The movement of goods always presents a risk of harm to the environment and safety to those in its path in an accident. Some goods are susceptible to greater risk than others. In Canada, these goods are categorized as dangerous goods and are regulated by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act of 1992 and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations. The regulations aim to reduce the risk of an occurrence and the associated damage that may result. As this is the first post on the subject, I will not dive into the specific requirements of the regulations, but I'll begin with the introduction of the various classes of dangerous goods so that you are aware of them and can research the requirements if a need arises for you.
There are nine classes of dangerous goods:
Class 1 Explosives - there are 6 divisions in this category. A substance in Class 1 can explode, project, or, ignite during transport.
Class 2 Gases - there are 3 divisions in this category (flammable gases, non-flammable and non-tox gases, and toxic gases).
Class 3 Flammable Liquids - substances in this Class are based on the liquid's flash point and other properties. Examples include gasoline, diesel, and, methanol.
Class 4 Flammable Solids; Substances Liable to Spontaneous Combustion; Substances That on Contact with Water Emit Flammable Gases (Water-reactive Substances) - Class 4 has 3 divisions. These substances may cause fire (through friction), become explosive when in contact with water or oxygen (air), or undergo a reaction that will result in a stronger exothermic reaction.
Class 5 Oxidizing Substances, including Organic Peroxides has 2 divisions. Substances may explosively decompose, burn rapidly, are sensitive to impact or friction, react dangerously with other substances, or cause eye damage.
Class 6 Toxic and Infectious Substances can cause death or serious injury or harm to human health if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin.
Class 7 Radioactive Materials include those in the Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations
Class 8 Corrosive Substances cause injury to the skin such as burns, destruction (thickness), or lesions.
Class 9 Miscellaneous Products, Substances or Organisms present a danger sufficient to be included in Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) regulations but which cannot be assigned to any other class. They are listed in column 3 of Schedule 1 in the TDG Regulation or by other inclusions and exclusions as defined in the regulations.
The Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Program develops safety standards and regulations, provides risk-based oversight, and gives expert advice to the public. If you are from the US, regulation falls under the Department of Transportation and is detailed in the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. Go to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website for information about compliance in the US.
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