Here are my thoughts on the ADR part of the December operator’s CPC case study.
In order to avoid possible confusion for those people taking this exam, could I please ask that any questions posted on this topic are relevant to this topic, and preferably from those actually taking this exam? (Please again. 
)
The Dec CPC case study:
Armageddon Chemicals Limited
This company manufactures a range of chemical substances, principally Class 8
corrosive substances, which are despatched in 1000 litre Intermediate Bulk Containers
(IBCs). Depending upon the size of load, it is envisaged that there could be
substantial flows of work for both rigid and articulated curtainside vehicles.OCR has never previously been involved in either of these two business sectors and
currently possesses neither specialist equipment nor expertise to carry out the work.
Since there are no details of UN number(s) or Packing Groups given, I think we can safely assume that the loads from Armageddon Chemicals will be subject to full ADR requirements ( = fully “in scope,”) so the ADR part of this is pretty straightforward and I doubt there’ll be any ADR load calculations to be performed. 
This (or very similar) is the kind of IBC mentioned in the scenario:
This one already has the right label for the job!!
NOTE:
A vehicle used for this job does NOT require an ADR certificate of approval.
So, what questions might they ask?
Documentation.
List x documents to be carried on board the vehicle.
- An ADR compliant transport document
- Instructions In Writing (consisting of four A4 sides and kept in an accessible place in the cab)
- The (original) driver’s ADR certificate (valid for at least packages and UN Class
- An acceptable form of photographic ID relating to the driver.
A driver’s ADR certificate valid for (only) Class 8 in packages
Real size = A5
Click image to expand
It’s best to think of a “Transport Document” as a delivery note, but ADR does use the words “Transport Document” for this.
List x requirements for an ADR compliant transport document:
- The UN number (preceded by the letters “UN”)
- The Proper Shipping Name (PSN) of the goods
- The UN Class of the goods
- The packing group (using Roman numerals.)
- The number and description of the packages
- The total quantity loaded on the vehicle
- The names and addresses of the consignor AND consignee
- The tunnel restriction code IN BRACKETS (but only if passage is known to go through a tunnel subject to dangerous goods restrictions)
They haven’t mentioned a route which passes through a road tunnel, so the tunnel restriction code won’t be needed on the transport document for this journey.
OCR will need to appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA.)
A DGSA can be the owner, the boss, the TM, another person employed by the company, or a person not directly employed by the company, such as a consultant. In any case, the appointed DGSA can only be a person properly qualified by passing the relevant SQA examinations. There are no grandfather rights. There are no exemptions available to the OCR operation in this case. As TM, I’d advise that you should ask to see the DGSA’s certificate.
DGSA certificate:
Real size = A4
Click image to expand
List x DGSA’s duties.
- monitoring compliance with the requirements governing the carriage of dangerous goods;
- advising on the carriage of dangerous goods;
- preparing an annual report to the management on their activities in the carriage of dangerous goods.
(Management MUST retain these reports for 5 years AND produce them to the Police, VOSA or the HSE if requested.) - verification of proper procedures for identifying dangerous goods.
- verification that persons have had training appropriate to their duties
- preparing reports of serious incidents or infringements for forwarding to the DfT.
- verification that a company has appropriate equipment for the carriage of dangerous goods.
- verification of proper emergency procedures in case of an incident involving dangerous goods.
Vehicle markings.
This requirement is very straightforward…
An ‘in scope’ vehicle requires two PLAIN reflectorised orange coloured plates, one to be placed on the front of the vehicle, and one to be placed on rear of the vehicle. The size of the orange coloured plates is 40cm X 30cm
The two orange plates must be removed or effectively covered once the vehicle has been unloaded.
NO OTHER VEHICLE MARKINGS ARE REQUIRED and a front plate is NOT required to be displayed on the front of an uncoupled trailer.
.
I’ve noticed something that will make the fire-extinguisher requirements a bit easier…
The following will apply to the current OCR fleet AND the vehicles owned by Deuce if OCR completes the deal to buy them.
Fire extinguishers.
Fire-extinguisher compliance rules:
- Extinguishers must be of an approved type ie. the Kite Mark or the CE mark.
- Extinguishers must be periodically inspected (annually in the UK) and bear a label / sticker showing the next due date of inspection, or the maximum period of use.
- Extinguishers must be fitted with a seal AND pin.
- Extinguishers must be protected from the effects of the weather.
- Extinguishers must be easily accessible.
The seal must pass through the pin to show that the pin hasn’t been withdrawn.
An “in scope” vehicle will need a minimum of 1 X 2kg dry powder fire extinguisher:
AND
1 X 10kg fire extinguisher to make a total minimum of 12kgs
Therefore, a minimum of two fire extinguishers will be needed per vehicle.
An “in scope” vehicle will need the following equipment on board as a minimum:
List x items of equipment required to be on board the vehicle
- a suitable wheel chock
- two self-standing warning signs (These can be cones, triangles or amber flashing lights etc.)
- eye rinsing liquid (eye-wash.)
Additional compulsory equipment for the carriage of UN Classes 8 (per vehicle)
- a shovel
- a drain seal
- a collecting container
Each person on board an “in scope” vehicle must have:
List x items of PPE (per person.)
- a warning vest ( = Hi-Viz)
- portable lighting apparatus ( = a torch)
- a pair of protective gloves
- eye protection (e.g. protective goggles.)
Markings on the IBCs.
The four-digit UN number of the substance must be shown on each package, preceded by the letters “UN.”
2 X [proper] UN Class 8 labels (100mm X 100mm) on two opposite sides of each IBC.
Example:
Now we come to my usual tips for giving a good answer:
Please spend a few moments to read the questions before putting pen to paper, so that you have the overview of where it’s all heading.
The questions often contain massive clues, such as:
If you see the word “list” in the question, then PLEASE simply write a list.
- x
- y
- z
You will lose marks for not following a clear instruction given in the question if you write anything other than what has been asked for.
If you see the word “explain,” then keep it short and please don’t ramble, whilst making absolutely sure that the answer you give actually adresses the question. That type of question usually contains the word “briefly,” so brevity is what they’re looking for.
If you see “give X (number) of reasons,” then they’re looking for that number of reasons for something.
There’s no point writing an excessive number than that asked for, but with the best reasons buried somewhere near the end. The people who mark the exams will have been told to ONLY look at the number of reasons asked for. They will ignore the rest, so please don’t waste valuable exam time.
My tip here is to think of as many as you can, but pick only the best and most relevant ones to write as your answers.
If you’re still awake after reading this, could I ask you to please try and remember some of the ADR questions asked, because posting them here might assist me to help future candidates.
If you feel that I’ve missed something, please ask!!
Thanks in advance guys and girls, and the very best of luck to everybody attempting the exams.
