What is the 1000 Points Rule? – Definition
The Importance of the 1000 Points Rule for Drivers and Companies
The 1000 points rule is crucial for both drivers and companies in hazardous goods transport. Here are the key aspects:
Facilitation of ADR Training
If hazardous goods are transported within the 1000 points limit, no ADR training certificate (also known as ADR license) is required. However, drivers need training certification according to 1.3 ADR, which can be completed online in just 1.5 hours via SAFETY Training Plus, saving both time and costs.
Reduced Vehicle Equipment Requirements
Applying this exemption significantly reduces vehicle equipment requirements. A fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of two kilograms is sufficient. A warning vest, a portable lighting device per crew member, and a free-standing warning sign remain necessary. Additional equipment such as drain seal or eye protection is not required, offering flexibility and cost savings.
Less Effort in Labeling
For dangerous goods transports under 1000 points, the transport unit is not required to be labeled. This means that the orange-coloured plate marking does not have to be displayed, and tunnel restrictions do not apply.
Entry in the Transport Document
Using this exemption does not eliminate the requirement for a transport document. It must be created according to ADR, specifying total quantities per transport category and points. This ensures that drivers can easily determine whether their transport stays within the 1000 points limit.
Limitation for Tank Vehicles
The 1000 points rule does not apply to tank vehicles and tank containers. Drivers of tank vehicles must have an ADR training certificate. Additionally, full vehicle equipment is mandatory in this case.
Guide to Calculate ADR Points – How does it Work?
ADR points are calculated based on the transport category of dangerous goods. Each hazardous substance is assigned a transport category, found in column 15 of the ADR dangerous goods list. Example: UN 2796 falls into transport category 2. The categories are as follows:
| Transport Category | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| 0 | Prohibited |
| 1 | 50 |
| 2 | 3 |
| 3 | 1 |
| 4 | Unlimited |
Higher transport categories indicate lower hazard levels. Category 0 goods are highly dangerous and cannot be exempted. Category 4 goods are relatively safe and can be transported without limits under this exemption.
Example:
- 10 liters of a category 1 hazardous good (Multiplier 50) = 500 points (10 x 50).
- 100 liters of a category 3 hazardous good (Multiplier 1) = 100 points (100 x 1).
Add up the points for all hazardous goods in the transport unit. If the total is under 1000 points, the 1000 points rule applies.
The 1000 Points Rule in Practice: Calculation Example
To illustrate further, consider this practical example:
| 5 liters UN 1167 Divinylether, stabilized |
Transport Category 1 | 5 x 50 | 250 points |
| 200 kg UN 3090 Lithium Metal Batteries |
Transport Category 2 | 200 x 3 | 600 points |
| 100 kg UN 3077 Environmentally Hazardous Substance, solid, n.o.s. |
Transport Category 3 | 100 x 1 | 100 points |
| Total Points: 250 + 600 + 100 = | 950 points | ||
Since the total is under 1000 points, the exemptions of the 1000 points rule apply.
Conclusion: The 1000 Points Rule for Dangerous Goods Transport
The 1000 points rule is a significant exemption in hazardous goods transport, offering reduced training, labeling, and equipment requirements. Accurate point calculation enables companies to save both time and costs.
Despite exemptions, hazardous goods remain dangerous, and proper training is required. ADR training ensures adherence to regulations, correct calculations, and safe transport.
ADR Training at Safety Training Plus
To ensure safe handling of dangerous goods and avoid fines, ADR training is essential. Safety Training Plus offers practical courses tailored to the 1000 points rule.
Learn to correctly calculate, label, and transport hazardous goods – for increased safety and efficiency on the road!
ADR Training 1.3