Dangerous Goods Transport (ADR)

Explosives that can cause fire or explosion. Most commonly pyrotechnics or products intended for blasting work. At certain temperatures or pressures, they can trigger a chemical reaction and explode. ADR Class 1 has 6 subclasses:

• 1.1. - substances and articles with mass explosion hazard (mass explosion - an explosion that practically instantaneously spreads throughout the entire cargo);
• 1.2. - substances and articles with projection hazard but which do not create a mass explosion hazard;
• 1.3. - substances and articles with fire hazard, as well as minor blast or projection hazard;
• 1.4. - substances and articles with only minor explosion hazard, in case of ignition or initiation during transport, causing no damage to devices or packaging;
• 1.5. - substances with very low sensitivity that have a mass explosion hazard, but are so insensitive that the probability of initiation or transition from burning to detonation under normal transport conditions is very low;
• 1.6. - extremely insensitive articles with negligible probability of accidental initiation or explosion propagation.

Pure gases, gas mixtures, mixtures of one or more gases with one or more other substances and articles. ADR Class 2 also includes compressed gas, liquefied gas, dissolved gas, as well as gas cartridges and aerosols. Gases are classified by hazardous properties: asphyxiant, oxidizing, flammable, toxic and corrosive. ADR Class 2 has 6 subclasses:

• 2.1. - non-flammable gases;
• 2.2. - non-flammable and toxic gases;
• 2.3. - flammable gases;
• 2.4. - flammable toxic gases;
• 2.5. - chemically unstable gases;
• 2.6. - chemically unstable toxic gases.

Flammable liquids, liquid mixtures, as well as liquids containing solids in solution or suspension that emit flammable vapors. Also solids in molten state or dissolved in water. ADR Class 3 is divided into 3 subclasses:

• 3.1. - flammable liquids with low flash point - liquids whose closed-cup flash point is below minus 18 degrees Celsius, or with a flash point combined with other hazardous properties;
• 3.2. - flammable liquids with medium flash point - liquids whose closed-cup flash point is from minus 18 to plus 23 degrees Celsius;
• 3.3. - flammable liquids with high flash point - liquids whose closed-cup flash point is from plus 23 to plus 61 degrees Celsius inclusive.

Flammable solids, self-reactive substances and solid desensitized explosives. Also materials with risk of easy ignition from friction, moisture absorption or heating. ADR Class 4 is divided into 3 subclasses:

• 4.1. - flammable solids that can ignite from external ignition sources (sparks, flames or friction) and burn actively;
• 4.2. - spontaneously combustible substances that under normal transport conditions can self-heat and ignite;
• 4.3. - substances that emit flammable gases when coming into contact with water.

Organic peroxides and oxidizing substances that, by releasing oxygen, can sustain or cause combustion or explosion when mixed with other substances. ADR Class 5 is divided into two subclasses:

• 5.1. - oxidizing substances that are not combustible themselves but promote easy ignition of other substances and release oxygen during combustion, thereby increasing fire intensity;
• 5.2. - organic peroxides that in many cases are combustible, can act as oxidizing substances and are hazardous in contact with other substances. Many of them ignite easily and are sensitive to impact and friction.

Substances that are infectious or poisonous, known or reasonably believed to contain pathogens. These substances can cause death, poisoning or illness. ADR Class 6 is divided into two subclasses:

• 6.1. - toxic substances that can cause death by inhalation of vapors, dust, absorption through skin or ingestion;
• 6.2. - substances and materials containing pathogenic organisms that are dangerous to humans and animals.

Radioactive substances that, upon contact with living cells, including human cells, can cause biological changes depending on the type of affected tissue, nature of radiation and other factors. Customs operations to check cargo radioactive content may only be performed by experts with appropriate qualifications.

Corrosive and caustic substances that can cause damage to respiratory tract, mucous membranes and skin, as well as metal corrosion, damaging the vehicle. These substances can also cause fire when in contact with organic materials or various chemical substances. ADR Class 8 is divided into 3 subclasses:

• 8.1. - acids;
• 8.2. - alkalis;
• 8.3. - various caustic and corrosive substances.

Other dangerous substances with relatively low hazard during transport that do not fall into any of the above classes, but to transport them, certain transport and storage regulations must be observed. ADR Class 9 is divided into two subgroups:

• 9.1. - liquid and solid fuels and materials not included in Class 3 and Class 4, but in some cases may be hazardous (combustible liquids with flash point from +61°C to +100°C in closed cup, fibers and similar materials);
• 9.2. - substances that under certain conditions become caustic and corrosive.