An Act to amend the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992

Bill C-9 has received Royal Assent and came into force on June 16, 2009.

This Bill brings changes to public safety and security in the transportation of dangerous goods. Some of the amendments are:

• Definitions:
  • "accidental release" becomes "release"
  • "import" is repealed, and a new section, 2.1, deals with importing – the person named on a shipping document to whom the delivery is being made, is importing
  • "safety requirements" becomes "safety requirement"
  • "safety standards" becomes "safety standard"
  • "ship" becomes "vessel"
  • several definitions have been amended as a result of the above
  • new definitions include: compliance mark, dangerous goods mark, organization, person
  • the definition of "person" is now an individual or an organization
• A new section, 5.2 Transportation Security Clearances, provides a requirement for prescribed persons to hold a transportation security clearance. The regulations will detail the quantity or concentration for the security clearance. If a person does not have the security clearance (as issued by the Minister), that person cannot offer for transport, import, transport or handle the dangerous goods. The Minister has to power to issue, refuse or revoke security clearances.
• Sections 31 and 32 permit the Minister to issue emergency permits or certificates where the dangerous goods activity is not in compliance with the Act. It appears that the "permit of equivalent level of safety" has been replaced.
• A new Section 27.6 permits the Minister to issue interim orders where security of dangerous goods is threatened or there is danger to the public.
• Section 7 Emergency Response Assistance Plans now includes Security Plans. The revisions also give the Minister the authority to invoke a plan holder's ERAP for the protection of public safety, i.e. terrorism. In the event this happens, the Minister will not hold the plan holder liable and will compensate the plan holder from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
• Section 7.3 Security Plans does not permit a person to import, handle, offer for transport or transport dangerous goods unless there is a security plan in place. The requirement for a security plan will be prescribed by regulation for dangerous goods either by quantity or concentration.
• In the event dangerous goods are lost or stolen under Section 18(3), the person who had control of the dangerous goods will be required to report this event to the prescribed persons. The "prescribed persons" will be in the regulations.
• Section 33 Offences and Punishment now reads that if a person contravenes: the Act, the regulations, a security measure, an interim order, or a direction issued by an inspector, that person is guilty of an offence. The penalty section now shows the indictable offence first and summary offences second. Section 35 changes from 2 years to 5 years in which summary convictions can proceed.
• Inspectors now have the authority under Section 15 Monitoring Compliance to enter and inspect any place where means of containment are being manufactured, repaired or tested.

Transport Canada will continue with the consultations as they draft the necessary regulations.

For more information, visit:
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Bills/402/Government/C-9/C-9_4/C-9_4.PDF

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Hazards Not So Hazardous With Safety Signs and Tags

Niagara Falls, NY—June 10, 2009—ICC The Compliance Center, a manufacturer of printed products for compliance with hazardous materials/dangerous goods regulations is now offering signs, tags and pipemarkers for compliance with workplace regulations. Signs, tags and pipemarkers are an important part of any safety plan when hazardous materials/dangerous goods are kept on the premises. Keeping employees safe helps reduce injuries and lost productivity.

Two options are now available for signs, tags and pipemarkers: off-the-shelf; or customized to your companies' specifications through an on-demand printing system so you can print what you need, when you need it. Signs, tags and pipemarkers are made to meet OSHA, ANSI and WHMIS workplace standards. "We have put a great deal of time and effort into ensuring that we can produce quality signs and tags at an affordable price. Our internal on-demand printing system will allow for speedy deliveries of these products to customers" says Karrie Monette-Ishmael, Director of Marketing for ICC The Compliance Center Inc.

ICC The Compliance Center specializes in hazardous materials/dangerous goods transportation, health and safety consulting, plus label printing for chemical, paint and coatings, automotive, and many more industries. As a manufacturer of printed materials, we are able to offer a wide range of quality transportation and workplace signs, tags and pipemarkers at affordable prices. We also support these quality products by providing regulatory support for a variety of workplace and transportation regulations. Need help ensuring your workplace is safe? Contact our friendly customer relations department for more information. Stay in compliance; avoid costly penalties and fines by booking your training today. We are your global hazmat solution.

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e-Learning: Compliance at your Fingertips

Niagara Falls, NY—June 10, 2009—For more than 20 years, ICC The Compliance Center has been providing training services to companies who offer, handle or transport hazardous materials/dangerous goods. Regulatory compliance is a must for companies involved with hazardous materials/dangerous goods, notwithstanding the current business outlook. Understandably, ICC The Compliance Center recognizes this and the need for quality training that is affordable and convenient.

Using web technology, ICC The Compliance Center has developed live instructor-led e-learning courses for shipping dangerous goods by ground in Canada (TDG), shipping hazardous materials by ground in the USA (49 CFR), shipping dangerous goods by air (IATA), and shipping dangerous goods by sea (IMDG) in addition to a variety of other topics such as shipping lithium batteries by air. Our e-learning courses are available live (public, customized or pre-recorded). Pre-recorded e-learning courses not only allow for versatility in the timing to take the course, but also aids in succession planning and refresher training. Customers, who are comfortable using a computer, will be comfortable taking training as e-learning, a cost-effective alternative to live in-person training.

ICC The Compliance Center specializes in hazardous materials/dangerous goods transportation, health and safety consulting, plus label printing for chemical, paint and coatings, automotive, and many more industries. We offer a wide range of transportation accessories and supplies, along with regulatory services and training. Contact our friendly customer relations department for more information. Stay in compliance; avoid costly penalties and fines by booking your training today. We are your global hazmat solution.

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