Safety & Compliance · SOP

Transportation Of Dangerous Goods TDG Spill Response And Containment

This standard operating procedure outlines the immediate actions required to safely contain, neutralize, and report a spill of dangerous goods during transportation. It applies to all personnel handling Class 2–9 dangerous goods on site or on the road, and ensures compliance with Canadian TDG Regulations (SOR/2001-286).

Estimated Time

20 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Regulation

TDG (SOR/2001-286)

Version

1.0

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Purpose

To provide a clear, repeatable procedure for handling the accidental release of dangerous goods during transport. This SOP minimises risk to personnel, prevents environmental contamination, and ensures all regulatory reporting obligations under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act are met promptly. Every employee involved in loading, unloading, or transporting dangerous goods must be trained in this procedure.

Scope

This procedure covers all dangerous goods spills (liquid, solid, or gas) that occur on company property, during loading/unloading operations, or while in transit under the company's responsibility. It applies to all vehicle types (vans, flatbeds, tankers) and all container sizes. Personnel who perform the initial response must be TDG-certified. This procedure does not cover fixed-facility storage spills (refer to facility-specific emergency response plan) or radioactive materials (separate protocol required).

Safety Precautions

LOTOIf the spill involves a powered vehicle or pump, perform lockout/tagout before any cleanup. Eliminate all ignition sources — shut off engines, no smoking, no mobile phones within 30 m of flammable spills.
PPEDo not enter the spill zone without full PPE: chemical splash goggles, nitrile gloves (double-glove if corrosive), Tyvek suit with hood, and steel-toed boots. For gases or volatile liquids (flash point < 38°C), wear a NIOSH-approved respirator with organic vapour/acid gas cartridges.
VENTEnsure the area is well ventilated. For indoor spills (loading dock, warehouse), open overhead doors and use explosion-proof ventilation fans if available. For outdoor spills, locate upwind and upgrade.
ISOLIsolate the area immediately. Set up a 50‑m exclusion zone for flammable/poisonous materials. Use caution tape, cones, or a spotter. No unauthorised personnel or vehicles may enter.

Required Tools & Materials

Spill response kit: absorbent pads (heavy-weight), absorbent socks (3" x 4'), loose absorbent (vermiculite or diatomaceous earth), neutralizer (if specified in SDS), disposal bags (hazardous waste labelled)
PPE: chemical splash goggles, nitrile gloves (pair), Tyvek coveralls, steel-toed rubber boots, NIOSH respirator with appropriate cartridges
Communication device: two-way radio or mobile phone with emergency numbers pre-loaded
TDG shipping documents and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the materials being transported
Emergency response guide (2024 ERG or company-specific guide)
Caution tape, cones, or barriers; fire extinguisher (ABC dry chemical, 10 lb minimum)
Decontamination supplies: detergent (Tide or equivalent), bucket, sponge or mop, extra absorbent pads
Hazardous waste labels and TDG Incident Report form

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Procedure: Step-by-Step

1 Assess and isolate the area. Stop all vehicles and equipment within 30 m of the spill. Evacuate non-essential personnel. Identify the dangerous good from shipping documents, placards, or SDS. Determine the spill volume and hazard class (flammable, corrosive, toxic, etc.). Do not approach a gas release — evacuate to a safe distance first.

2 Notify emergency contacts. Immediately call your supervisor and, if the spill exceeds reportable quantities (per TDG Schedule 12), call CANUTEC at 1-888-CANUTEC. Provide: your name, exact location, material name & UN number, approximate volume, whether the spill is contained, and any injuries. Follow their instructions.

3 Don full PPE. Put on chemical splash goggles, nitrile gloves (double-glove if corrosive), Tyvek suit, and steel-toed boots. If the material is a liquid with a vapour hazard, add a respirator. Use the buddy system — a second person must remain outside the hot zone for communication and rescue.

4 Contain the perimeter. Deploy absorbent socks around the leading edge of the spill to prevent further spread. For liquids, form a complete dike around the spill. For powders, gently cover with a damp cloth or plastic sheet to suppress dust. Do not walk through the spill.

5 Neutralize (if applicable). Check the SDS for neutralization instructions. For small acid spills, carefully sprinkle baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) over the liquid until fizzing stops. For small base spills, use citric acid or a commercial neutralizer. Wait 5 minutes. For large spills or incompatible chemicals, do not attempt neutralization — absorb only.

6 Absorb the liquid. Place absorbent pads over the spilled liquid. Use a rubber squeegee or soft broom to work the liquid into the pads. Replace pads as they become saturated. Continue until no free liquid remains. Collect all saturated pads, socks, and loose absorbent into labelled hazardous waste bags.

7 Decontaminate the area. Scrub the contaminated surface (pavement, floor, truck bed) with a solution of detergent and water. Absorb all rinse water with fresh pads. Bag these as hazardous waste as well. For porous surfaces (untreated wood, soil), remove the top layer and treat as contaminated soil per environmental regulations.

8 Complete TDG incident report. Fill out a Transportation of Dangerous Goods Incident Report (Transport Canada form). Include: date, time, location, weather conditions, material & UN number, estimated volume spilled, actions taken, personnel involved, and any injuries. Attach photos of the scene, SDS, and waste disposal certificates. Submit to Transport Canada within 30 days if the spill meets reporting thresholds.

9 Dispose of waste properly. All contaminated materials (absorbents, PPE, decontamination waste) must be classified under TDG, labelled with the correct UN number and shipping name, and transported by a licensed hazardous waste hauler. Keep the waste manifest and disposal certificate on file for a minimum of 2 years. Notify your company's environmental lead.

Transportation Of Dangerous Goods TDG Spill Response And Containment

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