Transportation of dangerous goods training in Canada falls under Transport Canada, a department of the federal government, which regulates the transportation of dangerous goods by road, rail, water or air and sets out training criteria for companies transporting dangerous goods. Transport Canada does not accredit specific courses or training centers, but enables companies to use whatever methods are best suited to their operation and the needs of their employees.

Scope

Transport Canada’s definition of adequate training includes having sound knowledge of all topics related directly to the required tasks and specific kinds of dangerous goods a worker moves, offers to transport or handles during the course of their work. Topics that training may cover include dangerous goods safety marks requirements, safe handling and transportation practices for dangerous goods, and how to operate equipment used to handle or transport dangerous goods. Other important topics include reasonable emergency procedures to reduce or eliminate danger to public safety that results or could result from an accidental release of dangerous goods.

Trainees

Transport Canada requires workers who handle, offer for transport or transport dangerous goods to be trained and possess a training certificate in handling or transporting dangerous goods or only perform tasks involving dangerous goods while under the direct supervision of an employee who does possess a training certificate in transporting dangerous goods. Handling encompasses loading and unloading, packing or unpacking and storing materials and covers jobs such as cargo handler, lift truck operator, dock worker, shipper/receiver, freight handler and warehouse operator. Examples of workers whose jobs include offering for transport include dispatchers, office workers who prepare documents, shippers, freight forwarders and billers.

Training Delivery

Training in the handling and transportation of dangerous goods can be delivered through formal classroom training, on-the-job training or experience gained under the supervision of an adequately trained employee.

Training Certificates

Employers who are reasonably satisfied that their employees are sufficiently trained to perform duties related to that training are required to issue those employees training certificates that include the name and address of the employer’s place of business, the employee’s name, the expiry date of the training certificate and the aspects of handling or transporting dangerous goods that the employee is trained for, including specific topics.

Those who employ a person who is a member of a ship’s crew may have a reasonable expectation that the employee’s certificate of competency, issued under Marine Certification Regulations, is acceptable evidence of adequate training. In this case, the employer does not have to issue a training certificate. Training certificates are valid for three years, except in the case of transport by aircraft, when they expire after two years. Training certificates or copies of them must be provided to inspectors immediately upon request.

Safety is one of the top concerns in the transportation industry. From adherence to road safety regulations to following best practices guidelines, safety on the road is essential to ensure problem-free transportation of goods and passengers. Reviewing truck driver safety topics on a routine basis can help decrease accidents and ensure drivers are familiar with the latest safety rules and recommendations.

Weight Limits

Semi-trucks are authorized to carry limited loads based on the type of materials, the size of the trailer and the state regulations where the truck will transport goods. These weight regulations ensure transportation safety and the long-term usability of highways and roads. Truck drivers should know how to properly measure the weight of their loads, how to balance loads for safety and the procedures used to monitor weight limits by law enforcement personnel.

Bad Weather Conditions

Wind, heavy rains and stormy conditions pose extra safety threats for truck drivers. Poor weather increases the time required for trucks to stop on slick roads, can impede visibility and can cause the truck to sway erratically due to wind gusts. Truck drivers should know how to drive in rainy conditions, emergency procedures, when to stop driving due to danger and how to limit the impact of poor conditions on their driving.

Equipment Failure

Faulty breaks, light failure and air brake problems can all pose serious safety concerns for truck drivers. In-depth knowledge of emergency handling procedures for all types of equipment failure situations can help avoid accidents and potential injury. Truck drivers should be able to perform alternative stopping methods and evasive maneuvers, use emergency equipment such as a Jake brake and know how to call for assistance when their equipment fails.

Visibility

Truck drivers have limited visibility and often encounter situations where blind spots can cause safety concerns. The effect of blind spots can be minimized through proper mirror placement, strategic lane change procedures and advanced turning options. Truck drivers can avoid accidents with smaller vehicles traveling beside their truck by using their signals, by slowing down or speeding up to obtain a clear line of sight, and by planning for directional changes in advance.

Truck-Specific Limitations

Semi-trucks and trailers have special rules and limitation beyond the standard automobile. These limitations include state laws that limit where trucks can travel, the lanes they are able to use on interstates, truck-specific speed limits and in-city restrictions. New and seasoned truck drivers must understand the driving restrictions for every city and region in which they drive a truck.