A look back at the fourth ADR Expert Class (transport of dangerous goods) in Osnabrück

The fourth ADR Expert Class took place from 8-12.07.2019 in Osnabrück, Germany. The programme was developed by the ECR Harmonie Sub working group dangerous goods transport, which led to an intensive but good week for the participants.

After the officially kick off by Gérard Schipper (ECR General Delegate) of this event, the floor was given to Gudula Schwan of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. She showed in a fascinating and detailed presentation how the German organization was built up related to the transport of dangerous goods. Ms. Schwan also showed all changes based on the harmonization with the UN Model Regulations and she gave more background about the biennium and the future work of the international working groups in the field of the transport of dangerous goods.

After the tradition of making a multiple choice test where the necessary tear drops appeared at the faces of the participants, the first day ended with a presentation of Jean-Michel Piquion about all work that the ECR Harmonie Sub working group has been carried out so far in the framework of the Control Directive 95/50/EC with its Annexes.

On the second day one or two delegates of each country explained the organization, legal powers, (safety)equipment used by the checks on the transport of dangerous goods, training of personnel etc. These in advance well prepared country presentations showed all differences and similarities between all countries. The day ended with a feedback by Thomas Fischer, André Schenkel and Pawel Helmrich of the three ACE controls. This resulted in beautiful pictures and a retrospective of the ACE that was held in Poland in the form of an impressive and professionally made film.   

The third day was focused on the cases, which were perfectly prepared by André Schenkel and Thomas Fischer. The practical cases, which resulted from the controls of the ADR Cross border Enforcement actions (ACE), were worked out in four working groups and then discussed plenary. This leads to fascinating discussions and showed that the ADR regulations are sometimes difficult to read and interpretable for the enforcement personnel.

The day ended with two presentations. The polish expert Andrzew Niespialowski showed in an impressive presentation the different falsifications of all documents by which enforcement bodies are being possibly confronted with during their inspections. Jean-Michel Piquion showed the practice and impossibilities of a mobile tank in France that was specially equipped in order to deliver fuel to consumers.

After the officially closure of the programme another glass was raised. The next day we said goodbye to each other and could be looked back at a successful week. On to the next year!    

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