Dangerous Goods - RID

The transport of dangerous goods by rail can pose risks to health, safety, property, and the environment. The regulations concerning the international transport of dangerous goods by rail " known as RID " are intended to mitigate these risks.

Dangerous goods in rail transport

Participants in this type of transport are required to comply with the RID regulations governing the transport of dangerous goods by rail. These rules were developed by the Intergovernmental Organization for International Carriage by Rail (COTIF). As part of the resulting RID regulations, it was established that it would become Annex C to the COTIF, i.e., the Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail. This convention was created on May 9, 1980, in Berlin.

Its provisions include, among other things, transport and loading requirements applicable when transporting dangerous goods. Symbols used to identify these goods are also described in the convention.

Which legislation applies to the transport of dangerous goods by rail ?

The transport of dangerous goods by rail in Belgium is governed by various legal texts:

- The RID

- The European Directive 2008/68/EC on the inland transport of dangerous goods

This directive (2008/68/EC) also makes the RID mandatory for domestic transport within EU member states

- The Royal Decree of January 24, 2024, concerning the transport of dangerous goods by rail, excluding explosive and radioactive substances

This Royal Decree transposes the above-mentioned European directive into Belgian law

Written Guidelines

The written guidelines are instructions that must be present in the driver's cabin during the transport of dangerous goods.

These guidelines serve as a tool in case of emergencies and must be reviewed by the train driver before departure.

The written guidelines must be prepared as prescribed in paragraph 5.4.3.4 of the RID.

What is the RID?

The RID "Règlement relatif au transport international ferroviaire de marchandises dangereuses" is Appendix C of the COTIF.

The RID regulates the international rail transport of dangerous goods.

The following topics are covered in this regulation:

The provisions for:

The classification of dangerous goods,
The construction of packaging and tanks, as well as the inspections they must undergo,
The use of packaging and tanks,
Labeling and signaling,
Shipping procedures,
Safety.

The roles and obligations of the various stakeholders involved in the process of transporting dangerous goods.

The training requirements for individuals involved in the transport of dangerous goods and for safety advisors.

COTIF
Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail

Appendix А

CIV

Uniform Rules
concerning
the Contract
of International
Carriage
of Passengers
by Rail

Appendix B

CIM

Uniform Rules
concerning
the Contract
of International
Carriage
of Goods
by Rail

Appendix C

RID

Regualtion
Concerning The
International
Carriage
of Dangerous
Goods
by Rail

Appendix D

CUV

Uniform Rules
concerning
Contracts
of Use
of Vehicles
in International
Rail Traffic

Appendix E

CUI

Uniform Rules
concerning
the Contract
of Use
Of
Infrastructure
in International
Rail Traffic

Appendix F

APTU

Uniform Rules
concerning
the Validation
of Technical
Standards and
Adoption of
Uniform Technical
Prescriptions
applicable to
Railway Material
intended
to be used
in International
Traffic

Appendix G

ATMF

Uniform Rules
concerning
the Technical
Admission of
Railway
Material
used
in International
Traffic

Classification of dangerous substances

Class 1: Explosive substances and articles
Class 2: Gases
Class 3: Flammable liquids
Class 4.1: Flammable solids, self-reactive substances, polymerizing substances and solid desensitized explosives
Class 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
Class 4.3: Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases
Class 5.1: Oxidizing substances
Class 5.2: Organic peroxides
Class 6.1: Toxic substances
Class 6.2: Infectious substances
Class 7: Radioactive material
Class 8: Corrosive substances
Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles

Regulations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods