Transport Canada publishes a Bulletin on Dangerous Goods Shipping Document
This Bulletin explains shipping document requirements. It does not change, create, amend or allow deviations from the Transportation Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations. Part 3 of the TDG Regulations contains the specific details. A “shipping document” which is defined under section 1.4 of the TDG Regulations is a paper document that contains required information about dangerous goods being handled, offered for transport or transported and identifies the dangerous goods being transported. A shipping document is always required, unless an exemption states otherwise. While you will find most exemptions to the TDG Regulations in Part 1 from sections 1.15 to 1.48, some exemptions appear in Schedule 2. Section 1.17 and special provision 37 in Schedule 2 are examples of when a shipping document is NOT required. To use any exemption, you must follow all the conditions listed, otherwise the TDG Regulations apply. The consignor (the shipper) must complete the shipping document before allowing a carrier to take the dangerous goods.
The TDG Regulations allow you to prepare shipping documents as set out in other Regulations for international shipments:
For international marine shipments, you may complete the shipping document as set out in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) Code, and certain requirements from Part 11 (Marine) of the TDG Regulations.
For international and domestic air shipments, you must complete the shipping document as set out in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions; and
For international road or rail shipments from the United States, you may complete the shipping document as set out in the:
US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49. (49 CFR), and
Certain requirements from Part 9 (Road) and Part 10 (Rail) of the TDG Regulations
The bulletin also includes a sample shipping document for most Canadian shipments of dangerous goods
The Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) has announced that it will be conducting a blitz program of inspections targeting Ontario workplaces, concentrating on materials handling. The blitz will last throughout the month of February.
“Materials handling” includes common actions such as lifting, setting down, carrying, pushing or pulling materials. (Note that this is not restricted to hazardous materials; materials such as brick, stone and earth would also be covered.) The main concern of the Ministry is that improper handling of materials can result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs cover damage to soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and other parts of the body that might be strained, torn, irritated or otherwise damaged.
The stakes are high – the Ministry estimates that more than 40 per cent of Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) claims, as well as lost time due to injuries, are caused by MSDs. Therefore, inspectors (sometimes accompanied by ergonomists) will be visiting Ontario workplaces to ensure that workers are able to minimize these risks.
The blitz will concentrate on the following types of workplaces:
• construction;
• healthcare;
• mining; and
• industrial establishments.
Typical areas that an inspector will look at include:
• Safe procedures for moving and storage of materials.
• Appropriate employee training in safe handling.
• Housekeeping in materials handling areas.
• Safety of egress and exit points.
• Ladder safety.
• Maintenance of equipment used for materials handling.
The blitz is part of Ontario’s Safe at Work Ontario strategy, that was rolled out in 2008.Previous blitzes have targeted personal protective equipment, and infection control.
So, if you see an inspector from the MOL in your workplace this month, don’t be surprised. It’s all part of the MOL’s efforts to keep our employees safe and at work.
On June 4, 2011, Mexico became the first NAFTA member to adopt the GHS as a basis for national health and safety regulations, by proclaiming a new Mexican standard, NMX-R-019-SCFI-2011.
This standard will be based on the Purple Book (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals), published by the United Nations. However, unlike the changes planned for the United States and Canada, this standard is voluntary. It will allow use of the GHS to be in compliance with the existing standard NOM-018-STPS-2000, which covers classification, labeling and safety data sheets. Suppliers may, however, choose to remain in compliance with the existing standard, without updating to GHS.
Unfortunately, there has not yet been an English translation of this new standard published. Further information (in Spanish) can be found at:
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), has recently published a summary of changes that will be seen in the 2012 edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).
Some rather extensive changes to aspects such as packaging have been introduced this year in the DGR 52nd edition. The changes for the 53rd edition, that will take effect January 1, 2012 will be more limited, and are designed in most cases to refine or simplify requirements, rather than create new ones or change requirements significantly.
The expected changes include:
Provisions for limited quantity packaging will be consolidated in section 2.7.5, moving some information from its current location section 5.0.
Special provision A44 has been revised to clarify compatibility and packing group requirements for chemical and first aid kits.
Special provision A802 has been created, to require that entries to the List of Dangerous Goods without packing groups, but with a requirement for UN specification packaging, must use packaging rated at least to the Packing Group II level.
Special Provision A803 will require that all corrosives in Class 8, Packing Group III be packed in packaging that meets at least Packing Group II standards.(except for limited quantities).
Special Provision A804 will reaffirm that Gallium and Mercury must be shipped in packaging that meets Packing Group I standards.
Special Provision A805 will clarify that Dry ice may be packed directly into an overpack without an intervening packaging.
For lithium metal and lithium ion batteries, additional notes have been added regarding testing requirements for refurbished or otherwise altered batteries. Clarification has been added for carrying lithium batteries as passenger baggage when they are subject to the sections of Section II of the relevant packing instructions.
The requirements for marking overpacks have been clarified to show specifically which markings must be reproduced on the outside of the overpack when not visible through the overpack.
The method of describing multiple overpacks on the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods has been expanded on, to align with the markings requirements for overpacks.
The provisions for information that must be provided on the air waybill or dangerous goods that do not require Shipper’s Declarations (such as Dry ice and Magnetized materials) has been revised
Appendix H will include a summary of the regulatory changes that will be expected to come into effect on January 1, 2013 for the 54th Edition of the DGR.
If you have any questions regarding this document, or shipping dangerous goods by air in general, please contact ICC Compliance Center Inc at 1-888-442-9628 (USA) or 1-888-977-4834 (Canada).
FedEx implemented computer generated shipping papers that had to be generated using an approved error checking software.
Additional changes for FedEx Ground will become effective Aug. 1, 2011. All shipments will require all hazardous materials paperwork to be completed and submitted electronically using a FedEx® electronic shipping solution, a FedEx-recognized hazardous materials vendor software application, a FedEx® Compatible Solutions Program application or a custom solution that has the ability to transmit hazardous materials shipping information electronically. For more information on these new requirements visit http://www.fedex.com/us/hazardous-materials/current-requirements/index.html.
ICC The Compliance Center offers a simple solution in DG Office. This software allows you to complete forms electronically and submit to FedEx per their requirements.
Sign up for a free demo by visiting our website at:
