ADR classes and classification of dangerous goods

Safe transportation of dangerous goods requires proper classification of materials according to ADR classes. This guide details all ADR classes, their characteristics and the rules of transportation. ADR classification of dangerous goods is the basis for the proper and legal transportation of hazardous materials.

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What is ADR classification?

ADR classification is an international system for dividing hazardous materials and objects into classes according to the predominant hazard. The ADR agreement specifies precisely how to classify a dangerous good and what conditions must be met when transporting it by road.

ADR classes - detailed breakdown:

Klasa 1 – Materiały wybuchowe

Includes explosives and explosive items, including:

• Desensitized explosives
• Pyrotechnic materials
• Items containing explosives Requires special transport conditions and the highest security measures.

Klasa 2 – Gazy

This class includes:

• Flammable gases (e.g., propane, acetylene)
• Non-flammable and non-poisonous gases (e.g., nitrogen, helium)
• Poisonous gases (e.g., chlorine)
• Gas mixtures Transportation requires specialized tankers and constant pressure monitoring.

Klasa 3 – Materiały ciekłe zapalne

This class includes:

• Liquid fuels
• Solvents
• Paints
• Other liquids flammable with a flash point below 60°C Transport requires airtight packaging and fire protection.

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Klasa 4 – Materiały stałe zapalne

It is divided into three subclasses:

• 4.1: Solid ignitable materials, self-reactive materials and polymerizable materials
• 4.2: Spontaneously combustible materials
• 4.3: Materials emitting flammable gases in contact with water

Klasa 5 – Materiały utleniające

It contains two subclasses:

• 5.1: Oxidizing materials
• 5.2: Organic peroxides These materials require special protection from contamination.

Klasa 6 – Materiały trujące i zakaźne

Divided into:

• 6.1: Poisonous materials capable of causing injury or death
• 6.2: Infectious materials containing microorganisms

Klasa 7 – Materiały promieniotwórcze

Requires special permits and security. Transport possible only by special means of transport.

Klasa 8 – Materiały żrące

Substances that can damage epithelial skin tissue or mucous membranes. Require sealed, chemically resistant packaging.

Klasa 9 – Różne materiały niebezpieczne

Includes, among others:

• Environmentally hazardous materials
• Materials with elevated temperatures
• Other materials that pose a risk during transport

Safety in ADR transport

Transportation of hazardous materials requires:

• Specialized equipment for vehicles
• Trained crew
• Appropriate signage
• Shipping documentation

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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions:

How to read ADR markings?

The ADR board contains two numbers:

• Top: hazard identification number
• Lower: UN number of the substance

What does the number 30 on the ADR board mean?

30 means inflammable liquid material (3) without additional hazards (0).

How to check the ADR classification of the goods?

One should:

1. Check the safety data sheet
2. Zweryfikować w wykazie towarów niebezpiecznych ADR
3. Consult an ADR advisor

How many ADR classes are there?

ADR distinguishes 13 main classes, some of which are divided into subclasses.

Additional information:

The transportation of hazardous materials is strictly regulated. The ADR Convention, signed on September 30, 1957, is regularly updated to ensure the highest level of safety in road transportation.

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