Transportation of Dangerous Goods Part III

Government inspectors enforce the TDG regulations. They could be police officers, weighscale
operators or full-time dangerous goods inspectors.

They have the authority to search shipments or truck. They can take samples, make copies of documents, even seize and hold shipments.

At the border, they can refuse entry into Canada of dangerous goods. It is important to cooperate with any reasonable request an inspector makes.

What they really want to know is that you and your employer are doing your best to comply with the TDG regulation.

Keep in mind that Dangerous goods inspectors check for compliance with TDG Regulations includes but not limited to:

• Inspectors will check to make sure that your training certification is current
  and valid
• The shipping document is complete and correct
• Dangerous goods are labelled and marked properly
• The right containers have been used and they’re in good condition
• The inspector also check to ensure the vehicle is placarded, if necessary and the dangerous goods are loaded, secured and transported safely.

Where would you normally see these inspectors? Some inspectors come to shipping facilities, but most enforcement take place on the highways, which is where they find mistakes made by shippers, especially on shipping documents.

The penalty for not complying can be anything from a fine to a jail term. Anybody who’s involved can be charged, right from the president of your company to a pert-time employee. Remember, there’s a legal concept called “due diligence”, which means that your best defense is to prove you took all reasonable measures to comply with the law.