ADR & THE CARRIAGE OF BOTTLED GAS
Are you carrying LPG, Acetylene, Carbon Dioxide, Oxygen, argon or other industrial gases?
ADR can apply to the carriage of bottled gas, depending on the gas, the quantity being transported, and the applicable ADR provisions. For smaller quantities, some requirements may be reduced, but drivers still need appropriate training, and vehicles must carry specified safety equipment. When the applicable threshold is exceeded, additional ADR requirements can include ADR training, Class 2 equipment, signage and fire extinguishers.
We often get asked what ADR signage and equipment do I require when transporting bottled gas. The first important point is to establish what volume you are carrying. If it is less than 333kg then you need to follow the following:-
- Driver to have received “general awareness”, “function specific”, and “safety” training (ADR 1.3). A training record should be kept.
- Vehicle to be equipped with at least one 2 kg dry powder fire extinguisher which is kept in good working order.
- The load to be properly stowed.
- HSE has published the leaflet “Working safely with acetylene” and the British Compressed Gases Association has a useful guidance note on the topic of carrying gas cylinders in vehicles, GN27 Guidance for the carriage of gas cylinders on vehicles. This and a wider range of BCGA publications can be found on their website. The UKLPG has also published its Code of Practice 27 “Carriage of LPG Cylinders by Road.
Carriage of more than the 333kg?
The requirements of CDG 2009 and ADR apply in full. Therefore the driver needs to be ADR trained, ADR kit needs to be carried DK0280 Class 2 ADR kit which will cover all your safety equipment. In addition to this you need an orange ADR sign on the front of the vehicle and a ADR sign to the rear. Also dry powder fire extinguishers are to be carried according to the size of the vehicle.
Before transporting bottled gas, check:
- Gas type and classification
- Quantity being carried
- Whether any ADR exemptions apply
- Driver training requirements
- Fire extinguisher requirements
- Load stowage and securing
- ADR equipment required
- Vehicle signage requirements
- Relevant instructions and documentation
- Condition and availability of emergency equipment
How does ADR apply to the carriage of bottled gas?
Bottled gas is classed as dangerous goods, and its carriage by road is subject to ADR requirements. The specific requirements depend on factors including the gas being carried, the quantity, and how it is packaged and transported.
What are the ADR requirements for carrying less than 333 kg of bottled gas?
Where the quantity carried falls within the applicable ADR small-load exemption, some full ADR requirements may not apply. However, operators still need to ensure the gas is correctly packaged, secured and transported safely, and that the driver has appropriate information and training for the load.
What are the ADR requirements for carrying more than 333 kg?
Carrying more than 333 kg of bottled gas generally triggers more comprehensive ADR requirements. Depending on the substance and circumstances, this can include specified vehicle equipment, documentation, driver training, vehicle marking and other safety requirements.
What ADR equipment is required when transporting bottled gas?
The required equipment depends on the quantity and classification of the gas being transported. Operators may need items such as fire extinguishers, warning equipment, personal protective equipment and other ADR safety equipment specified for the load. The equipment should be checked regularly and kept readily accessible.
Do bottled gas vehicles need ADR signage?
ADR signage requirements depend on the type and quantity of bottled gas being carried and whether an ADR exemption applies. Vehicles carrying loads that meet full ADR requirements may need orange plates and other required markings, while loads that are exempt may have different requirements.
What training does a driver carrying bottled gas need?
Drivers carrying bottled gas must receive training appropriate to the dangerous goods they are transporting and the applicable ADR requirements. Where full ADR requirements apply, the driver will generally need the relevant ADR driver training and certificate, with additional training potentially required depending on the type of gas and transport operation.
What should operators check before transporting bottled gas?
Before transport, operators should check the gas classification and quantity, packaging and cylinder condition, load security, required documentation, vehicle equipment, signage and driver training. They should also confirm which ADR exemptions or requirements apply to the specific load rather than relying on the quantity alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ADR threshold for bottled gas?
The 333 kg threshold is relevant to determining which ADR requirements apply when transporting bottled gas, but it is not a universal rule for all gases or transport situations. The applicable requirements depend on the substance being carried, its classification, quantity and the specific transport circumstances.
Does carrying bottled gas require ADR training?
Drivers carrying lower quantities may still require training under ADR 1.3, which covers appropriate instruction for people involved in the carriage of dangerous goods. Where ADR applies in full, the driver will generally need the relevant ADR driver training and certification for the dangerous goods being transported.
What ADR equipment is needed for bottled gas?
The required equipment depends on the load’s quantity and circumstances. Where applicable, operators should have the appropriate ADR kit, fire extinguisher and signage, together with suitable load restraint and stowage to prevent cylinders from moving or becoming damaged during transport.
Do vehicles carrying bottled gas need orange ADR signs?
Whether orange ADR signs are required depends on the quantity and circumstances of the bottled gas being transported. Lower-quantity loads may fall outside the full-vehicle marking requirements, while vehicles carrying loads to which the ADR applies in full may require the appropriate orange plates and other markings.
What bottled gases can be transported under ADR?
Examples of bottled gases covered by ADR include LPG, acetylene, carbon dioxide, oxygen and argon. However, the specific classification and transport requirements vary between gases. Operators should check the classification, quantity and applicable ADR requirements for the particular gas before arranging its carriage.
Simple Guide
| Bottled gas carriage scenario | Key considerations |
| Less than 333 kg | ADR 1.3 training, fire extinguisher, secure stowage |
| More than 333 kg | Full ADR/CDG requirements as applicable |
| Different gas types | Check classification and applicable requirements |
| Mixed loads | Assess the requirements for the complete load |
Useful Terms & Definitions
- ADR – the international framework governing the carriage of dangerous goods by road.
- CDG 2009 – the UK regulations applying to the carriage of dangerous goods by road.
- ADR 1.3 training – training requirements for people whose work involves the carriage of dangerous goods, covering relevant safety and operational responsibilities.
- Transport unit – the vehicle, with or without an attached trailer, used for the carriage of dangerous goods.
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