Previously, the transport of dangerous goods by land had been governed by international agreements known as ADR (transport by road), RID (transport by rail) and ADN (transport by inland waterway). The new legislation takes the essential elements of these regulations, replacing them under one umbrella. There are no radical changes but new aspects have been introduced to keep pace with technical progress and improve safety.    

"The measures contained within the ADR and RID agreements were already closely linked to each other and to UN recommendations. Today, they are 95% in line with UN rules. For example, the same packaging rules apply and any differences relate to the specific conditions of each transport method, such as a tanker or freight car,"  explains Serge Moreau,  technical manager for transport of dangerous goods for Bureau Veritas in France.  

Updated rules

The TMD regulation covers loading and unloading activities, transfer from one mode of transport to another and safety stops required by any given transport method. It also fixes rules for servicing containers.  

New measures include obligatory training for all staff who prepare and transport dangerous goods. Full reports are still required in the event of an accident, loss of product or environmental damage and certificates must be held by the company packaging and loading the product.  

International and functional harmonization

Bureau Veritas offers many services in this area such as regular testing and inspection of containers including bottles and tankers. We offer Health and Safety  consulting according to current legislation and staff training for all those involved in the carriage of dangerous goods. This includes the sender, packager, buyer, security consultant, warehouse staff, transporter and the recipient.  

The streamlining of national legislation is part of a global framework that's not just for land carriage. Serge Moreau concludes: "We are moving towards harmonizing legislation for transport of dangerous goods across the board. Eventually, all rules for land, sea and air carriage will meet UN requirements."