Loading, Unloading & Segregation

Why are some classes of dangerous goods not allowed to be loaded together on the same vehicle?

• AThey would together make the vehicle exceed its maximum permitted overall length
• BThey would require two different coloured hazard plates on the same vehicle
• CThey would take longer for the driver to unload by hand at the delivery point
• DThey could react dangerously with each other if they mixed✓

Answer: Segregation and mixed-loading rules keep apart substances that could react dangerously together, for example an oxidiser with a flammable substance, reducing the risk of fire or a violent reaction. The reason is chemical safety, not length, plates or unloading time.

How should packages of dangerous goods be secured on the vehicle?

• AStacked loosely so they can settle naturally during the journey
• BLeft unsecured provided the journey is only a short distance
• CLoaded and restrained so they cannot move, fall or be damaged in transit✓
• DPiled as high as they will go, making the best use of the load space

Answer: Packages must be stowed and restrained so they cannot shift, topple or be damaged, which could cause a leak or spill. Loose stacking, leaving loads unsecured, or unsafe stacking heights all risk an incident.

What should you do before loading if a package shows signs of damage or leakage?

• ALoad it quickly before the leak can spread further
• BWrap it in the paperwork and load it as normal
• CDo not load it and report the problem✓
• DLoad it but drive more slowly to the destination

Answer: A damaged or leaking package must not be loaded; it should be set aside and reported so it can be dealt with safely. Loading a compromised package risks contamination, fire or exposure regardless of how it is wrapped or how slowly you drive.

Why should the engine usually be switched off during loading and unloading unless it is needed to operate equipment?

• ATo save fuel while the vehicle is standing still at the loading bay
• BTo stop the tachograph from recording driving time
• CTo keep the inside of the cab quiet and comfortable for the loading staff outside
• DTo remove a possible source of ignition and reduce risk✓

Answer: Switching the engine off during handling removes a potential ignition source near flammable vapours, unless the engine is required to drive a pump or other equipment. The main reason is safety, not fuel saving, tachograph mode or noise.

Who is responsible for making sure the vehicle and load are safe before setting off?

• AOnly the loader, once the goods are placed on the vehicle and the doors are shut
• BThe driver must carry out the required checks before the journey✓
• COnly the receiving customer at the delivery address
• DNobody at all, provided that the relevant paperwork has already been fully completed

Answer: The driver must check that the load is properly secured and labelled, the documents and equipment are present, and the vehicle is fit before setting off, sharing responsibility with the consignor and loader. Completed paperwork alone does not make the load safe.

What is a sensible precaution when carrying dangerous goods in packages loose in bulk or as a mixed load?

• AMix all of the different packages together so as to spread the total weight more evenly
• BFollow the segregation and stowage rules for the substances involved✓
• CPlace the heaviest hazard label on the outside of the doors
• DCarry double the quantity to reduce the number of journeys

Answer: You must apply the correct segregation and stowage rules so incompatible substances are kept apart and everything is restrained. Randomly mixing packages, mislabelling or increasing the quantity all raise the risk.

If a small spillage occurs during unloading and it is safe to act, what is an appropriate first step?

• AWash the spill straight into the nearest surface-water drain
• BIgnore it and finish unloading the rest of the vehicle first
• CFollow the instructions in writing and contain the spill if you can do so safely✓
• DCover the spillage with the load documents and rags to soak up the liquid

Answer: You should follow the instructions in writing, protect yourself, and contain the spill using the equipment provided only if it is safe, while keeping it out of drains and watercourses. Washing it into a drain, ignoring it or using paperwork are all unsafe or ineffective.

How are the ADR mixed-loading prohibitions for packages mainly determined?

• ABy the colour of the outer packaging used
• BBy the gross weight of each individual package
• CBy the time of day of loading
• DBy the danger labels on the packages✓

Answer: ADR's mixed-loading table is based on the danger labels carried by packages. Certain combinations must not be loaded in the same vehicle or container.

Packages bearing Class 6.1 or 6.2 labels are being loaded. What must be kept separate from them?

• AFoodstuffs and animal feed✓
• BSpare tyres and tools
• CThe driver's paperwork
• DEmpty cardboard boxes

Answer: ADR requires packages bearing labels 6.1 or 6.2 to be kept separate from foodstuffs, other articles of consumption and animal feed in vehicles and at loading places.

How should packages of dangerous goods be stowed on a vehicle?

• ALeft loose so they can be reached easily at each delivery
• BStacked as high as possible to leave room for other loads
• CSecured against movement, with arrows kept upright✓
• DPlaced near the doors, whatever the orientation of the arrows

Answer: ADR requires packages to be secured by suitable means, such as straps, bars or blocking, to prevent movement, and packages with orientation arrows to be kept the right way up.

A package leaked during the journey. What does ADR require after unloading?

• AThe vehicle must be scrapped at an approved centre
• BThe leaked goods are left for the next driver
• CThe vehicle may be reloaded if the leak was small
• DIt must be cleaned before being reloaded✓

Answer: If dangerous goods have leaked or spilled, the vehicle or container must be cleaned as soon as possible, and in any case before reloading.

How should gas cylinders be carried?

• AStacked on top of other packages to save space
• BSecured so they cannot move, with valves closed✓
• CLoose on the load bed so they can roll freely
• DUpside down so that their valves are protected from knocks

Answer: Cylinders must be secured to prevent movement and damage, with valves closed and protected. Unsecured cylinders are a common roadside finding.

What are Class 1 compatibility groups used for?

• ADeciding which road tunnels explosives are allowed to use
• BDeciding which explosives may be loaded together✓
• CDeciding the colour and size of the placards that are used
• DDeciding how long an ADR certificate lasts

Answer: Compatibility groups (letters A to S) show which explosives can be stowed or carried together without significantly increasing the risk of an accident.

Gas cylinders are being carried in a closed van that is not ventilated. What must the load doors be marked with?

• AThe UN numbers of every cylinder, in letters 100 mm high
• BA notice telling the public that the van is unattended
• CA warning that there is no ventilation and to open with caution✓
• DA notice that the van must be parked in direct sunlight to warm it

Answer: For Class 2 gases, ADR special provision CV36 says packages should preferably be carried in open or ventilated vehicles; if not, the load doors must be marked 'WARNING NO VENTILATION OPEN WITH CAUTION'.

Why do some organic peroxides and self-reactive substances need temperature control during carriage?

• AThey lose their colour if they are kept too cool
• BThey can decompose dangerously if too warm✓
• CThey must be warm to be pumped out of drums
• DThey freeze solid at normal outdoor temperatures

Answer: Some Class 5.2 and Class 4.1 substances can undergo self-accelerating decomposition above a certain temperature, so they must be kept below their control temperature.

Before loading, what should be checked about the vehicle's load compartment?

• AThat it is undamaged and free of reactive residues✓
• BThat its doors have been removed to help ventilation
• CThat it has been painted with the colours of the load
• DThat it has space left over for passengers to travel

Answer: Before loading, the vehicle should be checked for damage and residues, such as projecting nails or leftover substances, that could damage packages or react with the goods.

Why is a tanker earthed or bonded before flammable liquids are loaded or unloaded?

• ATo measure the quantity of liquid in each compartment
• BTo prevent a static electricity spark igniting vapour✓
• CTo stop the tanker rolling while it is being filled
• DTo warm the liquid so that it flows more quickly

Answer: Liquid moving through hoses can build up static electricity. Earthing or bonding lets the charge dissipate safely so it cannot spark and ignite flammable vapour.

What should the driver check after discharging a tanker?

• AThat valves and covers are closed and there are no leaks✓
• BThat the hoses have been left connected ready for the next load
• CThat the placards have been taken off every side of the tank
• DThat the tank has been filled with water for safety

Answer: After discharge, valves and closures should be closed and checked for leaks. An empty uncleaned tank still contains residues and vapour and must be treated as hazardous.

Under ADR, who is responsible for classifying dangerous goods before they are consigned?

• AThe driver
• BThe consignor✓
• CThe consignee
• DThe police

Answer: ADR places the duty on the consignor to classify dangerous goods and provide the carrier with the information and documents required.

What is one of the unloader's duties under ADR?

• ATo classify the goods and write the transport document for the return journey
• BTo inspect the tank and issue the vehicle's ADR certificate of approval
• CTo provide the driver with a copy of the instructions in writing
• DTo check the right goods are unloaded and clean the vehicle if needed✓

Answer: ADR requires the unloader to check that the correct goods are unloaded, and to arrange cleaning and decontamination of the vehicle or container where needed.

Where should packages of dangerous goods be kept while waiting to be loaded?

• ANext to the vehicle's exhaust pipe
• BIn direct sunlight to keep them dry
• CAway from heat and sources of ignition✓
• DIn the cab behind the driver's seat

Answer: Keeping packages away from heat and ignition sources reduces the risk of pressure build-up, leakage or fire.

How should packages of Class 4.3 (dangerous when wet) goods be protected during carriage?

• AThey should be sprayed with water to stay cool
• BThey should be carried in an open vehicle to air them
• CKept dry, in closed or sheeted vehicles✓
• DThey should be packed in wet sand to stop fires

Answer: Class 4.3 substances give off flammable gases in contact with water, so ADR requires them to be carried in closed or sheeted vehicles and kept dry.

Several packages are combined into an overpack and their markings cannot be seen. What must the overpack be marked with?

• AThe date of loading and the maximum permitted weight of the vehicle
• BThe price of the goods and the consignee's order
• CThe name of the driver and the vehicle registration
• DThe word 'OVERPACK' and the package markings and labels✓

Answer: If the markings and labels of the packages inside are not visible, the overpack must be marked 'OVERPACK' and bear the UN numbers and labels required for the packages it contains.

How should gas cylinders be unloaded from a vehicle?

• AUsing suitable handling equipment✓
• BBy sliding them off the tail of the vehicle by hand
• CBy dropping them onto a tyre to cushion the impact
• DBy lifting them by their valves to keep a good grip

Answer: Cylinders are heavy and can be damaged if dropped, with a risk of valve failure. Use suitable handling equipment and never lift them by the valve.

Before setting off after loading, what should the driver check?

• AThe consignee has been sent an invoice for the load
• BThe fuel tank has been filled to the top, whatever the length of the trip
• CThe load is secured, doors are closed and plates are correct✓
• DThe packages have been opened and checked against the delivery note

Answer: Before departure, check that the load is secured, that doors and valves are closed and that the correct plates and placards are displayed for the goods carried.

A package arrives for loading with its danger label torn off. What should happen?

• AIt can be loaded if it is placed at the front
• BIt should not be loaded until it is correctly labelled✓
• CIt can be loaded if the driver knows what is inside
• DIt should be relabelled by the driver from memory

Answer: Packages must be correctly marked and labelled before carriage. A package without its danger label should not be loaded until the consignor has put this right.