Driver duties & responsibilities

As the driver you are responsible for the load while it is in your charge. Some firm rules: no smoking near the vehicle during handling, and not in or around the vehicle when carrying dangerous goods. Only the crew and authorised people may ride in the vehicle. Do not open packages. Keep the engine off during loading/unloading unless it is needed to power a pump. Check the load is secure and the markings are correct before you set off.

No smoking during handling or near the vehicle with dangerous goods aboard.

Higher-risk loads must be supervised or parked securely so they cannot be tampered with. Where supervision is required, you park in a safe place — a depot, a guarded area, or somewhere open and away from the public if nothing else is available. The aim is to stop theft, misuse or an accident while the vehicle is left. Always use the handbrake and wheel chocks where needed.

Certain loads must be supervised when parked (ADR 8.4 / 8.5 S-provisions).

You finish for the day with a part-load of UN1203 petrol on board. Where do you put the truck? Best: back at the secure depot — gated, lit, CCTV. Acceptable: a member's lorry park with security; if it's a supervised motorway services with a separate ADR/dangerous-goods area, also OK. Not OK: outside a school, near a public crowd, near a fuel-storage site, on residential streets, under low bridges, near drains where a leak could cause a problem. Always apply the handbrake, chock wheels on a slope, lock the cab and take the keys with you.

Best: secure depot with gates / lighting / CCTV.

Before driving, do a proper ADR walk-round — about five minutes that saves hours of trouble. Check the orange plates and placards match the load and the transport document. Check the load is secure with no shifting drums or leaning IBCs, no leaks, and no damaged packages. Check the fire extinguishers are in date, sealed and the right number and size for the vehicle. Confirm your Instructions in Writing are in the cab in your language and your equipment kit is complete. If anything is wrong, fix it before you drive.

Plates/placards match load + document.

If you have to stop on the road at night or in low visibility, the first priority is being SEEN. Switch on hazard lights, put on the hi-vis vest immediately, and set out BOTH self-standing warning signs (one in advance, one in line with the vehicle) at safe distances. Use the portable lamp — non-sparking, intrinsically safe is required around flammables. Be aware of approaching traffic; never stand on the road side of the vehicle with your back to traffic. Call the office / emergency services with the UN numbers and class info. Don't try to be a hero in the dark.

Hi-vis on FIRST — then deploy two self-standing warning signs.