The Importance Of Following The Transportation Of Dangerous Goods Regulations
Each day, hazardous goods are transported throughout Canada. While necessary for supporting the quality of life for many Canadians across the country, these materials and products must be handled correctly and with extreme care during transport. Countless shipments of hazardous goods arrive and depart at our airports, train yards, harbours and on our highways year after year. With this volume of movement there is a high risk of potentially endangering human life or damaging the surrounding environment should anything unpredictable transpire while in transport. In order to mitigate these risks, the government has developed statutes and regulations that apply to every stage in hazardous material transportation. Under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG), inspection and enforcement programs are outlined to ensure compliance with legislation.
How To Stay Safe During The Process Of Hazardous Material Transportation
Hazardous, or dangerous goods are generally considered to be products that pose a danger regardless of whether they are in active transport or not. The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act categorizes dangerous goods into 9 classes as follows:
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Explosives
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Gases
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Flammable Liquids
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Flammable Solids
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Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides
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Toxic and Infectious Substances
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Radioactive Material
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Corrosives
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Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Keeping incidents to a minimum during hazardous material transportation requires those involved to take a number of safety precautions. Read on to take a closer look at some of the most important safety tips to follow when transporting dangerous goods.
● Undergo Proper Training
The TGA Act clearly outlines the training guidelines for individuals who come into contact with dangerous goods. Those who are involved with hazardous material transportation should receive the correct and most up-to-date training. TDG certificates are typically issued for a 3-year period, after which re-training must take place. If you do not have a TDG certificate, you must be supervised by someone who does.
● Classify Dangerous Good Correctly
Not all dangerous goods are the same and need to be classified correctly. Under the 9 classes listed above, each of these has its own sub-divisions. Additionally, “proof of classification” slips must be held onto for a period of 5 years after dangerous goods have been transported or imported.
● Ensure Proper Labels and Packaging
Shipments must be labelled and packaged correctly to ensure their proper handling. Each hazardous material has its own set of requirements and accurate details must be provided. For ground transport, labels and packaging must comply with the regulations set by TDG.
● Pay Attention to Details
Human error makes up a significant portion of incidents that occur during hazardous materials transportation. Therefore, it is critical that those who are involved in the process double and triple-check their work. Ensuring this practice is followed by those who regularly handle dangerous goods can help prevent mistakes or accidents.
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