Transportation Of Dangerous Goods TDG Hazmat Loading Protocol
A definitive standard operating procedure for the safe loading, segregation, placarding, and documentation of dangerous goods (Class I–IX) prior to highway transport. Complies with Transport Canada TDG Regulations, CSA B622, and WorkSafeBC loading requirements for hazardous materials.
This procedure defines the mandatory steps for receiving, segregating, securing, and placarding dangerous goods (Classes 1 through 9) into a transport vehicle in accordance with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992 (Canada) and CSA Standard B622. The protocol ensures that incompatible hazardous materials are physically separated, that all packages are braced against dynamic forces during transit, and that the vehicle displays correct hazard placards before departure. Adherence to this SOP reduces the risk of chemical release, fire, explosion, or environmental contamination during highway transport and provides a documented chain of compliance for regulatory audits by Transport Canada and WorkSafeBC.
This SOP applies to all loading operations at Ryxen-affiliated logistics terminals, warehouse loading bays, and remote job-site loading zones where dangerous goods are handled prior to highway shipment. It covers the complete loading chain: documentation review, compatibility segregation, load securement, placard verification, and final dispatch sign-off. This procedure is mandatory for all forklift operators, dock workers, load planners, and supervising safety coordinators involved in hazmat loading. It does not cover rail, marine, or air transport of dangerous goods, nor does it address long-term storage of hazmat beyond the staging period immediately preceding loading.
- Lockout/tagout all powered loading equipment (dock levelers, conveyors, forklifts) before performing any manual dunnage placement or strap routing beneath the trailer. Verify zero energy state and test lock before reaching under a raised trailer bed.
- Full PPE ensemble is mandatory: CSA-approved steel-toe boots, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or Neoprene rated for the specific UN class), splash-proof safety glasses with side shields, and FR-rated coveralls when handling Class 4.2, 4.3, or 5.2 materials. Respirators (NIOSH N95 or full-face APR with organic vapour cartridges) must be donned when airborne particulates or vapours are present.
- Position a fully stocked spill containment kit within 5 m of the loading dock before breaking any seal. The kit must contain universal absorbent socks and pads, a Class D fire extinguisher (for combustible metals if handling Class 4.2), neutralizer for the specific UN class being loaded, and a hazardous waste disposal bag. No loading shall commence without a verified spill kit present.
- Ensure the loading bay ventilation system is operational and set to 6+ air changes per hour when loading volatile organic compounds (Class 3 flammable liquids) or toxic gases (Class 2.3). Continuous gas monitoring (LEL/O₂/H₂S/CO) must be active with audible alarms set at 10% LEL, 19.5% O₂, and 5 ppm H₂S.
- TDG-compliant placards (250 mm × 250 mm) for each UN class loaded, plus DANGER placard if applicable per Section 4.16
- Shipping documents / Dangerous Goods Declaration (canadian TDG format) with 24-hr emergency response number
- Transport Canada Schedule III segregation chart (digital or laminated hardcopy)
- Load securement devices: 4-inch polyester straps with ratchets (min 2 per 1.2 m load length), dunnage bags, hardwood chocks, and friction mats
- Spill containment kit (100 L capacity minimum) with class-specific neutralizer
- Personal protective equipment: chemical gloves (nitrile/Neoprene), safety glasses, steel-toe boots, FR coveralls, and NIOSH N95 or APR with organic vapour cartridges
- Load scale / certified weigh pads (legal-for-trade) for axle-weight verification
- Dock leveler with fall restraint lanyard anchorage point
- SafeDesk digital compliance platform (mobile or tablet) for checklist completion and photo documentation