ADR Written Instructions Template: 5.4.3.4 Four-Page Model
Question asked to Palen
Revised on Sep 1, 2026
↗What is the required template for the ADR instructions in writing?
The required ADR template is the mandatory four-page model in ADR 5.4.3.4. It must be reproduced both in form and content; it is not permissible to replace it with a company-specific emergency instruction sheet. (ADR 5.4.3.4, Volume 2, page 287; )
Required template structure
- Heading: “WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS ACCORDING TO ADR”.
- Page 1 — Actions in the event of an emergency or accident: the prescribed common actions for the vehicle crew, including securing the vehicle, eliminating ignition sources, notifying emergency services, using warning signals and high-visibility vests, making transport documents available, avoiding contact with released substances, restrictions on fire-fighting, containment where safe, evacuation, and safe removal of contaminated protective equipment. (ADR 5.4.3.4, Volume 2, page 289; )
- Pages 2 and 3 — Hazard-related actions: the prescribed danger-label pictograms and the associated additional hazards and actions for the relevant ADR classes/divisions.
- Page 4 — Equipment: the prescribed general and personal protective equipment, plus the additional equipment required for certain danger labels.
The written instructions must be:
- supplied by the carrier to the vehicle crew before departure;
- in language(s) that every crew member can read and understand;
- understood by the crew, who must be able to apply them correctly;
- kept readily available inside the crew cab. (ADR 5.4.3.1 to 5.4.3.3, Volume 2, page 287; ADR 8.1.2.1(b) and 8.1.2.3, Volume 2, page 641; ; )
Accordingly, the compliant template is the ADR’s standardized four-page instruction, including its wording, layout, pictograms, hazard guidance, and equipment list—not merely a document containing equivalent internal procedures. (ADR 5.4.3.4, Volume 2, page 287; )