The TDG regulations apply: To all modes of transport: highway, rail, marine and air To all persons involved in the transportation process: consignors, carriers and consignees In all jurisdictions: federal, provincial and municipal Penalties for non-compliance can be severe. Fines of up to $100,000 and even imprisonment can be imposed in the worst cases. To avoid such penalties, a person must be able to prove that he/she has taken all reasonable steps to comply with the legislation. Who needs to be trained? All of the consignor's and carrier's employees must be properly trained so that they have a sound knowledge of those aspects of the Regulations that relate to their duties. This may include, but is not limited to: Classification and naming of dangerous goods Documentation Labels, placards and other markings Specification, selection and use of the Means of Containment (MoC) Emergency Response Assistance Planning (ERAP) Safe handling practices Reporting accidental releases Reasonable emergency procedures that must be taken to reduce or eliminate the danger to the public in the event of an accidental release Employer Responsibilities and Certification The employer must ensure that training is given to provide each employee with this required knowledge. Upon completion of adequate training, the employer must provide the employee with a training certificate. An employer (or the self-employed person) must keep a record of the training provided, a description of the training material and a copy of the training certificate. These must be retained for 24 months after their expiry date. The employer (or self-employed person) must produce proof of training within 15 days after the date of a written request by an inspector. A certificate is valid for 36 months from the date of training. Before renewing a certificate or issuing a new certificate, the employer must be satisfied that the employee still has the necessary knowledge. At the employer's discretion, an employee may have to undergo retraining before a new certificate is issued. A certificate is not transferable to a new employer. If a person changes employment, the new employer must issue a new certificate of training, after ensuring he/she is adequately knowledgeable to perform the duties of the new position. Both the driver and employer must ensure that training is up to date. Employees must be kept informed of all changes to the Regulations that relate to their duties. Additional training may be required during the valid term of the certificate if an employee's duties change, or if the Regulations change and the employee's duties are affected. Self-employed persons A self-employed person, and in particular, an independent contractor, must issue to himself/herself a training certificate as outlined above, which contains his/her signature. A company utilizing the services of an independent contractor may provide the training. Producing the certificate A driver must produce his/her certificate of training immediately upon request by an inspector or peace officer. If a trained person is directly supervising an untrained person, the trained person must produce his/her certificate immediately upon a similar request.