If you transport dangerous materials then you must:

• ensure that the transport is appropriate for the substance
• provide appropriate firefighting equipment
• ensure all substances are suitably and correctly labelled and that written information is provided for the driver
• be prepared to deal with any leaks or spillage

Carrying goods by road or rail involves the risk of traffic accidents. If the goods carried are dangerous, there is also the risk of an incident, such as spillage of the goods, leading to hazards such as fire, explosion, chemical burn or environmental damage. Dangerous goods are liquid or solid substances and articles containing them, that have been tested and assessed against internationally-agreed criteria - a process called classification - and found to be potentially dangerous (hazardous) when carried. Dangerous goods are assigned to different Classes depending on their predominant hazard.