Transport Canada, the regulatory authority responsible for Canadian transportation policies and programs, has promulgated an amendment to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG Regulations). Specifically, an amendment titled “Regulations Amending the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (Part 4, Dangerous Goods Safety Marks)” was published in the July 2nd, 2014 Canada Gazette Part II, Vol. 148, No. 14 as SOR/2014-159.
The amendment modified several sections of the TDG Regulations. A clarification was made to the existing requirements for the display of labels on overpacks and modification of the current placarding scheme for large means of containment.
The updated regulations come “into force” (terms synonymous to effective date in the U.S.) on July 14, 2014 with a six-month transitional period granted by the governing authority.
Key changes to the TDG Regulations

• Significant amendments to the TDGR includes but is not limited to:
  Harmonizing Part 4 of the TDG Regulations with both the international and U.S. regulations.
• Replacing the existing placarding scheme to one that requires safety marks to be affixed at all times, though exemptions for some dangerous goods would be retained;
• Adding the definition for “overpack”;
• Redefining the conditions under which a DANGER placard may be displayed on a large means of containment;
• Adopting new markings for organic peroxides, marine pollutants and a new limited quantity mark;
• Permitting the use of four (4) labels or two (2) placards on intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) of up to 3000 liters;
• Requiring additional markings on means of containment used for the transportation of dangerous goods that are toxic by inhalation.
• Clarifying when the dangerous goods safety marks must be removed. The determination of when to change or remove safety marks is left to the person responsible for the means of containment in the current Regulations. Safety marks will now remain affixed until the danger posed is no longer present.
• Harmonizing the text of section 4.21, Fumigation Sign, with the UN Recommendations, the IMDG Code and 49 CFR.
• Establishing a new special provision 90 that regulates the maximum quantity of black powder transported under UN0027 and UN0028 to 10 kg.

Please follow the link provided to read the entire text as displayed in the Canada Gazette:  http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2014/2014-07-02/html/sor-dors159-eng.php

Erratum Issued

An erratum was published by the Canada Gazette affecting Part II, Vol. 148, No. 14, July 2, 2014 SOR/2014-159 (Reference Vol. 148, No. 15 July 16, 2014). This erratum incorporated the following changes to section 29:

About the Transport Canada and the TDGR

Transport Canada is responsible for Canada’s transportation policies and programs. It promotes safe, secure, efficient and environmentally-responsible transportation. Transport Canada reports to Parliament and Canadians through the minister of Transport and operates via the main headquarters and five regional offices. [i] The TDG Regulations mandate dangerous goods safety marks (i.e., placards, labels) be displayed on a means of containment containing dangerous goods in transport.

[i] http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/aboutus-menu.htm