of your vehicle’s safety equipment, maintaining familiarity with your emergency procedures, and staying alert to potential hazards are your best defences against incidents. Take advantage of any additional training opportunities your employer offers beyond the mandatory ADR refresher courses.

Remember that your emergency response skills need regular review. Consider running through emergency scenarios in your mind during quiet moments—mental rehearsal can help you respond more effectively in real emergencies.

By staying prepared and following these procedures, you’ll be better equipped to handle any incidents that arise during your dangerous goods transport duties. Your role as an ADR driver carries significant responsibility, but with proper preparation and a clear understanding of emergency procedures, you can effectively manage incidents while keeping yourself and others safe.