Resources > How to Avoid Common Violations in Transportation of Dangerous Goods
How to Avoid Common Violations in Transporting Dangerous Goods
Canadian truck driver hauling dangerous goods | Credit: Freepik
Introduction
Transporting dangerous goods is a high-risk activity that requires strict adherence to regulations outlined in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act. Non-compliance can lead to severe consequences such as hefty fines, legal trouble, and more importantly, incidents that put lives and the environment at risk. In this article, we discuss what violations are common and methods to reduce your chances of a violation. We’d like to note that this article only pertains to the transportation of dangerous goods by truck in Canada.
The Most Common TDG Violations
Failure to Properly Label and Mark Dangerous Goods and Trailer
The proper labeling and marking are vital for ensuring safety during transportation. According to the TDG handbook, hazardous materials must be labeled with the assigned symbols and hazard class numbers, which must be clearly visible.
Common violations include missing or incorrect hazard symbols, incorrect class numbers, or failure to display the proper labels on packages. These errors can lead to misidentification of the goods, putting drivers and the public at risk during transport or during emergencies.
Inadequate Documentation
Accurate and complete documentation is essential for compliance with TDG regulations. A Dangerous Goods Declaration must accompany every shipment of hazardous materials, providing crucial details like the goods’ hazard class, quantity, and emergency response information.
Violations happen when shipping papers and bill of ladings are not complete or contain errors, which can lead to confusion during inspections, delays, and legal issues. Properly filled-out shipping papers ensure transparency and help emergency responders manage potential accidents effectively.
Improper Handling and Packaging
Correct handling and packaging are crucial to prevent dangerous goods from reacting with each other and the surrounding environment unsafely. Incompatible materials may pose risks if stored together, such as flammable substances being packaged with oxidizers.
Common violations in packaging include using the wrong containers, insufficient sealing, or neglecting to follow weight and volume limits. Incorrect handling can lead to corrosive leaks, spills, or even fires and explosions. The consequences of improper packaging and handling can be severe, leading to environmental damage and health risk.
Avoiding Violations with Proper Training and Certification
TDG Certification
One of the best ways to avoid violations in the transportation of dangerous goods is ensuring that all drivers have up-to-date TDG certification. This certification proves that drivers understand the regulations and are capable of safely handling hazardous materials.
The TDG test is a key component of this certification, covering essential topics like the classification of dangerous goods, proper labeling, handling procedures, and emergency response protocols. Drivers who pass the test are equipped with the knowledge necessary to minimize risks during transport.
Ongoing Education
TDG certification is not a one-time event; ongoing education is crucial for staying compliant. Regular reviews of the TDG handbook are needed, so that drivers are familiar with the regulations and industry standards. Additionally, using digital tools like a TDG safety mobile application allows drivers to stay current with real-time information, reducing the risk of violations.
Technology and Tools to Improve Compliance
How Technology Helps in Preventing Violations
Technology is essential in preventing violations by simplifying processes and providing real-time guidance to drivers. Trucking safety is a growing focus across logistics and there are now tools to help streamline safety process. Nutech TDG is a TDG mobile app that helps drivers ensure compliance by offering instant guidance to key TDG rules like placarding.
Examples of Features:
- Assistance with Placarding and Labeling
The app helps drivers correctly label and placard hazardous materials according to TDG regulations. - Online Version of the TDG Handbook
Access the full TDG handbook digitally, with organization features for better access. - Offline Access
Drivers can access critical information and perform their safety duties, even without internet connectivity. - Simplified Pick-Up and Drop-Off
The app streamlines safe pick-ups and drop-offs. Guiding users through an automated step-by-step process. - Easy Auditing
Drivers, managers, and dispatchers can access the complete history of the dangerous goods that were transported online.
These features significantly reduce human error, reduce tedious tasks, and ensure drivers follow all necessary regulations.
Practical Tips for Drivers and Fleet Managers
Regular Audits and Inspections
Conducting regular audits and inspections is crucial for ensuring compliance with TDG standards. These checks help identify any discrepancies or safety issues before they lead to violations. Using digital documentation tools can streamline these audits, making it easier to track and keep records.
Creating a Culture of Safety
Fleet managers play a key role in fostering a culture of safety and compliance within their teams. Leading by example, offering training, and reinforcing TDG regulations helps instill a safety-first mindset in drivers. Encourage drivers to actively keep updated on regulations and news, track their certifications, and doing things the right way, making safety a shared responsibility.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Legal and Financial Risks
Failing to comply with TDG regulations can result in severe legal and financial penalties. In Canada, violators may face fines reaching up to $50,000 for a first offense and up to $100,000 for subsequent offences.
In some cases, violations can lead to imprisonment for up to two years! Beyond financial penalties, non-compliance can damage a company’s reputation and lead to costly accidents.
Legal and financial battles like these can make or break a company. Not only in its profit margins, but its public reputation too.
Conclusion
Maintaining TDG compliance is not just a legal requirement but a societal responsibility to truck drivers, the public, and the environment. Technology and certification play a crucial role in making sure that dangerous goods are transported safely and legally. Digital tools, proper training, safety culture, and regular audits help compliance efforts and lessen the risk of costly violations.
Stay compliant and protect your business by getting TDG certified today. Download Nutech TDG to make compliance easy and ensure your safety. For additional resources or assistance, explore our articles or learn more about our fleet products.