Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Training Made Simple: Key Facts You Need to Know
What does TDG stand for?
TDG stands for Transportation of Dangerous Goods. It refers to the Canadian regulations that govern the safe handling, packaging, labelling, and transportation of hazardous materials by road, rail, air, or marine.
What are dangerous goods?
According to the Regulation, a substance is dangerous goods when
(a) it is listed by name in Schedule 1 and is in any form, state or concentration that meets the criteria in this Part for inclusion in at least one of the nine classes of dangerous goods; or
(b) it is not listed by name in Schedule 1 but meets the criteria in this Part for inclusion in at least one of the nine classes of dangerous goods.
What are the Transportation of Dangerous Goods safety marks?
The TDG regulations utilize labels and placards to convey the level and type of hazards associated with dangerous goods.
Do you know the safety marks? Try our free Transportation of Dangerous Goods game to find out.
Free Transportation of Dangerous Goods game
Click on the image below to start the Transportation of Dangerous Goods free game.
What is TDG training?
TDG training helps keep our workplaces safe by teaching everyone who handles or transports dangerous goods how to do so safely. It covers essential topics such as how to classify and package materials, the appropriate paperwork to use, safety markings such as labels and placards, and what to do in an emergency. It’s all about ensuring we know how to stay safe and compliant when transporting dangerous goods to their destinations.
There are two main types of training: the awareness training and the task-specific training that you receive on the job. AixSafety.com provides free Transportation of Dangerous Goods awareness training.
What is the UN number?
The UN number is a unique identifier for hazardous substances or classes of materials, enabling emergency responders and shippers to understand potential dangers and take appropriate actions quickly. You can find the UN number in Schedule 1 listed by UN number, or in Schedule 3 in alphabetical order.
What is a placard?
A placard is a large, conspicuous safety mark displayed on a means of containment that has a capacity greater than 450 litres (large means of containment). Each side of a placard must be at least 250 mm in length (some exceptions). Placards must be displayed on all four sides and must be affixed before loading begins.
Who must have a training certificate to transport dangerous goods?
Anyone who handles, offers for transport, or transports dangerous goods in Canada must have a valid TDG training certificate. This includes truck drivers, warehouse staff, shipping and receiving clerks, and even office staff who prepare shipping documents. When someone changes employers or their job duties change significantly, they must be retrained.
Can I issue my own TDG certificate?
The self-employed may issue themselves a training certificate if they believe on reasonable grounds that they are adequately trained.
For most workers, the employer can issue the TDG certificate after the worker has completed training and demonstrated competence. Usually, training providers supply the awareness education, but your employer signs and issues the certificate. Check here for the free Transportation of Dangerous Goods training.
How long is TDG training good for?
A TDG training certificate for road, rail or vessel is valid for 3 years (36 months). After this period, retraining is required to remain compliant with Canadian law. For air, the training must be refreshed every 2 years.
What are the fines for TDG violations?
Anyone who breaks the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, its regulations, or related orders or directions can face severe penalties — up to $50,000 for a first offence, $100,000 for repeat offences, or two years in jail. After a conviction, a court may also order the offender to pay up to $1 million in damages or to clean up or repair environmental harm, or to support safety research. For minor violations, inspectors can issue tickets that carry fines ranging from $2,000 to $4,000.
How much does TDG training cost?
The cost of Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) training depends on who provides it and how it’s delivered. Most online courses cost between $25 and $50 per person. Group or in-person sessions will cost more. AixSafety.com has free online TDG training.
Is WHMIS the same as TDG?
No, they are not the same. WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) addresses hazardous products that are used and stored in the workplace, while TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods) focuses on the transportation of dangerous goods. Many workers need training in both areas to ensure compliance and safety. See our free WHMIS training.