Is it LQ (Limited Quantities)?
Here at the Hazchem Network we regularly get asked the question “is this LQ?”
To try and help answer this queation we have put together this help guide to enable you to decide if your goods can be shipped as LQ.
So what is LQ?
LQ standards for Limited Quantities and many household goods such as paints, aerosols and cleaning products, despite being classified as Dangerous Goods can be transported using the Limited Quantities provisions. These provisions state that certain Dangerous Goods may carry a lower risk to the general public in the event of an incident if they are packaged in a certain way and in smaller containers, hence the term “Limited Quantity”
For something to qualify as LQ it must meet several criteria. Different UN numbers have different limits for LQ with some UN numbers having no LQ limit at all. Under ADR each UN number will have an inner pack size limit which will range from zero (does not qualify for LQ) up to 5 litres for liquids and 5 kg for solids. Anything above these limits cannot possibly be carried as LQ. The inner pack size relates to the size of the individual container the goods are packed in
The ADR regulations then state these containers need to be double packed for transport. So for aerosols for example the individual canisters must be placed in a box or shrink-wrap tray not exceeding 30kg (20kg if the outer packaging is a shrink wrap tray)
LQ Labels
Goods that are classified as LQ must be labelled accordingly with the label applied on at least one side, or one end, of the outer packaging and ideally be placed in an orientation that shows the mark as a diamond and not a square.
Training
While LQ means that goods are not subject to many of the rules of ADR there are still some that apply. One of the main rules is that personnel must be trained in the requirements of ADR commensurate to their role. This is often refered to as being ADR aware. This applies to not only drivers but pickers, packers, warehouse staff, forklift drivers and admin staff if they are dealing with LQ.
The training MUST be recorded and held by the employer.
Vehicle marking
Another thing that needs to be considered is that if the weight of the LQ on the vehicle is over 8 tonnes then the vehicle must be marked at the front and rear with the LQ markings. Failure to mark the vehicle in this instance will mean the vehicle is not compliant with ADR.
How can I tell if it’s LQ?
You will find below a flowchart that will help you decide if the goods you want to ship do fall under LQ or will they need to be transported as full ADR.
You can download the flowchart from here – LQ-flowchart-Master-1
So what next?
Are you confident that when you consign LQ goods to a haulier, or when you transship to another haulier, that the hauliers have done the required training of their drivers and staff or have sufficient awareness to manage LQ properly? If not then you shouldn’t be putting these goods on those vehicles. You should be looking at using a company that can ensure the ADR compliance you need.
The UK Governemnet have also put together some useful information on Transporting limited quantities that can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/shipping-dangerous-goods/transporting-limited-quantities
The Hazchem Network is a pallet network comprising of over 60 fully-ADR haulage companies. You can be assured that any LQ that comes through the network will only be handled by drivers that have received the required training.
As the UK’s ONLY ADR pallet and parcel network we can help and support your business in the distribution of these items or any other items that fall under the carriage of dangerous goods (ADR). – please contact our Network Development Manager Laura Brown on 01455 856004 or email laura@hazmail.co.uk
