Transporting dangerous goods and hazardous materials is a necessary part of the shipping industry, but for the protection of consumers, carriers, and the general public, there are strict regulations in Canada about how these goods are handled, as outlined in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992.

Anyone who handles or provides transport of hazardous materials must complete the appropriate training, whether in person or through TDG online training, and carry a valid, employer-issued Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Certification. 

What Is the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act?

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992, governs the safe handling, offering for transport, and transportation of hazardous materials across Canada. The Act works alongside the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG Regulations) and is enforced by Transport Canada.

Purpose of the TDG Act

The legislation was created to:

  1. Protect public safety

  2. Prevent environmental damage

  3. Reduce risks during transportation

  4. Establish consistent national standards

  5. Align with international dangerous goods systems (UN Recommendations)

The TDG Act applies to dangerous goods transported by:

  1. Road (highway)

  2. Rail

  3. Marine vessel

  4. Air

Compliance is mandatory for all Canadian businesses involved in shipping, handling, or transporting dangerous goods.

How Long is a TDG Training Certificate Valid?

A TDG training certificate has an expiration date, which differs according to the mode of transport of the hazardous materials. Many employers ask, how long is a TDG training certificate valid for? The answer depends on the transportation method.

  1. 24 months after the issue date for aircraft transport
  2. 36 months from the issue date for transport by all other modes

After this period, TDG training expiry requires renewal to remain compliant with the regulations.

Who Needs TDG Training? (Specific Job Roles)

Under Part 6 of the TDG Regulations, any person who handles, offers for transport, or transports dangerous goods must be adequately trained or directly supervised by someone who is trained.

Common Roles That Require TDG Certification

  1. Commercial truck drivers

  2. Delivery drivers

  3. Warehouse workers

  4. Shipping and receiving staff

  5. Freight forwarders

  6. Logistics coordinators

  7. Office personnel preparing shipping documents

  8. Supervisors overseeing dangerous goods transport

  9. Self-employed shippers

Even employees who only prepare shipping documents or classify goods require a valid TDG certification.

Specialized Training For Employees is Required Before Handling Dangerous Goods

Part 6 of Canada's TDG Act states that all people who handle or transport dangerous goods must be trained in a specific manner or physically accompanied and directly supervised by someone with a valid TDG training certificate.

Employees transporting or handling hazardous materials must be adequately trained according to the TDG Act regulations in Part 6 and be able to perform their duties per these regulations according to their job description.

Furthermore, all employees involved in transporting and handling dangerous goods must have their TDG certification in their possession.

Training For Employees is Required Before Handling Dangerous Goods

TDG Training Modules & Course Content

A comprehensive TDG training program typically covers the following modules:

1. TDG Legislation & Responsibilities

  1. Legal duties of employers and employees

  2. Role of inspectors

  3. Compliance requirements

2. Classification of Dangerous Goods

  1. Understanding the UN classification system

  2. Identifying primary and subsidiary classes

  3. Determining shipping names

3. Safety Marks & Labels

  1. TDG labels and placards

  2. UN numbers

  3. When and where placards must be displayed

4. Documentation Requirements

  1. Preparing shipping documents

  2. Required information fields

  3. Retention of documentation

5. Means of Containment

  1. Small vs large means of containment

  2. Certification markings

  3. Packaging requirements

6. Emergency Response Procedures

  1. Spill response

  2. Reporting requirements

  3. Emergency Response Assistance Plans (ERAP)

When Does an Employee Need TDG Training?

Before an employee can handle, ship, or receive hazardous materials, they must complete a dangerous goods training program and receive a valid training certificate to confirm that they received adequate training. The Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act and Regulations contain a list of goods and materials designated as hazardous. For additional guidance on classification, see Classes of Dangerous Goods and Hazards.

The only time that this training certificate is not required of an employee is if they are under the direct supervision of a TDG-certified employee or if they qualify for an exemption, also listed in the TDG Regulations.

What Kind of Information is Contained in the TDG Certificate?

The training certificate specifies which kind of training the holder received, such as:

  • Preparation of shipping papers
  • Transportation of hazardous goods
  • Classification of dangerous materials
  • Which type of dangerous goods is the holder certified to handle (flammable, Class 3, etc)

The certification must contain all the relevant information required per Section 6.3 of the TDG Regulations. There is no set format; employers must ensure that the certifications they issue employees comply with TDG guidelines.

Classes of Dangerous Goods (Class 1–9)

The TDG Regulations classify dangerous goods into nine hazard classes:

Class Description
Class 1 Explosives
Class 2 Gases
Class 3 Flammable Liquids
Class 4 Flammable Solids
Class 5 Oxidizing Substances & Organic Peroxides
Class 6 Toxic & Infectious Substances
Class 7 Radioactive Materials
Class 8 Corrosives
Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

Proper classification determines labeling, packaging, and transport requirements. Learn more about proper labeling and placarding of dangerous goods.

Responsibilities Employees Have For Their TDG Certificate

Any time an employee transports dangerous goods, they must have either an electronic copy or a hard copy of the TDG certificate. Self-employed dangerous goods handlers or shippers may issue their own training certificate and complete TDG online training, but it must contain all the information in Section 6.3 and be renewed accordingly every 24 or 36 months.

The purpose of the certificate is to demonstrate that the holder is adequately trained and in compliance with TDG regulations.

A TDG inspector can visit any location where the transportation of dangerous goods occurs and request to see the employee's TDG Certificate. Employees must produce a valid training certificate on request.

Furthermore, TDG inspectors can also ask for an employer's copies of TDG training records and certificates of employees. The employer (or self-employed individual) has 15 days to provide these items.

TDG training certificates, unlike other types of professional licenses and certifications, are not transferable from one company to another, nor can a self-employed individual transfer their certification to an employer. TDG certificates are issued to an employee by their current employer.

If you switch jobs or go from self-employed to working at a company, then you will need a valid training certificate from that employer.

Safety Marks, Labels & Placards in TDG

Dangerous goods must display proper safety marks, including:

  1. Class labels

  2. Placards

  3. UN identification numbers

  4. Shipping names

Incorrect or missing safety marks can result in regulatory penalties. Common compliance issues are outlined in the common mistakes in the transport of dangerous goods.

Safety marks must be:

  1. Clearly visible

  2. Durable

  3. In compliance with TDG specifications

Shipping Documentation – What Is Required?

Shipping documents must contain:

  1. UN number

  2. Proper shipping name

  3. Primary hazard class

  4. Subsidiary class (if applicable)

  5. Packing group

  6. Quantity

  7. 24-hour emergency contact number

Shipping papers must accompany dangerous goods during transport and be accessible in case of inspection. For more details, read the Transportation of Dangerous Goods requirements.

Means of Containment Explained

Means of containment refer to the packaging used to transport dangerous goods.

Two Categories:

  1. Small Means of Containment (450L or less)

  2. Large Means of Containment (greater than 450L)

Containers must:

  1. Meet certification standards

  2. Display required markings

  3. Be compatible with the substance being transported

Improper containment is one of the leading causes of enforcement actions. Advanced containment practices are discussed in advanced packaging techniques for high-risk, dangerous goods.

Emergency Response Requirements & ERAP

Some high-risk dangerous goods require an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) approved by Transport Canada.

An ERAP outlines:

  1. Specialized response teams

  2. Equipment availability

  3. Emergency procedures

  4. Coordination with authorities

In an emergency, responders may contact CANUTEC, Canada’s emergency response advisory service. Learn more about building emergency preparedness in how to build a successful emergency response plan.

Special Cases & TDG Training Exemptions

Training certification may not be required when:

  1. The employee is directly supervised by a TDG-certified individual

  2. The dangerous goods qualify under the limited quantity exemptions

  3. The goods fall under specific regulatory exceptions

However, exemptions must be clearly understood and properly documented.

Recordkeeping & TDG Inspections

Employers must:

  1. Maintain training records

  2. Issue TDG training certificates

  3. Keep documentation accessible

  4. Provide copies within 15 days if requested by inspectors

TDG inspectors may visit any workplace involved in dangerous goods transport and request proof of certification.

Consequences of Non-Compliance & Penalties

Failure to comply with TDG regulations may result in:

  1. Fines

  2. Administrative penalties

  3. Criminal charges

  4. Shipment detention

  5. Business operation disruptions

Penalties vary depending on severity and whether the violation was intentional or negligent. For a breakdown of enforcement consequences, see possible penalties for TDG violations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long is a TDG certificate valid?

  1. 24 months for air transport

  2. 36 months for all other modes

Can a TDG certificate transfer to a new employer?

No, TDG certification is employer-issued and non-transferable.

Can I take TDG training online?

Yes, Online TDG training is accepted if it meets regulatory standards and includes required course content. You can enroll in TDG Training Online Certification to meet compliance requirements.

Do self-employed individuals need TDG certification?

Yes, Self-employed handlers must complete training and issue their own compliant certificate.

Final Thoughts

Canada Safety Training offers comprehensive online safety training that helps Canadian businesses create safer working environments and comply with applicable regulations for their industry.

If your business deals with handling or transporting any type of dangerous goods, Canada Safety Training’s online training programs can facilitate your employee training requirements, whether WHMIS training, TDG training, or any other type, through the affordable and accessible training material.