Aqueous solutions of alcohol, Class 3, Flammable Liquids

From: Transport Canada

This document does not change, create, amend or suggest deviations to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG Regulations). It provides clarification on Paragraph 1.36(b) of the TDG Regulations, which is an exemption provided for certain Class 3, Flammable Liquids.

Transportation requirements for aqueous solutions

This information applies to any person handling, offering for transport, transporting or importing Class 3, Flammable Liquids, aqueous solutions of alcohol (a mixture of water and alcohol).

Aqueous solutions of alcohol, such as windshield-washer fluids, included in Class 3 and containing methanol may benefit from the exemption set out in Paragraph 1.36(b) of the TDG Regulations, if the following conditions of the exemption are met:

has a flash point greater than 23°C
has an alcohol content that is less than or equal to 50% by volume and contain at least 50% by volume of a substance that is not a dangerous goods
is contained in small means of containment

However, aqueous solutions of alcohol containing an alcohol, other than methanol, which has a subsidiary class are excluded from this exemption.

Note: aqueous solutions of alcohol for which the alcohol content is expressed in terms of a concentration range and for which the maximum concentration exceeds 50% by volume cannot benefit from the exemption of Paragraph 1.36(b). For example, windshield-washer fluid with a concentration range of 30 to 60% by volume is excluded from the exemption.

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.