Minister Raitt announces new regulations for identifying dangerous goods in transport

Harmonized system better for emergency first responders

TORONTO, June 20, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced that regulations for identifying the dangerous goods transported on Canadian roads and rails are being harmonized across Canada and with the United States and United Nations rules.

The new regulations will bring cross border consistency to the way dangerous goods are identified, eliminating the need for interpretation and providing emergency personnel with a clearer understanding of the risks posed by goods being transported, so they can take appropriate response measures.

The amendments clarify how the danger placard is to be used to identify shipments of certain classes of dangerous goods, such as pool chemicals, propane and acetone, contained in small packages. They also introduce new safety marks to identify organic peroxides, marine pollutants and other dangerous goods transported in limited quantities.

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on July 2, 2014, and will come into effect on July 14^th, 2014.

Prior to her announcement, Minister Raitt met with representatives of the trucking industry. She addressed the issue of driver fatigue and the need for safe practices, highlighting Transport Canada's collaboration with partners in government, academia and industry to develop the North American Fatigue Management Program. She also noted the efforts being made by the industry to deal with the looming shortage of truck drivers, and reiterated the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to conduct research, develop technology and work with the industry to contribute to a safe and efficient trucking sector.

The Minister also discussed the Government of Canada's investment in highway projects, over the next 10 years, as part of the new $53-billion Building Canada Plan.

Quick Facts

• The Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations require safety marks to be displayed on trucks, rail cars and bulk containers used to transport dangerous goods. The safety marks identify the presence of the dangerous goods and the nature of the risk they pose.
• The amendments to the TDG regulations will clarify the criteria under which safety mark must be displayed which will facilitate compliance and streamline enforcement practices.
• The trucking industry helps to move some 90% of consumer products in Canada, generates more than $65 billion a year in revenue and employs some 400,000 people.

Quote

"Our government is committed to a transportation system that is safe, efficient and facilitates trade.  The changes I'm announcing today will create a safer environment for the movement of goods that are necessary in a strong, developed economy."

The Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport

SOURCE: Transport Canada