This document does not change, create, amend or suggest deviations to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG Regulations).
The list does not replace the training requirements in Part 6 of the TDG Regulations but provides guidance to anyone transporting dangerous goods. The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (TDG Act) and the TDG Regulations apply to all modes of transport and to any quantity of dangerous goods. Special cases (exemptions) in the TDG Regulations exclude certain situations or limit the requirements. Specific conditions are often associated with these special cases. If someone is using a special case, the person must ensure that all the conditions identified in that special case are met.
The basic competency list is a tool to help verify the basic knowledge and skills of any person who transports dangerous goods. There are five components to the list:
- training certificate
- shipping document
- means of containment for the dangerous goods
- dangerous goods marks
- reporting requirements and taking reasonable emergency measures
If someone can demonstrate that they can transport dangerous goods in a manner that is at least as safe as complying with the regulatory requirements, the person could apply for an equivalency certificate. All conditions identified in the equivalency certificate must be complied with for the certificate to be valid.
If the source or destination of the dangerous goods is outside the country, other regulations such as the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air or the United States 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) may also have to be complied with.
The TDG Regulations identify training requirements for all classes of dangerous goods and all modes of transport. It is important to note that employers may need to include additional competencies associated with the specific duties and occupation of each employee, such as the proper utilization of equipment for handling dangerous goods or the personal protective equipment.
1. Training certificate
Any person who imports, offers for transport, handles, or transports dangerous goods must be trained and hold a training certificate or be working under the direct supervision of someone who is trained and holds a training certificate.
Verify the validity of the training certificate:
- road, rail, marine: 3 years
- air: 2 years
2. Shipping document
Shipping documents are required and must include information such as but not limited to, the UN number, the shipping name, the class and a 24-Hour Number. The shipping document must be kept in a specific location during the transportation cycle.
Verify if the person transporting dangerous goods can, based on the shipping document:
- identify the required location of the shipping document during the transportation cycle
- identify the UN number, the shipping name, the class, the quantity and the 24-Hour Number
- identify any additional information that may be required (dangerous goods requiring an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) reference and activation telephone number)
3. Means of containment for dangerous goods
Compliance marks are used to demonstrate that the means of containment are built and maintained to a safety standard. Some means of containment also require markings to demonstrate that they have had the required periodic inspection and testing.
Verify if the person transporting dangerous goods can:
- identify any compliance marks that are displayed on the means of containment
- identify any inspection and test markings that are displayed on the means of containment
4. Dangerous goods marks
Dangerous goods marks are used to identify dangerous goods and the nature of the danger. Generally, a small means of containment (capacity of 450L or less) will have displayed on it the primary and subsidiary class labels, the shipping name and the UN number. A large means of containment (capacity of more than 450L) may have displayed on it a placard, a UN number, and possibly markings or signs.
Verify if the person transporting dangerous goods can, for a small means of containment:
- identify the UN number, the shipping name, and the primary and subsidiary class labels displayed
Verify if the person transporting dangerous goods can, for a large means of containment:
- identify the placards that are displayed
- identify the UN numbers that are displayed
5. Reporting requirements and taking reasonable emergency measures
The person who has charge of the dangerous goods at the time of a release or anticipated release must take all reasonable emergency measures necessary to eliminate or reduce any danger to public safety. A reportable accident or incident must be reported to the appropriate persons.
Verify if the person transporting dangerous goods can:
- identify appropriate emergency measures that should be taken in the event of an incident or a release (using the Emergency Response Guide if they desire)
- describe circumstances when accidents and incidents must be reported
- identify the people to be notified in the event of a reportable accident or incident
Compliance with the TDG Act and Regulations
Failure to comply with the TDG Act and TDG Regulations may lead to fines and/or imprisonment. For more information, you can visit the TDG website and the Department of Justice website.
Contact us
For regulatory questions, contact the TDG regional office in your region:
Atlantic
1-866-814-1477
TDG-TMDAtlantic@tc.gc.ca
Quebec
1-514-633-3400
TMD-TDG.Quebec@tc.gc.ca
Ontario
1-416-973-1868
TDG-TMDOntario@tc.gc.ca
Prairie & Northern
1-888-463-0521
pnrtdg-tmdrpn@tc.gc.ca
Pacific
1-604-666-2955
TDGPacific-TMDPacifique@tc.gc.ca
Basic competency for transporting dangerous goods
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