The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) will lead a region-wide operation targeting vehicles transporting hazardous materials on roads across Northern Ireland. The campaign runs from Tuesday 5 May to Friday 22 May 2026. It involves roadside vehicle inspections and checks at operator sites.

Enforcement teams will stop vehicles carrying dangerous goods such as fuel, fertilisers and infectious substances including bacteria and viruses. These materials support industries like agriculture, home heating oil distribution and hazardous waste management.

Inspectors will verify compliance with the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010, as amended. Checks cover classification, packaging, labelling, driver training, vehicle safety equipment and transport documentation.

Vehicles must carry fire extinguishers, warning signs, high-visibility clothing, eye protection, spill kits and wheel chocks. Assessments will include tank integrity, packaging standards and documentation presence.

The operation aligns with ADR, the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. HSENI Principal Inspector Kellie McNamara stated that unsafe transport risks drivers, other road users, emergency services and the environment.

McNamara noted the campaign seeks full regulatory compliance to protect people, property and the environment. She said inspections aim to enhance road safety, ensure legal adherence, back responsible operators and counter non-compliance that creates unfair competition.

HSENI encourages operators to update driver briefings, review procedures, confirm documentation and safety equipment, and perform consistent pre-use checks. Enforcement action applies where issues arise, with follow-up inspections to verify fixes.