Welcome to Module One of the TDG Road and Cross-Border Shipments online course. This module serves as the foundation for understanding the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act and Regulations, providing you with the essential knowledge to ensure the safe and compliant handling, transport, and documentation of hazardous materials.

Why is TDG Important?

Transporting dangerous goods poses inherent risks to people, property, and the environment. A small mistake—such as incorrect labeling, improper documentation, or mishandling—can lead to serious consequences, including accidents, spills, regulatory fines, and legal liabilities. This is why strict regulations govern how dangerous goods are classified, packaged, and transported across Canada and international borders.

What You Will Learn in This Module

By the end of this introductory module, you will:
✅ Understand the purpose and scope of TDG regulations in Canada and cross-border shipments to the U.S.
✅ Recognize the key responsibilities of shippers, carriers, and receivers.
✅ Learn about regulatory enforcement, penalties for non-compliance, and the role of Transport Canada.
✅ Gain an overview of the TDG classification system and how it affects transportation requirements.

Setting the Stage for Compliance and Safety

This course is designed to equip you with practical knowledge and real-world applications of TDG regulations, helping you ensure compliance while prioritizing safety in transportation. As we progress through the course, you will gain insights into TDG classification, documentation, safety marks, packaging requirements, emergency response, and cross-border regulatory differences.

In Module 2, we will explore one of the most critical aspects of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations—the classification system. Proper classification is essential for ensuring that dangerous goods are handled, packaged, labeled, and transported safely and in compliance with the law.

Why is Classification Important?

The classification of dangerous goods determines the specific safety measures required for transport, including packaging standards, labeling requirements, documentation, and emergency response procedures. Misclassifying a substance can lead to serious safety hazards, regulatory violations, and increased risks of accidents.

What You Will Learn in This Module:

• The TDG Classification System – Learn how dangerous goods are categorized based on hazards, physical properties, and risks.
• The Nine TDG Hazard Classes – Understand the nine hazard classes used to group dangerous goods, from flammable substances to toxic and radioactive materials.
• Packing Groups and UN Numbers – Explore the significance of Packing Groups (I, II, III) and how UN Numbers identify specific hazardous materials.
• Special Cases and Exemptions – Learn about limited quantities, exemptions, and special provisions that may apply to certain shipments.

By the End of This Module, You Will Be Able To:

✔ Identify and classify dangerous goods using the TDG classification system.
✔ Recognize the hazard classes and packing groups that determine transportation requirements.
✔ Understand how UN Numbers and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) help ensure proper identification and handling.
✔ Apply classification principles to ensure compliance and risk reduction when transporting dangerous goods.

This module provides a comprehensive overview of safety marks and labels, essential tools for hazard communication in the workplace. Learners will explore the different types of safety labels, including WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) labels, transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) placards, and other standardized markings used to identify risks. The module covers the significance of color coding, pictograms, and warning symbols, ensuring workers can quickly recognize hazards and take appropriate precautions.

Additionally, this module emphasizes regulatory requirements, best practices for proper labeling, and the responsibilities of employers and employees in maintaining clear and effective hazard communication. By the end of this module, participants will understand how safety marks and labels contribute to a safer work environment and compliance with occupational health and safety standards.

This module covers the essential documentation requirements for the transportation of dangerous goods (TDG), with a focus on shipping documents and record retention. Learners will explore the legal and regulatory obligations for preparing, maintaining, and retaining shipping documents to ensure compliance and enhance transportation safety.

Key topics include:

• Shipping Documents – Understanding the required information, including product description, classification, emergency contact details, and special handling instructions.
• Responsibility & Compliance – Roles of consignors, carriers, and receivers in ensuring accurate documentation.
• Retention Requirements – How long shipping documents must be kept, who is responsible, and the importance of maintaining records for audits and inspections.
• Regulatory Guidelines – Overview of TDG Act and Regulations governing documentation practices.

By the end of this module, learners will be able to prepare, review, and retain TDG shipping documents correctly, ensuring legal compliance and effective hazard communication during transport.

This module explores the essential principles of packaging and containment in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) to ensure the safe handling, storage, and transport of hazardous materials. Proper packaging minimizes risks associated with spills, leaks, and contamination, protecting workers, the public, and the environment.

Learners will examine the classification of packaging, regulatory requirements, and the selection of appropriate containment based on the type of dangerous goods being transported. The module will also cover marking and labeling of containers, ensuring compliance with TDG regulations and international transport standards.

By the end of this module, participants will understand how to select, inspect, and maintain TDG-compliant packaging, contributing to a safer and legally compliant transportation process.

This module provides a comprehensive overview of the Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP), a critical requirement under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations for handling high-risk dangerous goods in the event of an emergency. The ERAP ensures that specialized resources and trained personnel are available to mitigate risks, contain hazards, and protect public safety during incidents involving dangerous goods.

Key topics include:

• Purpose and Importance – Understanding why an ERAP is required and how it enhances emergency preparedness.
• Regulatory Requirements – Overview of TDG Act and Regulations governing ERAP, including when and how it must be developed and implemented.
• Components of an ERAP – Key elements such as emergency contacts, response actions, containment measures, and communication protocols.
• Roles and Responsibilities – Identifying the duties of consignors, carriers, emergency responders, and regulatory agencies in ERAP implementation.
• Activation and Response Procedures – Steps for activating an ERAP in the event of an incident, including coordination with emergency response teams.

By the end of this module, learners will understand how to develop, implement, and follow an ERAP, ensuring compliance with TDG regulations and enhancing safety during the transportation of high-risk dangerous goods.

This module provides a detailed overview of the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders involved in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG). Understanding these roles ensures regulatory compliance, safety, and accountability throughout the transport process.

Key Topics Include:

• Consignors (Shippers) – Responsible for classifying, packaging, labeling, and documenting dangerous goods before transportation.
• Carriers (Transporters) – Ensure goods are properly secured, placarded, and transported safely while complying with TDG regulations.
• Receivers (Consignees) – Responsible for inspecting and safely handling received dangerous goods.
• Drivers and Operators – Must be trained in TDG regulations, emergency response, and securement procedures.

By the end of this module, learners will understand the specific duties of each stakeholder, ensuring safe and compliant handling, transport, and emergency response for dangerous goods.

This module explores special cases and exemptions within the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations, focusing on situations where full regulatory requirements may not apply. Understanding these exemptions allows businesses to streamline operations while ensuring compliance and safety.

Key Topics Include:

• Limited Quantity Exemptions – Situations where small amounts of dangerous goods can be transported with reduced regulatory requirements.
• Consumer Commodities Exemption – How certain packaged products intended for retail sale qualify for relaxed TDG rules.
• Agricultural and Industrial Exemptions – Special allowances for farmers, construction sites, and industrial operations transporting hazardous materials. 

By the end of this module, learners will understand which special cases qualify for exemptions, how to apply them correctly, and how to ensure safety and compliance while utilizing these regulatory allowances.

This module focuses on the safety and security measures required for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) to protect workers, the public, and the environment from potential risks. Ensuring proper handling, storage, and transport of dangerous goods reduces the likelihood of accidents, spills, theft, and security threats.

Key Topics Include:

• Workplace and Transport Safety

  • Best practices for safe handling, packaging, loading, and unloading of dangerous goods.
  • Importance of proper labeling, placarding, and securement to prevent incidents.
  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency preparedness measures.

• Security Considerations

  • Identifying and mitigating risks of theft, tampering, and unauthorized access.
  • Regulatory requirements for high-risk dangerous goods that may be targeted for criminal activities.
  • Best practices for driver security, route planning, and restricted access areas.

• Emergency Preparedness and Response

  • Steps to take in case of spills, leaks, fires, or security breaches.
  • The role of Emergency Response Assistance Plans (ERAPs) in high-risk dangerous goods transport.
  • Coordination with emergency responders, law enforcement, and regulatory authorities.

By the end of this module, learners will understand how to implement safety and security measures to prevent incidents, respond effectively to emergencies, and comply with TDG regulations, ensuring a secure and efficient transportation process.

This module focuses on the training and certification requirements for individuals involved in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG). Proper training ensures that employees understand their responsibilities, can handle dangerous goods safely, and comply with TDG regulations.

Key Topics Include:

• TDG Training Requirements

  • Who requires TDG training and certification under Alberta OHS and federal TDG regulations.
  • Employer responsibilities in ensuring workers are properly trained before handling dangerous goods.
  • Different levels of training required for shippers, carriers, receivers, and emergency responders.

• TDG Certification Process

  • Overview of training courses, certification requirements, and renewal periods.
  • The process of obtaining a TDG certificate and how long it remains valid.
  • Employer-issued TDG certificates vs. third-party training programs.

• Record-Keeping and Compliance

  • Employer obligations for maintaining training records for workers handling dangerous goods.
  • Understanding enforcement, penalties, and consequences for non-compliance.
  • Best practices for ongoing education and refresher training to ensure continued compliance.

By the end of this module, learners will understand who needs TDG training, how certification is obtained, and the importance of compliance with training regulations, ensuring the safe and legal handling of dangerous goods in the workplace.

This module provides a comprehensive overview of Schedules 1, 2, and 3 of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations, which contain essential information for classifying, handling, and transporting dangerous goods safely and in compliance with regulatory requirements. These schedules serve as critical reference tools for understanding hazard classifications, shipping requirements, and safety measures.

Key Topics Include:

• Schedule 1 – Dangerous Goods List

  • A detailed table of regulated dangerous goods, including:
    • UN Number, shipping name, primary and subsidiary hazards, and packing group.
    • Special provisions and required safety measures.
  • How to interpret hazard classification codes and restrictions for transport.

• Schedule 2 – Special Provisions

  • Explanation of special provisions that modify or clarify TDG requirements for specific dangerous goods.
  • How to determine if a material requires additional handling precautions or exemptions.

• Schedule 3 – Index of Dangerous Goods

  • A quick alphabetical reference for finding dangerous goods by their proper shipping name or UN number.
  • How to use this index to quickly access regulatory information from Schedules 1 and 2.

By the end of this module, learners will understand how to navigate TDG Schedules 1, 2, and 3, apply the correct shipping classifications, special provisions, and safety measures, and ensure regulatory compliance when handling and transporting dangerous goods.