You may work in a business, or as an independent company, where you may need to transport asbestos. It was used frequently, until it was banned completely in 1999, so many buildings which were constructed before 2000 are likely to still contain this hazardous substance.
While it was banned, many businesses have still been contacted to remove asbestos from buildings. It may seem like an easy task, but it poses many threats, and many questions, such as do you need an ADR licence to carry asbestos?
Do I need An ADR Licence to Transport Asbestos?
If you are carrying asbestos over limited quantities, you need an ADR licence.
Carrying asbestos in limited quantities are defined under two types of asbestos. For example, carrying Amphibole Asbestos (brittle fibres with a needle-like appearance), has a limited quantity of 1kg. Chrysotile Asbestos (softer, flexible fibres) has a limited quantity of 5kg.
However, there are other exceptions for asbestos, such as the form it takes.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is defined as the process of “…several naturally occurring fibrous minerals that have crystallised to form fibres.”
Because of how adverse asbestos is, this made it a popular material to use for buildings, but it was deemed a dangerous material, due to the risk to health following inhalation exposure. This material has no smell, and you can’t see or feel it unless it is as a part of a product.
So, is asbestos considered a dangerous good under the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (also known as ADR)?
Asbestos ADR Classification
Any fibrous or unbonded asbestos falls under ADR class 9 (miscellaneous). All asbestos is considered hazardous waste. This is because of the dangers posed when in contact with this material. For example, thermal insulation material which uses asbestos would fall under this class of hazardous goods.
When asbestos is disturbed, it creates fine particles which can sit in your lungs, causing long term health issues.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) explain that any movement of asbestos must also be accompanied by a hazardous/special waste consignment note, as well as the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 applying. So, any vehicle carrying asbestos outside of the exemption limit are required to have orange plates.
Exemptions
Packaging asbestos products is also essential to ensure the safe movement of the material. Although, once again, this will depend on the form it takes.
Conclusion
In short, yes. You need to be ADR certified, but only for asbestos materials or products that produce respirable asbestos fibres, and not fixed products where the fibres cannot be emitted.
Require ADR Training?
2 Start offer ADR training for all classes. You can also complete the training for dangerous goods in packages or tanks with us. Enquire online today, or call our team on 02392 123 555 to discuss your training requirements.
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