Exemptions related to dangerous goods used as a coolant or conditioner during carriage

Special provisions applicable to packages and vehicles and containers containing substances presenting a risk of asphyxiation when used for cooling or conditioning purposes (such as dry ice (UN 1845) or nitrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN 1977) or argon, refrigerated liquid (UN1951))

5.5.3.1.1 This section is not applicable to substances which may be used for cooling or conditioning purposes when carried as a consignment of dangerous goods. When they are carried as a consignment, these substances shall be carried under the relevant entry of Table A in Chapter 3.2 in accordance with the associated conditions of carriage.

5.5.3.1.2 This section is not applicable to gases in cooling cycles.

5.5.3.1.3 Dangerous goods used for cooling or conditioning tanks or MEGCs during carriage are not subject to this section.

5.5.3.1.4 Vehicles and containers containing substances used for cooling or conditioning purposes include vehicles and containers containing substances used for cooling or conditioning purposes inside packages as well as vehicles and containers with unpackaged substances used for cooling or conditioning purposes.

5.5.3.1.5 Sub-sections 5.5.3.6 and 5.5.3.7 only apply when there is an actual risk of asphyxiation in the vehicle or container. It is for the participants concerned to assess this risk, taking into consideration the hazards presented by the substances being used for cooling or conditioning, the amount of substance to be carried, the duration of the journey and the types of containment to be used.

5.5.3.2 General

5.5.3.2.1 Vehicles and containers containing substances used for cooling or conditioning purposes (other than fumigation) during carriage are not subject to any provisions of ADR other than those of this section.

5.5.3.2.2 When dangerous goods are loaded in vehicles or containers containing substances used for cooling or conditioning purposes any provisions of ADR relevant to these dangerous goods apply in addition to the provisions of this section.

5.5.3.2.4 Persons engaged in the handling or carriage of vehicles and containers containing substances used for cooling or conditioning purposes shall be trained commensurate with their responsibilities.

5.5.3.3 Packages containing a coolant or conditioner

5.5.3.3.1 Packaged dangerous goods requiring cooling or conditioning assigned to packing instructions P203, P620, P650, P800, P901 or P904 of 4.1.4.1 shall meet the appropriate requirements of that packing instruction.

5.5.3.3.2 For packaged dangerous goods requiring cooling or conditioning assigned to other packing instructions, the packages shall be capable of with standing very low temperatures and shall not be affected or significantly weakened by the coolant or conditioner. Packages shall be designed and constructed to permit the release of gas to prevent a build-up of pressure that could rupture the packaging. The dangerous goods shall be packed in such a way as to prevent movement after the dissipation of any coolant or conditioner.

5.5.3.3.3 Packages containing a coolant or conditioner shall be carried in well ventilated vehicles and containers. This provision does not apply when such packages are carried in insulated, refrigerated or mechanically refrigerated equipment, as defined in the Agreement on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs and on the Special Equipment to be Used for such Carriage (ATP).

5.5.3.4 Marking of packages containing a coolant or conditioner

5.5.3.4.1 Packages containing dangerous goods used for cooling or conditioning shall be marked with the name indicated in Column (2) of Table A of Chapter 3.2 of these dangerous goods followed by the words “AS COOLANT” or “AS CONDITIONER” as appropriate in an official language of the country of origin and also, if that language is not English, French or German, in English, French or German, unless agreements concluded between the countries concerned in the transport operation provide otherwise.

5.5.3.4.2 The markings shall be durable, legible and placed in such a location and of such a size relative to the package as to be readily visible.

5.5.3.5 Vehicles and containers containing unpackaged dry ice

5.5.3.5.1 If dry ice in unpackaged form is used, it shall not come into direct contact with the metal structure of a vehicle or container to avoid embrittlement of the metal. Measures shall be taken to provide adequate insulation between the dry ice and the vehicle or container by providing a minimum of 30 mm separation (e.g. by using suitable low heat conducting materials such as timber planks, pallets etc).

5.5.3.5.2 Where dry ice is placed around packages, measures shall be taken to ensure that packages remain in the original position during carriage after the dry ice has dissipated.

5.5.3.6 Marking of vehicles and containers

5.5.3.6.1 Vehicles and containers containing dangerous goods used for cooling or conditioning purposes shall be marked with a warning mark, as specified in 5.5.3.6.2 affixed at each access point in a location where it will be easily seen by persons opening or entering the vehicle or container. This mark shall remain on the vehicle or container until the following provisions are met:

(a) The vehicle or container has been ventilated to remove harmful concentrations of coolant or conditioner; and

(b) The cooled or conditioned goods have been unloaded.

5.5.3.6.2 The warning mark shall be as shown in Figure 5.5.3.6.2.

Figure 5.5.3.6.2

Coolant/conditioning warning mark for vehicles and containers

* Insert the name indicated in Column (2) of Table A of Chapter 3.2 of the coolant/conditioner. The lettering shall be in capitals, all be on one line and shall be at least 25 mm high. If the length of the proper shipping name is too long to fit in the space provided, the lettering may be reduced to the maximum size possible to fit. For example: “CARBON DIOXIDE, SOLID”.

**  Insert “AS COOLANT” or “AS CONDITIONER” as appropriate. The lettering shall be in capitals, all be on one line and be at least 25 mm high. The marking shall be a rectangle. The minimum dimensions shall be 150 mm wide x 250 mm high. The word “WARNING” shall be in red or white and be at least 25 mm high. Where dimensions are

not specified, all features shall be in approximate proportion to those shown. The word “WARNING” and the words “AS COOLANT” or “AS CONDITIONER”, as appropriate,

shall be in an official language of the country of origin and also, if that language is not English, French or German, in English, French or German, unless agreements concluded between the countries concerned in the transport operation provide otherwise.

5.5.3.7 Documentation

5.5.3.7.1 Documents (such as a bill of lading, cargo manifest or CMR/CIM consignment note) associated with the carriage of vehicles or containers containing or having contained substances used for cooling or conditioning purposes and have not been completely ventilated before carriage shall include the following information:

(a)  The UN number preceded by the letters “UN”; and

(b)  The name indicated in Column (2) of Table A of Chapter 3.2 followed by the words “AS COOLANT” or “AS CONDITIONER” as appropriate in an official language of the country of origin and also, if that language is not English, French or German, in English, French or German, unless agreements, if any, concluded between the countries concerned in the transport operation provide otherwise. For example: UN 1845, CARBON DIOXIDE, SOLID, AS COOLANT.

5.5.3.7.2  The transport document may be in any form, provided it contains the information required in 5.5.3.7.1. This information shall be easy to identify, legible and durable.