Transporting dangerous goods requires care - ensure VAK safety with the help of a professional

The road transport of dangerous goods is a strictly regulated activity that affects several sectors. VAK legislation applies not only to the chemical industry but also to a wide range of other environments where, for example, batteries, compressed gases, corrosive substances or dangerous chemicals are transported - either as raw materials, semi-finished or finished products.

Substances can move through the transport chain several times: for manufacturing, distribution or return for recycling. They may travel by road, rail, sea or air, but in the case of road transport, the company has a particularly clear sense of responsibility.

In Finland, operations are governed by the Transport of Dangerous Goods Act (541/2023), supplemented by international regulations such as the ADR. These regulations define the classification of substances, packaging and labelling requirements, technical requirements for vehicles and training and qualification requirements for personnel.
Responsibilities always lie with the operator - whether transporting large quantities in containers or individual packages. It is about systematic, continuous and documented safety management, with expertise at the heart of the process.

Protect acts as a partner to companies in the VAK - identifying legal obligations, helping to develop policies and ensuring that VAK activities meet both regulatory and practical safety requirements.
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A dangerous goods is any substance, article or mixture which, during carriage, presents a danger to persons, property or the environment.

These may include, for example:
- explosives, flammable liquids and gases,
- infectious or toxic substances,
- corrosive chemicals,
- lithium batteries, spray cylinders and pressure tanks.

The classification of substances is based on the hazard classes defined in the ADR, which determine, among other things, the labelling, transport documents, vehicle requirements and staff training obligations.

In road transport, the different parties in the transport chain have clearly defined responsibilities. The consignor classifies and labels the substance, the packer verifies the packaging and labelling, and the driver must have a valid ADR licence. The vehicle must be technically approved and carry the appropriate warning signs. In addition, the transport must be accompanied by a transport document and written safety instructions.
Sharing responsibility does not mean that a company can waive its responsibilities - quite the opposite. The operator is responsible for the whole, and deficiencies may lead to observations or penalties in the event of official inspections.

According to the law (541/2023), a company that transports, dispatches, packs or loads dangerous goods by road must appoint a safety adviser (TNA). The role is not a formal one - the TNA monitors and develops the company's TSA activities, issues instructions and ensures compliance with the regulations.

The safety adviser is required to:
- Pass the safety adviser exam (Traficom),
- written consent to the task, and
- notification of appointment and changes to the appointment to the authority.

The Safety Adviser's duties also include investigating incidents and continuously improving operations. The role is an essential part of systematic risk management.

Even if the company's activities are entirely national, the ADR agreement still applies to VAK transport. The agreement regulates the classification of goods, packaging requirements, the construction and equipment of vehicles and the qualifications of transport staff. The ADR is updated every two years and contains both provisions and exceptions which must be known in detail.

Annexes A and B to the Agreement are technical, detailed and constantly changing, requiring expertise and experience to follow them.

Protect offers its customers a comprehensive service to support their VAK safety.

The service is scalable according to the size of the company and its industry, and includes:

- an assessment of the company's performance against the requirements of the OCR,
- appointing a safety adviser and notifying the authorities,
- drawing up the required documents, instructions and checklists,
- training and instructions for staff,
- continuous monitoring, auditing and cooperation with the authorities.

Our experts can also help identify situations where a company's activities become subject to OCR obligations without it being aware of it. This avoids risks and allows us to be proactive. OCR safety is a careful but manageable process. Protect's expertise, cooperation with the authorities and practical experience ensure that our clients can concentrate on their core business - We carry out the tasks related to OHS with competence and reliability.

Contact us to discuss your current situation and possible development needs. Protect helps you to manage your OCR issues in accordance with legal and practical requirements - in a planned, safe and professional manner.

Contact us and together we will identify the steps your company needs to take to ensure VAK safety.

See also other HSEQ expert services.