Why are standards for the packaging of dangerous goods for transportation considered to be a priority for the Government of Canada?
- Two Transport Canada standards being updated serve to protect people, property and the environment safety hazards associated with transportation of dangerous goods.
- The standards help meet regulatory objectives and must reflect current industry practices and standards.
- Through the Standards Council of Canada’s (SCC’s) leadership, updated standards will help the federal government maintain the relevance of standards referenced in regulations.
Which standards are being updated?
- CGSB 43.125-99 Packaging of Infectious Substances, Diagnostic Specimens, Biological Products and Biomedical Waste for Transport, referenced in Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, consolidated to include (SOR/2008-34 Amendment 6)
- CGSB 43.146-2002 Design, Manufacture and Use of Intermediate Bulk Containers for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods, referenced in Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, consolidated to include (SOR/2008-34 Amendment 6)
How do the standards benefit Canadians?
- These standards promote public safety in the transportation of dangerous goods by all modes of transport in Canada.
- Having these standards in place helps to prevent leaks and spills from the containers that house these dangerous goods, in the event of in-transit accidents, for example. Potential effects might otherwise include hazards to people (through ingestion, inhalation or contact with skin from these products), animals and plant life, and damage to property, such as from fire damage through the release of crude oil. Environmental contamination (to water, soil, and air) might also occur.
- Containers that have been designed, manufactured and tested in accordance with those standards and found to be in compliance with them are Registered with Transport Canada and a Registration Certificate is issued as a proof of compliance.
Which key organizations are involved in the update?
- Transport Canada is responsible for transportation policies and programs. It promotes safe, secure, efficient and environmentally-responsible transportation.
- Canadian General Standards Board is an SCC-accredited standards development organization responsible for updating the standards.
- The Standards Council of Canada provides funding to ensure that updated standards are available for government and industry use in Canada.