The Regulation stipulates that all safety measures must be conscientiously applied with respect to dangerous substances transported, or to be transported, on public highways, particularly the handling and offering for transport of such substances on Québec roads.
More than any other type of transportation, the transportation of dangerous substances requires that all safety measures be applied conscientiously.
Accidental Discharge
In the event of an accidental release of dangerous goods from a means of containment or an emission of radiation that is greater than the quantity or emission level set out in the following table, the person who has possession of the dangerous goods must immediately notify:
the local police;
the person’s employer;
the consignor of the dangerous goods;
the owner, lessee or charterer of the road vehicle;
for infectious substances, CANUTEC at 613 996-6666;
for an accidental release from a cylinder that has suffered a catastrophic failure, CANUTEC at 613 996-6666.
The employer of the person who had possession of the dangerous goods at the time of the accidental discharge must within 30 days make in writing a follow-up report.
Tank Trucks
It is prohibited to transfer dangerous substances from one tank truck to another except in the case of accidental release or an emergency. The tank trucks containing flammable substances must be connected to one another by a ground wire.
The driver of a tank truck that contains flammable substances or vapors of flammable substances must ensure that no person smokes or lights a flame inside the truck cab regardless of whether the truck is in motion or not. During loading and unloading, the driver must ensure that no person smokes or lights a flame within 8 metres of the truck.
Only type B double train tank trucks may be used to transport dangerous substances. No dangerous substance may be transported in a road train less than 25 metres in length.
All tank-trucks that carry hazardous substances must be equipped with:
a device for monitoring the driver’s behaviour that records substantial changes in speed and pertinent details, including date, time, and speed;
or
an electronic stability control system that assists the driver in the case of critical handling.
In the case of a highway motor vehicle that is part of a tank truck, and that is assembled prior to August 15, 2006, the equipment described above may be replaced by a speed limiter set to 100 km/h.
Safety Measures
The driver of a road vehicle transporting dangerous substances must comply with the safety measures indicated below.
Prior To Departure, the Driver Must:
have rested for eight hours;
have received the appropriate training or possess a training certificate;
inspect the vehicle or vehicles;
check the securing of the load;
have in his possession the shipping documents;
check the safety marks;
know what to do in the event of an accident;
ensure that the load complies with the appropriate load and dimension standards.
During Transportation, the Driver Must:
comply with speed limits;
comply with braking distances;
adapt his driving to road conditions;
regularly check the securing of the load and the condition of the tires;.
observe driving and working hours;
not consume alcohol and drugs;
not smoke when class 2.1, 3 and 4 flammable substances are present;
drive cautiously, especially in the case of a tank truck.
Suggestions Concerning the Safety of Manoeuvres
Staff
Before hiring staff, check:
whether or not applicants have a criminal record;
possible breaches in previous jobs;
gaps between jobs;
personal references;
the name by which the person is known.
Storage Site
Ensure that the storage site is:
properly lit;
protected by a fence;
equipped with an alarm system;
accessible only to employees with an ID card.
Record in a register the arrival and departure of dangerous substances.
Regularly check the safety measures adopted.
Ensure that staff who handle and transport dangerous substances have received the appropriate training.
Check the integrity and legitimacy of customers and consignors.
Accept shipments of dangerous substances only when the consignor is known.
During Transportation
Ask drivers to use secondary roads and to avoid as far as possible driving through tunnels, in major centres and on bridges.
Ask drivers to avoid tunnels and bridges when possible.
Demand that drivers lock their vehicles when they stop, e.g. to buy gas and during meals.
Ask drivers to call 911 when a suspicious event occurs.
Communication
Maintain a communication system that makes it possible to reach at all times staff who handle or transport dangerous substances.
Give employees press releases and newsletters dealing with safety measures pertaining to dangerous substances.
Engage in discussions with other industry partners.
