Instructions in writing: what the four pages say

The instructions in writing are four pages that sit within reach in the cab on every ADR journey. They tell the crew what to do after an accident or in an emergency, whatever is on board. Their content is laid down word for word in ADR (5.4.3.4). Know those four pages and a whole set of exam questions about emergencies becomes easy.

Who has to do what

• The carrier gives the crew the instructions before the journey starts, in a language each crew member can read and understand. The carrier also makes sure everyone understands them and can carry them out properly (ADR 5.4.3.2).
• The crew find out before setting off which dangerous goods are loaded and read in the instructions what to do in an accident or emergency (ADR 5.4.3.3).
• In the vehicle the instructions are kept in the crew’s cab, readily available (ADR 5.4.3.1 and 8.1.2.3). They are among the documents carried in the cab, together with the transport document and photo ID for each crew member (ADR 8.1.2.1).

The model is the same in every ADR country. Each contracting party sends an official translation to UNECE, which makes all the language versions available (ADR 5.4.3.5). A driver who doesn’t read English gets the instructions in a language they understand. The Department for Transport publishes guidance on how to provide the instructions and how to present them in vehicles.

Under the 1,000 points rule, no instructions in writing are required, because section 5.4.3 is on the list of provisions that then don’t apply (ADR 1.1.3.6.2).

Page 1: actions in the event of an accident or emergency

The first page lists what the crew should do, where it is safe and practicable:

• apply the brakes, stop the engine and isolate the battery with the master switch, if there is one,
• avoid sources of ignition: no smoking, no e-cigarettes, no switching on electrical equipment,
• inform the emergency services and give them as much information as possible about the incident and the substances,
• put on the warning vest and place the self-standing warning signs,
• keep the transport documents ready for the responders,
• don’t walk into or touch spilled substances, and stay upwind so you don’t breathe in fumes, smoke, dust or vapour,
• use the extinguishers on small fires in tyres, brakes and the engine compartment, where safe,
• never tackle fires in the load compartment,
• use the on-board equipment to stop leaks reaching water or drains and to contain spillages, where safe,
• move away from the scene, tell other people to move away and follow the advice of the emergency services,
• remove contaminated clothing and used protective equipment and dispose of it safely.

Pages 2 and 3: hazards by danger label

The middle pages show the danger labels and placards, with the hazard characteristics and additional guidance for each. This guidance comes up in the exam again and again:

Label	Additional guidance
1, 1.5, 1.6	Take cover but stay away from windows.
1.4	Take cover.
2.1, 2.2, 3	Take cover. Keep out of low areas.
2.3	Use the emergency escape mask, take cover, keep out of low areas.
4.3	Keep spilled substances dry by covering them.
5.1, 5.2	Avoid mixing with flammable or combustible substances such as sawdust.
6.1	Use the emergency escape mask.
7A to 7D	Limit time of exposure.

For 7E the model gives the risk of a nuclear chain reaction. For 4.1, 4.2, 6.2, 8 and 9 it lists only the hazards, with no extra guidance. For Classes 6.1, 6.2, 8 and 9 it also mentions the risk to the aquatic environment or the sewerage system.

Two notes go with the table. With goods that have several hazards, and with mixed loads, every relevant entry applies. And the guidance may be adapted to the classes being carried and the means of transport.

At the end of page 3 come two marks: environmentally hazardous substances, with the risk to water and drains, and elevated temperature substances. With those, avoid contact with hot parts of the transport unit and with the spilled substance.

Page 4: the equipment

The last page lists the equipment for general and personal protection from 8.1.5: a wheel chock for each vehicle, two self-standing warning signs and eye rinsing liquid, and for each crew member a warning vest, portable lighting, protective gloves and eye protection. For labels 2.3 and 6.1 an emergency escape mask is added for each person, and for solids and liquids with labels 3, 4.1, 4.3, 8 or 9 a shovel, drain seal and collecting container. Our guide to vehicle equipment has the details.

Common exam traps

• Substance details: the instructions are the same for every substance. The class on board comes from the transport document, not from the instructions.
• Who provides them: the carrier, not the consignor or the consignee (5.4.3.2).
• Language: what matters is a language every crew member can read and understand, not the language of the country you’re driving through.
• Wind: you stay upwind, so the wind blows from you towards the scene.

Practise the emergency questions

Read the four pages through once, then match each label to its guidance. Our guide to danger labels shows what they look like.

In the free test you get an explanation and the ADR reference after every answer. The app has every question on the instructions in writing.

Sources

ADR 2025: section 5.4.3 with the four-page model in 5.4.3.4, sub-section 1.1.3.6, and sections 8.1.2 and 8.1.5. Department for Transport, ‘ADR instructions in writing and use of electronic documentation’ (GOV.UK, updated November 2023). This guide explains the basics. In the vehicle, the official text of the instructions in writing applies.