Special markings on the ADR package

The UN number on the package

Unless provided otherwise in ADR, the UN number corresponding to the dangerous goods contained, preceded by the letters “UN” shall be clearly and durably marked on each package.
The UN number and the letters “UN” shall be at least 12 mm high, except for packages of 30 litres capacity or less or of 30 kg maximum net mass and for cylinders of 60 litres water capacity or l
ess, when they shall be at least 6 mm in height and except for packages of 5 litres or 5 kg or less when they shall be of an appropriate size.
In the case of unpackaged articles the mark shall be displayed on the article, on its cradle or on its handling, storage or launching device.

Special marking provisions for environmentally hazardous substances

Packages containing environmentally hazardous substances meeting the criteria of 2.2.9.1.10 shall be durably marked with the environmentally hazardous substance mark shown in 5.2.1.8.3 with the exception of single packagings and combination packagings where such single packagings or inner packagings of such combination packagings have:
– a quantity of 5l or less for liquids; or
– a net mass of 5 kg or less for solids.
The environmentally hazardous substance mark shall be located adjacent to the marks required by 5.2.1.1. of the ADR. The requirements of 5.2.1.2 and 5.2.1.4 shall be met.

Orientation arrows

Except as provided in 5.2.1.10.2:
– combination packagings having inner packagings containing liquids;
– single packagings fitted with vents; and
– cryogenic receptacles intended for the carriage of refrigerated liquefied gases, shall be legibly marked with package orientation arrows which are similar to the illustration shown below or with those meeting the specifications of ISO 780:1997.

The orientation arrows shall appear on two opposite vertical sides of the package with the arrows pointing in the correct upright direction.

They shall be rectangular and of a size that is clearly visible commensurate with the size of the package. Depicting a rectangular border around the arrows is optional.
Orientation arrows are not required on:
(a) Outer packagings containing pressure receptacles except cryogenic receptacles;
(b) Outer packagings containing dangerous goods in inner packagings each containing not more than 120 ml, with sufficient absorbent material between the inner and outer packagings to
completely absorb the liquid contents;
(c) Outer packagings containing Class 6.2 infectious substances in primary receptacles each containing not more than 50 ml;
(d) Type IP-2, type IP-3, type A, type B(U), type B(M) or type C packages containing Class 7 radioactive material;
(e) Outer packagings containing articles which are leak-tight in all orientations (e.g. alcohol or mercury in thermometers, aerosols, etc.); or
(f) Outer packagings containing dangerous goods in hermetically sealed inner packagings each containing not more than 500 ml.

60 years of improved safety for the ADR transport of dangerous goods

Ensuring the safe transit of dangerous goods is a fundamental dimension of road safety. The European Agreement concerning the International Transport of Dangerous Good by Road (ADR), which celebrates its sixtieth anniversary this year, is a successful example of the positive impact of harmonization and cooperation on improving road safety.

ADR covers both the packaging and labelling of dangerous goods, and the construction, equipment and operation of the vehicle carrying the goods. As the key reference for transporters carrying dangerous chemicals within the Agreement’s 49 Contracting Parties, ADR also helps to ensure quick and effective emergency response in case of accidents.

UNECE Executive Secretary Olga Algayerova stated “ADR has made a direct contribution over sixty years to improving road safety for the transport of dangerous goods, reducing risks and saving lives. As a global Agreement, ADR is open to all United Nations Member States. Growing international interest in ADR means that more and more countries will be able to benefit from enhanced safety on the road.”

Umberto de Pretto, Secretary General of the International Road Transport Union (IRU), said: “It is gratifying to look back at 60 years of improving road safety. Looking ahead, IRU will continue to support revisions as the industry develops, and we reinforce the message today that global conventions, together with training, are the most effective means to secure, professionalise and harmonise road transport services around the world.”

ADR facilitates the international transport and trade of a wide range of products of economic importance, including petroleum products, gases, chemicals, agrochemicals and fertilizers.

Although ADR is primarily intended to increase safety, its provisions also address other aspects of the transport of dangerous goods, notably security (to prevent misuse of dangerous goods carried by terrorists) and protection of the environment (to prevent leakages/spillages that could lead to the release of hazardous chemicals to the air, soil, and water).

UNECE encourages all United Nations Member States to join ADR, sharing its proven successes over sixty years in improving road safety and facilitating the global transport of dangerous goods.

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