Transport of dangerous goods by road and rail
The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) is the competent authority for transport of dangerous goods by road and rail in Sweden. This means, among other things, that MSB is the regulatory authority for land transport of dangerous goods. The purpose of the transport regulations is to prevent and limit injuries and damage caused by accidents involving the transport of dangerous goods on land.
Dangerous goods are substances and articles that may cause damage to life, health, property or the environment due to their chemical and physical properties.
Dangerous goods are assigned to different classes depending on their predominant hazard, and can for instance have explosive, flammable, toxic, radioactive or corrosive properties. Examples of dangerous goods are petrol, gas, cigarette lighters, sulphuric acid, arsenic, radioactive materials, fireworks and aerosols.
MSB activities in this field
MSB works in many different fields in order to create good conditions for the transport of dangerous goods. MSB is authorised to issue regulations and is responsible for the development and administration of the current legislation on the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail in Sweden.
MSB is also responsible for a number of tasks that follow from the content of the legislation, for example certain transport approvals and certification of drivers and safety advisors. In addition, MSB supports research and technical development, provides information and advice to the industry and the general public, and also coordinates the work of the supervisory authorities.
Legislation
The Swedish Transport of Dangerous Goods Act (SFS 2006:263) and the Transport of Dangerous Goods Ordinance (SFS 2006:311) constitute the basis and conditions for the transport of dangerous goods in Sweden. Specific legislation on transport by road and rail is stated in
- MSB provisions (MSBFS 2022:3) on the transport of dangerous goods by road (ADR-S), and
- MSB provisions (MSBFS 2022:4) on the transport of dangerous goods by rail (RID-S)
The provisions in ADR and RID stipulate all conditions for transport, from provisions on responsibility, classification and packaging, to provisions on labelling, training and equipment.