TDG Safety:

Transporting dangerous goods (TDG) is an important activity in Canada, supporting many industries and providing necessary products and materials. However, it also poses risks to human health, the environment, and public safety. According to Transport Canada, there were 464 incidents involving dangerous goods in 2018, out of which 307 were releases and 157 were anticipated releases that required a report to Transport Canada (Source: Statistics Canada, Dangerous Goods Incidents in Canada, URL: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/200120/dq200120a-eng.htm).

In addition to incidents, Transport Canada also monitors compliance with TDG regulations. In the year 2019-2020, a total of 5,313 inspections were conducted across Canada, and the estimated non-compliance rate was 48% (Source: Government of Canada, from Transport Canada, 2019-2020 Transportation of Dangerous Goods - Inspection Summary, URL: https://tc.canada.ca/en/corporate-services/transparency/open-tc/2019-2020-transportation-dangerous-goods-inspection-summary).

DEFINITION

What is TDG?

TDG, or the transportation of dangerous goods, refers to the process of transporting materials that are considered dangerous or hazardous. These materials can include chemicals, explosives, flammable liquids, gases, and other substances that can pose a risk to human health and safety, as well as the environment.

The transportation of dangerous goods is not limited to just the movement of goods by road; it also includes air, rail, and marine transport. Any individual or company involved in the transportation of dangerous goods must comply with regulations set forth by the Canadian government.

The objective of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Program is to enhance safety in the transportation of dangerous goods by all modes of transport in Canada(Source: Government of Canada, from Transport Canada, 2019-2020 Transportation of Dangerous Goods - Inspection Summary, URL: https://tc.canada.ca/en/corporate-services/transparency/open-tc/2019-2020-transportation-dangerous-goods-inspection-summary). The regulations set forth by the government are designed to prevent accidents, minimize risks, and protect the health and safety of people, property, and the environment. These regulations also establish standards for the packaging, handling, and transportation of dangerous goods.

Which are the key components of TDG?

The TDG regulations include several key components, including classification, packaging, marking, labeling, and documentation. Each of these components plays a critical role in ensuring the safe transportation of dangerous goods.

Classification

The classification of dangerous goods is based on their physical and chemical properties. There are nine hazard classes that have been established by the Canadian government, and they are used to classify dangerous goods according to their potential risks. Each hazard class has its own set of regulations and requirements that must be followed to ensure safe transportation.These classes include:

• Explosives
• Gases
• Flammable liquids
• Flammable solids
• Oxidizing substances
• Toxic and infectious substances
• Radioactive materials
• Corrosive substances
• Miscellaneous dangerous goods

Packaging

Proper packaging is essential to ensure that dangerous goods are transported safely. Packaging must be designed to withstand the rigors of transportation and prevent leaks or spills.

Labeling/Safety Marks

Part 4 of the TDG Regulations requires dangerous goods safety marks to be displayed on a means of containment containing dangerous goods in transport.A dangerous goods safety mark can be a label, placard, orange panel, sign, mark, letter, word, number or abbreviation, or any combination of these things (Source: Government of Canada, Dangerous Goods Safety Marks, URL: https://tc.canada.ca/en/dangerous-goods/dangerous-goods-safety-marks).

Documentation

Documentation is essential for the safe transportation of dangerous goods. A “shipping document” is defined under Section 1.4 of the TDG Regulations. Simply put, it is a paper document that contains required information about dangerous goods being handled, offered for transport or transported (Source: Government of Canada, TDG bulletin - Shipping documents, URL: https://tc.canada.ca/en/dangerous-goods/publications/tdg-bulletin-shipping-documents).A shipping document is always required unless an exemption (i.e., Special Case) states otherwise. While you will find most exemptions to the TDG Regulations in Sections 1.15 to 1.50 of Part 1, some are found in Schedule 2 (Source: Government of Canada, URL: https://tc.canada.ca/en/dangerous-goods/part-1-0#sec115).

Means of containment

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act, Regulations and standards require dangerous goods to be contained in a safe means of containment (Source: Government of Canada, Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/t-19.01/).A safe means of containment is designed to prevent the release of dangerous goods that could constitute a danger to life, health, property or the environment under normal conditions of transport. A means of containment is a container or packaging, or any part of a means of transport that is, or may be used, to contain goods.

Small means of containment are containers with a water capacity of 450L or less. They may be drums, jerricans, boxes, pails, bags, barrels, cylinders or intermediate bulk containers (IBC).

Large means of containment are containers with a water capacity greater than 450L. They may be highway tanks, tank cars, intermediate bulk containers (IBC), portable tanks or tubes.

(Source: Government of Canada, from Transport Canada, Dangerous goods means of containment, URL: https://tc.canada.ca/en/dangerous-goods/publications/dangerous-goods-means-containment).

LEGISLATION

The transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) in Canada is regulated by both federal and provincial/territorial legislation. These regulations are in place to ensure the safe transportation of dangerous goods across the country.

What is federal legislation?

The federal legislation governing the transportation of dangerous goods in Canada is the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992 (TDG Act)(Source: Government of Canada, Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/t-19.01/).The TDG Act establishes the regulatory framework for the handling, offering for transport, and transportation of dangerous goods in Canada. The TDG Act is administered by Transport Canada, which is responsible for enforcing the regulations and overseeing compliance.

In 2018, the TDG Act was amended to align with international standards and modernize the regulations. These amendments included updates to classification criteria, safety requirements for lithium batteries, and changes to training requirements for individuals involved in the transportation of dangerous goods. The amendments also introduced new safety standards for the transportation of crude oil by rail, in response to several high-profile accidents involving crude oil transportation.

For transporting dangerous goods between Canada and the United States, both countries have implemented harmonized regulations under the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) to facilitate trade and improve regulatory alignment. This is why TDG regulations are aligned with the U.S. HMR to the greatest extent possible.

What is provincial and territorial legislation?

In addition to federal regulations, each province and territory in Canada also has its own regulations governing the transportation of dangerous goods within its borders. These regulations are typically based on the federal TDG Act but may include additional requirements or restrictions.

For example, in Ontario, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1990 (TDGA) applies to the transportation of dangerous goods within the province. The TDGA is similar to the federal TDG Act but includes some additional requirements, such as the need for a permit to transport certain types of dangerous goods. Other provinces and territories have their own regulations, such as the Dangerous Goods Transportation and Handling Act in Quebec and the Dangerous Goods Transportation Act in Alberta.

It is essential for individuals and companies involved in the transportation of dangerous goods to be familiar with both federal and provincial/territorial regulations to ensure compliance and maintain public safety. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines, legal consequences, and, most importantly, serious risks to human health and the environment.

TRAINING

What is TDG Safety?

Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Safety is essential for individuals involved in the transportation, handling, or storage of dangerous goods in Canada. The training aims to ensure that all individuals involved in the transportation of dangerous goods understand their responsibilities and are aware of the hazards associated with these goods.

Who is responsible for TDG Safety?

In Canada, employers are responsible for ensuring that their employees who are involved in the transportation of dangerous goods receive the necessary TDG Safety. Employers must also ensure that their employees are competent and trained to handle and transport dangerous goods safely.By ensuring that all individuals and organizations involved in the transportation of dangerous goods understand their responsibilities and are properly trained in TDG safety, the risks associated with the transportation of dangerous goods can be minimized, helping to protect human health, the environment, and public safety.(Source: Government of Canada, Canada Labour Code, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/L-2/page-1.html), (section 25(2)(a) of the OHSA).

Which are the main types of TDG Safety?

TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods) Safety encompasses various types of training programs to ensure the safe handling, transportation, and documentation of dangerous goods. Two main types of TDG Safety include TDG by ground and TDG by air.

• TDG by Ground: TDG by ground refers to the transportation of dangerous goods via road or rail. This training focuses on the regulations and guidelines set by the respective regulatory authorities, such as Transport Canada in Canada.
• TDG by Air (IATA): TDG by air specifically focuses on the transportation of dangerous goods by air. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the primary authority that establishes guidelines and regulations for the safe handling and transportation of dangerous goods by air worldwide. TDG by air training typically covers:
• IATA regulations: Understanding and complying with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) that provide guidelines for the safe transport of dangerous goods by air.
• Classification and identification: Identifying and classifying dangerous goods according to their hazards, using the IATA DGR classification system.
• Packaging and marking requirements: Proper packaging, labeling, and marking of dangerous goods packages to ensure their safe transportation on aircraft.
• Documentation and reporting: Completing the necessary documentation, including shipper's declarations, air waybills, and other required forms, accurately and in compliance with IATA regulations.
• Handling and loading procedures: Safe handling, loading, and unloading of dangerous goods onto aircraft, following the specified guidelines.
• Emergency response: Familiarizing with emergency procedures and response protocols in the event of incidents or accidents involving dangerous goods during air

Who needs TDG Safety?

TDG Safety is required for individuals who are involved in the transportation, handling, or storage of dangerous goods. There are many industries that require TDG Safety for their employees, contractors, and suppliers. Some examples of industries that require TDG Safety include:

Can you do TDG Safety online?

This course requires only theoretical training and evaluation, making it suitable for both classroom and online formats. Online training adheres to the same standards as classroom training, ensuring that it is recognized and accepted. In fact, online training can be more convenient and efficient, as it eliminates the need for in-person attendance and allows for flexible scheduling.

Moreover, classroom trainings often have certain requirements imposed by the Ministry of Labour, such as a minimum duration of 8 hours, which may not always be necessary for the content being covered. Online training can be more efficient in this regard, as a well-designed 2-hour course can cover all the necessary material effectively.

Additionally, online training can be a more cost-effective option for employers compared to organizing in-person classroom sessions.

However, keep in mind that employers are responsible for selecting the appropriate level of training for their workplace, so it's essential to check with your employer to ensure they accept online training for this purpose.

Where can you purchase TDG online training?

In today’s fast-paced society, online courses have become the cheapest and most convenient solution to get your Safety done. There are many methods and providers Transportation of Dangerous Goods training. With any training, it is essential to select a high-quality education provider and one that will provide the most value (best information retention in employees) for the time and money.

Ensuring your program materials are always up to date is also extremely important as the amount of health and safety regulations and enforcement is steadily increasing and constantly updating.

CERTIFICATE

What do you need to learn?

TDG Safety covers a range of topics, including:

How long is the certificate valid?

Transport Canada, the federal agency responsible for administering the TDG Act, recommends that TDG Safety be refreshed every three years.It is also important to note that some employers may require their employees to refresh their TDG Safety more frequently than every three years, based on their specific operations and safety protocols.

How will I receive my training certificate with eSafetyFirst?

The certificate will be automatically available for printing once you complete the course and pass the quiz with a score of 80% or higher.

All our courses will come with a PDF certificate at the end of the program.

This PDF file will have two pages: a standard certificate and a wallet-size training record.

The employer should store certificates, while the employee should carry their wallet cards at all times during work.

Students who prefer to receive wallet cards in a physical format can request and purchase a physical wallet card from eSafetyFirst. This optional item is not included in the course price and will cost an additional $10 for printing and shipping.

If you do not have the time to make your laminated wallet card, you may find it rather convenient to order this card directly from us.

How can I find my certificate if I lost it?

In most cases, this question is addressed to us by individuals who took their training with a different company. As a private company, we can only store and access our customers’ data. Therefore, if you did your training with another company, you need to contact them to receive a copy of your certificate.

If you are a customer of eSafetyFirst.com, then all you have to do is to Login to your account, and you can, at any time, download a copy of the certificate you received from us.

CONCLUSION

Transporting dangerous goods can pose significant risks to public safety and the environment, which is why the transportation of dangerous goods is regulated under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act in Canada. TDG safety regime plays a critical role in protecting public safety and the environment by establishing clear requirements and standards for the transportation of dangerous goods in Canada. By following these requirements and staying up-to-date on the latest regulations and best practices, individuals and organizations can help minimize the risks associated with transporting dangerous goods and contribute to a safer, more sustainable transportation system.