Introduction to Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations for workers in the Department of Biological Sciences

BGMcC March 28, 2001

Note Bene:
This is a preliminary evaluation of the exemptions that I believe apply to people involved in transporting limited amounts of dangerous products via road vehicles to field sites. I am awaiting a response from Transport Canada on a few points and will advise you then.  Treat this information as "probably correct" until further notice.

Overview:

If you are involved in the handling or transport of dangerous goods, then you may need to be properly trained and certified to avoid the possibility of being fined under the TDG Act.  An area that has not been adequately addressed in our department is the case of graduate students and staff moving chemicals, compressed gases or microbial cultures in passenger vehicles to and from field operations. Because of the small quantities usually involved, persons may be exempt from all the requirements that apply to those driving transport trailers full of gasoline.  However, it is up to the individual and their supervisor to review the regulations to see what they need to do to comply with the legislation.

Relevance to workers in the Department of Biological Sciences:

We have at least two staff members who are certified in TDG regulations: Joy Correia and Marie Wrishko in the BioStores. They require this training in order to accept shipments coming into the building and to complete the packaging and documentation for any items shipped out, particularly for those sent by airfreight. However, we also have individuals who transport dangerous products on public roadways to/from field sites both inside and beyond Alberta and these too may need to be aware of the requirements for complying with the TDG Regulations (or be subject to financial penalties, i.e. fines). The training can be obtained on campus (offered by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety) but takes 8 hours of classroom time and costs $75 (March 2001). While it might be a nice idea to have everyone in the department educated to interpret the regulations, this is not practical or cost effective given the limited frequency and risk that such treks to the field might pose.
I have reviewed the TDG regulations and tried to identify the exemptions that might apply to different situations for people in our department. Part 2.7.1 is likely the most important section for us.  Although the requirements are less stringent for limited quantities, you must still package items properly and securely and have some documentation accompanying the shipment.