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The basic competency checklist is designed as a tool to help verify the basic knowledge and skills of any person who transports dangerous goods.
There are six components to the checklist.
- Training certificate
- Shipping document
- Means of containment for the dangerous goods
- Dangerous goods safety marks
- Proper utilization of equipment for handling dangerous goods
- Accident reporting and taking reasonable emergency measures
This basic competency checklist has been developed to complement the training requirements found in Part 6 of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations. The checklist does not replace the requirement for anyone who transports dangerous goods to be trained.
The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations apply to all modes of transport and to any quantity of dangerous goods. Special cases (exemptions) in the regulations exclude certain situations or limit the requirements. Often there are conditions associated with these special cases. If someone is using a special case he or she must ensure that all the conditions identified in the special case are being complied with.
If someone can demonstrate that he or she has a way of transporting dangerous goods that is as safe as complying with the regulatory requirements, he or she could apply for a Permit for Equivalent Level of Safety. If a Permit for Equivalent Level of Safety is issued, all conditions identified in the permit must be complied with or the permit will not 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 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, as appropriate.
The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations identify 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 an employee.
Basic Competency Checklist for Transporting Dangerous Goods
Any person transporting 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.
Shipping documents are required and must include certain information such as the shipping name, the UN number, the class and a 24 hour number. The shipping document must be kept in a specified location during the transportation cycle.
- 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 - (Example: dangerous goods that require an Emergency Response Assistance Plan telephone number).
Certification safety marks are used to demonstrate that the means of containment used to contain the dangerous goods are built and maintained to a safety standard. Some means of containment also require marking to demonstrate that they have had the required periodic inspection and testing.
- identify any certification safety marks that are displayed on the means of containment;
- identify any inspection and test markings that are displayed on the means of containment.
Dangerous goods safety marks are used to identify dangerous goods and the nature of the danger. A small means of containment, (capacity of 450 L 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 may have displayed on it a placard and a UN number.
- identify the shipping name, the UN number and the label for the primary class displayed;
- identify the label for the subsidiary class when displayed.
- identify the placards that are displayed;
- identify the UN numbers that are displayed.
Any equipment used in the handling and transportation of dangerous goods must be used properly. The TDG Regulations do not address what equipment is required to handle dangerous goods or how it should be used.
- demonstrate an ability to use that equipment as it would normally be required during transportation.
The person who has charge of the dangerous goods at the time of an accidental release or imminent accidental release must take all reasonable emergency measures necessary to eliminate or reduce any danger to public safety. Certain people must be notified. A written follow-up report must be completed and sent to Transport Canada within 30 days by the employer of the person who reported the accident or spill.
- identify appropriate emergency measures that person should take in the event of an accident or spill (using the 2004 Response Guide if they desire);
- describe circumstances when accidents and spills must be reported;
- identify the people to be notified in the event of an accidental release or imminent accidental release;