Again and again we find statements like this: “We stay under the 1000 points. That’s not really dangerous goods,” or “We have nothing to do with dangerous goods credits because we stay below 1000 points.”
It is time to take a closer look at this myth.
Read here how to calculate the points for the 1000 point rule and what simplifications this entails. You want to calculate your ADR Points? Here you find our 1000 points calculator.
Which mode of transport has the points and point limit?
In principle, the 1000 point rule only applies to the road transport of dangerous goods. The so-called 1000 point rule does not apply to sea transport or air freight. This article therefore refers to the road transport of dangerous goods. Here, as is well known, the ADR is to be applied.
Basic rules of conduct for dangerous goods
The danger posed by the transport of dangerous goods is taken into account by the legislator through the enactment of laws and regulations. All parties involved must comply in particular with the rules of the ADR and the GGVSEB (you can find our article on the parties involved HERE).
Simply put: dangerous goods must be specially packaged and labeled so that the transport can be carried out safely. Likewise, the vehicles are subject to certain requirements in terms of equipment as well as their construction regulations. For example, a certain quantity of fire extinguishers is required – depending on the size of the vehicle. The transport documents, such as the bill of lading or delivery bill, must contain precisely defined information. In addition, all employees must either have been instructed (this is the technical term in ADR) or trained (e.g. in the case of the ADR certificate) before the first transport.
What does the 1000 points rule mean in practice?
Consequently, this means that you would have to make a high and intensive effort even for small quantities of dangerous goods. All vehicles would have to be equipped as described above and the drivers would have to be trained.
How could the effort be reduced?
Among other things, the 1000-point regulation was created for this purpose. Each dangerous goods has been assigned a factor (numerical value 0, 1, 3 or 50) depending on its hazardousness. In order to make the dangerous goods table clear, however, these factors are not entered directly in the table. A code number (0, 1, 2, 3, or 4) takes their place – the so-called transport category (Bk). With its help, the point value can now be calculated for each dangerous goods.
How are ADR points in the 1000 points rule calculated?
To calculate the points, for solid substances the weight in kg is multiplied by the factor. For liquid substances, the net quantity in liters is multiplied by the factor.
1000 points rule Case study:
2 canisters of 5 liters each of the following dangerous goods are to be carried: UN 1263 Paint Accessories, Dangerous Goods Class 3, Packing Group 1 Transport Category 1.
Calculation method: Net weight x factor = points
Solution: 10 liters x 50 = 500 points
So the 10 liters of paint accessories already have 500 points.
Example of point calculation for different dangerous goods:
The entry in the transport document must be as follows:
If other dangerous goods are now added, the 1000 points are quickly exceeded. The driver must pay attention to how many points he transports on his truck – above all. This also applies if goods are unloaded or, above all, added during a tour. Therefore, these points must be noted on the transport document.
Objects with dangerous goods and gases need special consideration – we are happy to help you with this!
Are there dangerous goods that do not have points?
Yes, there are. Dangerous goods that are packed and transported in limited quantities or that are exempted from the ADR do not receive points. In addition, all dangerous goods that fall under transport category 4. This includes, in particular, empty, uncleaned packaging that still contains dangerous goods residues.
Learn more if you can use the rule and benefit from it with our Limited Quantities Calculator!
What does it mean if the 1000 points have not been exceeded?
For the sender or his client
The freight costs are usually lower than for dangerous goods shipments whose value exceeds 1000 points. Likewise, at least in Germany, the shipper is not required to appoint a dangerous goods safety advisor.
For the packer and loader.
Is the question of whether the vehicle remains above or below 1000 points almost irrelevant. The selection of the packaging, the packaging process, the marking and labeling, the loading and the load securing remain independent of the number of points. I.e. they must always be carried out in accordance with the ADR regulations. Only at the establishment of the transport document the number of points has to be shown in case of a transport of less than 1000 points. In the event that the 1000 points are exceeded, the shipper should ensure that the vehicle driver attaches or opens the orange warning sign and is in possession of an ADR certificate.
For the trucking company and for the drivers
If a haulage company always transports dangerous goods up to a maximum of 1000 points, it can dispense with the equipment specified in the ADR – such as protective goggles, duct cover, orange warning sign and placards (placards). A tested 2 kg ABC fire extinguisher (independent of the vehicle size), a warning vest per crew member, a self-standing warning triangle and a first-aid kit must be carried. Please note the 2-year inspection period for the fire extinguisher.
The drivers only have to be instructed according to ADR (1.3). If there are more than 1,000 items of dangerous goods on board, the driver must have an ADR certificate.
The driver does not have to attach the orange warning plate or the placards if the 1,000 points have not been exceeded.
Summary
- The fact that dangerous goods are converted into points is particularly important in road transport. Here, however, the ADR also applies if less than 1000 points are transported.
- Drivers are allowed to transport dangerous goods after having been instructed. Without instruction this is forbidden. Click HERE and attend one of our weekly instruction sessions!
- Trucking companies do not have to specially equip the vehicle when transporting under 1000 points. Only the 2 kg ABC fire extinguisher, the high visibility vest per crew member, the warning triangle and the first aid kit are required.
- Also under 1000 points all rules of the ADR must be kept. This applies to the packaging and its labeling as well as to the establishment of the transport document (transport document).
- Conclusion: Even if dangerous goods are transported in small quantities, they remain dangerous goods.
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