Frequently asked questions about the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations.
When using a dangerous good (such as ethanol or formaldehyde) to preserve a biological sample (such as a frog or an animal organ) during transportation, should the dangerous good be exempt from the Regulations?
No, sections 1.19.1 and 1.19.2 do not apply to this situation. They apply only to samples that are believed to be dangerous goods. In this case, the sample is not a dangerous good, it is the substance used to preserve the sample that is a dangerous good.
What do the letters "N.O.S." mean?
N.O.S. means “Not Otherwise Specified”. For example, even though gasoline is a flammable liquid, the shipping name “FLAMMABLE LIQUID, N.O.S.” cannot be used because gasoline is otherwise specified.
Under Part 1.39 of the TDG Regulations, if I’m shipping an infectious substance classified under Category B (UN3373), do I need to display the Class 6.2 label (the one with three crescents), or is the UN3373 mark sufficient?
For infectious substances in Category B (UN3373), you do not need to apply the Class 6.2 label (the symbol with three crescents). Although Parts 3 and 4 of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR) are excluded under Part 1.39, this part specifically refers you to Section 4.22.1, which does require the display of a Category B mark.
This mark is a diamond-shaped symbol with the UN number “UN3373”, and it must be applied to the outer packaging. The Class 6.2 label is only required for Category A infectious substances (such as UN2814 or UN2900), which pose a higher risk.
So, while the general labeling rules in Parts 3 and 4 don’t apply, Section 1.39 creates a specific exception by directing you to the Category B marking requirement in 4.22.1.
Section 4.6 of the TDG Regulations states that dangerous goods safety marks must be visible, legible and displayed against a background of contrasting color. Could you define contrasting color?
A contrasting background refers to the surface immediately surrounding the placard. This surface must be large enough to create, from a distance, a perception of different color immediately surrounding the placard, also producing a contrasting effect with the color of the placard. There is no prescription in the TDG Regulations as to how the contrasting color effect should be obtained, or what should be considered an effective contrast. Common sense should prevail in this matter.
Where can I find a generic transportation of dangerous goods form?
There is no form required to transport dangerous goods and Transport Canada does not issue any forms to be used for this purpose. To legally transport dangerous goods, a document only needs to satisfy the documentation requirements of sections 3.5 and 3.6 of the TDG Regulations. The information required can be added to any existing document. ICC provides Dangerous Goods Bill of Lading, 8.5″ x 11″ in packages of 100.
Can we download the Emergency Response Guidebook from the Internet?
Yes. The ERG 2024 online is easy to use, fully interactive and includes color-coded sections similar to the original hardcopy guidebook. In addition, the application includes a searching tool that enables rapid retrieval of emergency response information for a given product name or product identification number (PIN). Access it here: 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook
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