The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2007
The legislation concerning the transportation of dangerous substances by road is extremely complicated with regards to Tankers and ‘Bowsers’ and the substance carried inside them.
In a bid to clarify the situation the following points must be remembered.
Most ‘Bowsers’ will be under 1000 Litre capacity and will be indelibly marked with a U.N. Approval Mark followed by a code, this means that it exempt from the rules associated with Tankers.
If the quantity of substance exceeds the following amounts then the combination (vehicle/trailer) will need to be marked with Plain Orange Panels on front and rear.
- U.N. 1203 Petrol + 333 litres
- U.N. 1223 Kerosene + 1000 litres
- U.N. 1202 Diesel + 1000 litres
- The Driver will have to carry certain documents prescribed by law.
- The vehicle will have to be equipped with Fire Extinguishers and other emergency equipment.
If the quantity is below the above quantity thresholds, the driver will require awareness training and will be exempt from some of the rules associated with the carriage of Dangerous Goods.
If the ‘Bowser’ is above 1000 litre capacity it is most likely to be regarded as a Tanker for the purposes of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations.
It will most certainly be marked with a metallic plate on the chassis, frame of tank shell clearly showing the Manufacturers 
name or mark, serial number, year of manufacture, approval number, capacity, date (month & year) of initial and last periodic test etc.
If it has such a plate then it is regarded as a tanker and is strictly regulated in as much as:-
Regardless of the quantity of substance inside, it is subject to the full requirements of the Carriage Regulations. i.e. Capacity 2500 litres. Quantity carried 800 litres = Regulations apply.
- The Driver will require an ADR Dangerous Goods Certificate to drive the vehicle.
- The Driver will have to carry certain documents prescribed by law.
- The vehicle will have to be equipped with Fire Extinguishers and other emergency equipment.
The regulations are far too complex to explain in a few pages of text and if any doubt exists you should seek expert help. We now offer a complete service which covers all you need for transport of dangerous goods (Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor) and we can also training your staff in ADR and transport related issues including use of digital tachographs – if you have any questions on this issue please call John Sennett for advice on the number given below.
If you have further questions on the application of these regulations within your business please call John Sennett our Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor on 01453 800100.
