Dangerous goods regulations made crystal clear, say Feds

The federal government has released new dangerous goods regulations which it says are clearer and more user-friendly, making them easier to understand. The regulations replace the previous version, enacted in 1985. The main purpose behind the revision, says the federal government, was to clarify, simplify and modernize the regulations, while streamlining the process for shipments involving several forms of transport, including ships, trucks and trains.

“The amendments also reflect advances in technology, and the increasingly global nature of the transportation industry, by enhancing harmonization and addressing the greater number of transborder shipments,” said Transport Minister David Collenette.

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, 2001 are designed to promote public safety and set out requirements for testing, classification, labelling, containment and documentation for dangerous goods.

To develop the content, style, format and presentation, Transport Canada approached stakeholders – such as chemical producers and shippers, railways and fire departments- using the Internet as part of the process, posting draft versions of the regulations on the Transport Canada web site as they were developed and soliciting input on them.

The regulations are made under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992. They were published in the Canada Gazette Part II on August 15, 2001, and will take effect on August 15, 2002.