Guidance

Security requirements for moving dangerous goods by road and rail

Security and training guidance for businesses, such as freight carriers and consignors, involved in the carriage of dangerous goods.

Documents

Security guidance on the carriage of dangerous goods by road and rail

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Security plan template (annex 1)

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Security risk assessment template (annex 6)

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Driver security advice sheet (annex 7)

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Guidance for the design and delivery of security awareness training for the carriage of dangerous goods by rail and road

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Details

Guidance for the security of dangerous goods by road

This guidance, which was originally published in 2005, was revised in 2016 to reflect regulatory changes and incorporate the guidance for carriage by rail.

Dangerous load card

A dangerous load card is to be shown to police if a driver is pulled over while carrying a recognised dangerous load.

Supplementary security guidance

For further supplementary guidance on security and the carriage of dangerous goods, refer to the:

Supplementary guidance on carriage by road only

A revised training film on the security of high consequence dangerous goods titled ‘Lockdown’ has been produced to replace the older version ‘The security of dangerous goods by road’ (2005). It has been updated to include the latest security requirements and best practice throughout the journey of dangerous goods on both road and rail. The film is designed to educate viewers on the mandatory elements of the ADR / RID regulations (Chapter 1.10). It is helpful for new starters or for refresher training. Helping staff identify the risks and how to mitigate them. A printable training aid is also available on the DVD to help provide a structure and written documentation of the training. To request your copy of the DVD contact us by email. The film is also available for industry members who have access to the dangerous goods extranet page.

The security requirements explained

Regulation 5 of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (and as amended) applies the security provisions of ADR and RID for national journeys. Regulations 7 and 8 also contain additional security requirements for Great Britain. These regulations are subject to agreed derogations as set out in the Carriage of Dangerous Goods: Approved Derogations and Transitional Provisions.

The security requirements are split between 2 levels. At a general level:

  • dangerous goods shall only be offered to people, companies or organisations that have been appropriately identified
  • temporary storage sites shall be properly secured
  • drivers shall carry a means of photographic identification
  • security training awareness shall be provided

A higher level of security measures should be taken for high consequence dangerous goods. A security plan must be adopted, implemented and complied with in these circumstances. High consequence dangerous goods are those which have the potential for misuse in a terrorist incident and which may, resultantly, produce serious consequences such as mass casualties or mass destruction.

These requirements do not apply to the carriage of civil nuclear material (as defined by the Nuclear Industries Security Regulations 2003) and non-nuclear radioactive materials. The transport of such material is regulated by the Office for Nuclear Regulation in accordance with the standards developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Enforcement of the security requirements

The Department for Transport and the Office for Nuclear Regulation enforce the security requirements of ADR and RID in Great Britain. For enquiries on legislation concerning Northern Ireland please contact the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland.

Background to the carriage of dangerous goods by road and rail

Businesses involved in the carriage of dangerous goods by road and rail are required to take security measures to safeguard against acts of terrorism. This requirement is in accordance with chapter 1.10 of the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR).

Dangerous goods security enquiries

You can contact the Department for Transport if you have a question about government policy and regulations for the secure carriage of dangerous goods.

Dangerous goods team

Email dangerousgoods@dft.gov.uk

Telephone 020 7944 2881

Published 18 October 2012
Last updated 24 September 2020 + show all updates
  1. Revised security plan template with updates to contact details and revisions to sections 4, 6 & 7.

  2. Updated links to latest ADR and RID regulations.

  3. 'Security guidance on the carriage of dangerous goods by road and rail' published.

  4. Revised training film on transport of dangerous goods released.

  5. First published.