Transportation of dangerous substances##col4

​​​​​​​​​​​Transporting certain substances by road requires specific precautions. In case of an accident, the substances could create a toxic cloud, an explosion, a fire, or corrosive liquid could leak. A spill could also contaminate the soil or water.

The prime objective of the Ministère is to ensure that dangerous substances can be transported safely by reducing the risks for the public, the environment and other goods.

To achieve this objective, the Ministère:

  • develops, updates and enforces the Transportation of Dangerous Substances Regulation;
  • takes part in the regulatory provisions harmonization process;
  • develops statistics on accidents involving vehicles transporting dangerous substances;
  • produces information documents in lay terms;
  • conducts studies on specific themes related to the transportation of dangerous substances.

One of the purposes of the regulation is to ensure that accurate information is sent to the persons who handle, offer for transport or transport dangerous substances. The regulation is also intended for the people who must respond to emergencies related to these substances. An incident with a vehicle transporting dangerous substances may involve different stakeholders (consignor, driver, carrier, middlemen and emergency response services). All have a predominant role to play. It is therefore essential that these stakeholders be invited to take part in the process to ensure efficient and concerted actions. There is a multitude of products with different levels and types of risks.

It is essential to comply with the safety rules related to the road transportation of dangerous substances.

Normative Framework

Section 622 of the Highway Safety Code gives the gouvernement du Québec the authority to regulate and govern the transportation of dangerous substances.

The Transportation of Dangerous Substances Regulation adopts, by reference, within the scope of the powers and jurisdiction of Québec in terms of road transportation, the provisions of Transport Canada's Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR). These regulations are the result of a close cooperation between provincial governments, the federal government and representatives of the industry.

Scope

The Québec regulation applies to the handling of dangerous substances. It is intended for all users who transport dangerous substances on the Québec road network, from the place of manufacture or distribution to the place of delivery or unloading, regardless of the type of road vehicle. The persons concerned by the regulation are thus operators, owners, drivers and consignors. The regulation provides exemptions in certain cases, depending on the type and quantity of substances concerned.

General Information

The Transportation of Dangerous Substances Regulation prescribes requirements regarding the following issues:

  • Classification of dangerous substances
  • Shipping documents
  • Means of containment
  • Contaminated soils
  • Petroleum products
  • Liquefied petroleum gas
  • Explosives
  • Safety marks
  • Training
  • ​Emergency Response Guidebook
  • Release
  • Tunnels
  • Level crossings
  • Exemptions
  • Safety standards and requirements
  • Cross-border transport

Any country or international organization interested in safety related to the transportation of dangerous substances must base its regulation on the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. This is to promote a global harmonization of the provisions in this matter. It also ensures standardized identification and classification of all the dangerous substances.

Legal References

Documentation