URTU members in Wales can access various driver-specific training opportunities, including ADR training.
You are required to hold an ADR licence if you are carrying goods that are categorized in the dangerous goods list. To obtain the licence you need to attend 3 or 5-day training and pass an exam on the last day. The licence is valid for 5 years.
Course content includes:
- Legislation surrounding ADR
- Driver training requirements
- Vehicle markings
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Practical demo of First Aid
- Preventing and dealing with fire
- Core and packaging element
- Tanker element
Training is delivered over 3 or 5 days in various locations in Wales.
One of the people who have benefited from completing ADR training is John Dyer.
Here is his story:
“I found out about the opportunity to extend my learning through the union representative and the publicity that was distributed in my workplace.
Having always been interested in ADR and what was involved in it, and the esteem around being a tanker driver, I decided to ask if doing this course was a possibility. And was delighted to find out it was one of the courses within their scope, so naturally asked the question and started the ball rolling.
It took about a week to sort out from the time of asking and starting the course.
Not knowing what was involved in the course and being apprehensive but keen to get on with it, I found it reassuring to have a good teacher who had worked in the sector for over ten years. There was a lot to cram in within the four-day schedule for the exams on the last day. We were taught all the classes of dangerous goods, ways to transport them, tanks, ISO containers, and even down to the transportation of individual goods and how they are stored in the correct packaging.
Having this opportunity has opened up so many more options within the transport industry now, and would recommend it to people because it can even be put towards your CPC hours.
I would definitely consider doing further courses like this to further my education and career prospects”.
If you are interested in improving your skills and gaining a new qualification, please speak to your URTU rep or get in touch with our WULF project.