Dangerous Goods

and Rail Safety

A Technical Publication from

ALBERTA EDGE (ENVIRONMENTAL AND
DANGEROUS GOODS EMERGENCIES)

Transportation
of
Explosives
February 2018
 -2-

This material is meant as a guide to certain parts of the

Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations and is not meant to
be a substitute for them. It is the responsibility of handlers, offerers
and transporters of dangerous goods to consult the Regulations for
the exact requirements. Alberta EDGE (Environmental and
Dangerous Goods Emergencies) of Alberta Transportation can
provide accurate information regarding the Regulations 24 hours a
day.

Alberta EDGE (Environmental and Dangerous Goods Emergencies)

Alberta Transportation
Dangerous Goods and Rail Safety
Main Floor, Twin Atria Building
4999 – 98 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta, T6B 2X3

Tel. Edmonton: (780) 422 – 9600

Tel. Province-wide: 1 (800) 272 – 9600
Fax: (780) 427 – 1044

These telephone lines are recorded to assist in responding to the

emergency (natural/manmade) and/or inquiry regarding dangerous
goods and to ensure that the information is accurate. Direct any
questions regarding the recording to the Regulatory Compliance
Officer responding to your call or contact the Manager of Alberta
EDGE at 780-427-8660. Legal Authority: Dangerous Goods
Transportation and Handling Act, Section 13(1).
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INTRODUCTION

The Dangerous Goods and Rail Safety Section of Alberta Transportation is responsible for
administering the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) legislation for dangerous
goods transport by road in Alberta. Alberta EDGE (Environmental and Dangerous Goods
Emergencies) can be reached 24/7 at (780) 422-9600 or toll free 1-800-272-9600, and is a
valuable source of information on TDG Regulations.

This bulletin provides a general overview of the TDG Regulations and outlines procedures
required to transport Explosives (Class 1).

DIVISIONS OF CLASS 1

There are six divisions in Class I, each describing a level of explosive hazard associated
with the product [Section 2.10]:

Class 1.1 Mass explosion hazard

Class 1.2 Projection hazard, but not a mass explosion hazard
Class 1.3 Fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or
both but not a mass explosion hazard
Class 1.4 No significant hazard beyond the package in the event of ignition or initiation
during transport
Class 1.5 A very insensitive substance with a mass explosion hazard
Class 1.6 An extremely insensitive article with no mass explosion hazard

PACKING GROUP

All explosives are included in packing group II.

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COMPATIBILITY GROUP

Compatibility Possible
Description of substance or article to be classified
Group Class
Primary explosive substance A 1.1

Primary explosive substance with less than two B 1.1,1.2, 1.4

effective protective features. Detonators for blasting,
detonator assemblies for blasting, and cap-type
primers, are also included here.

Propellant explosive or other deflagrating explosive C 1.1,1.2, 1.3,

1.4
Secondary detonating explosive or black powder D 1.1, 1.2,
without the means of initiation or propelling charge, 1.4, 1.5
or containing a primary explosive substance and two
or more effective protective features.

A secondary detonating explosive, without means of E 1.1, 1.2,

initiation, with a propelling charge (other than one 1.4
containing a flammable liquid or gel or hypergolic
liquids).

A secondary detonating explosive, with its own F 1.1, 1.2,

means of initiation, with a propelling charge (other 1.3, 1.4
than one containing a flammable liquid or gel, or
hypergolic liquids) or without a propelling charge.

Pyrotechnic substance, or article containing both an G 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,

explosive substance and an illuminating, incendiary, 1.4
tear or smoke producing substance (other than a
water activated article or one containing white
phosphorus, phosphides, a pyrophoric substance, a
flammable liquid or gel, or hypergolic liquids).

Article containing an explosive substance and white H 1.2, 1.3

phosphorous.

Article containing an explosive substance and a J 1.1, 1.2, 1.3

flammable liquid or gel.

Article containing an explosive substance and a toxic K 1.2, 1.3

substance
 -5-

Compatibility Classification
Description of substance or article to be classified
Group Code
Special explosive risk (e.g. due to water-activation or L 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
presence of hypergolic liquids, phosphides or a
pyrophoric substance) needing isolation of each
type.

Extremely insensitive detonating substances. N 1.6

Packed or designed to minimize any hazardous S 1.4

effects from possible accidental activation are
confined within the package unless the container has
been degraded by fire, in which case all blast or
projection effects are limited to the extent that they
do not significantly hinder or prohibit fire fighting or
other emergency response efforts in the immediate
vicinity of the means of containment.

COMPATIBILITY GROUPS

You may only transport two explosives together if the compatibility group of one explosive
in column A has a corresponding compatibility group in column B. For example:
explosives in compatibility group G, may only be transported with explosives in
compatibility groups G and S.

Column 1 Column 2
A A
B B,S
C C, D, E, N, S
D C, D, E, N, S
E C, D, E, N, S
F F, S
G G, S
H H, S
J J, S
K K, S
L L
N C, D, E, N, S
S B,C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, N, S

For a mixed load of two or more explosives with compatibility groups C, D, E, N or S, the
compatibility group of the mixed load is the first compatibility group of E, D, C, N or S (in
that order) present in the mixed load [Section 5.7(2)].
 -6-

Detonators in compatibility group B may be transported with explosives in compatibility

group D or N [Section 5.7(3)]. The compatibility group of the mixed load is D.

Explosive articles in compatibility group G, except for fireworks (UN0333, UN0334,

UN0335 or UN0336), may be transported with explosive articles included in compatibility
group C, D or E. The compatibility group of the mixed load is E [Section 5.7(4)].
For a mixed load with one of the compatibility groups being S, the compatibility group of
the mixed load is that of the other compatibility group [Section 5.7(5)].

CONTAINERS FOR CLASS 1, EXPLOSIVES (SECTION 5)

A person must use a container that follows standard CGSB-43.151 (Packaging, handling,
offering for transport and transport of Explosives (Class 1)) to transport explosives [Section
5.8].

MAXIMUM NET EXPLOSIVES IN A ROAD VEHICLE [SECTION 9.5]

The total net explosives quantity of all explosives transported together in a road vehicle
must be less than or equal to:

· 25 kg if any of the explosives are UN0190, SAMPLES, EXPLOSIVE;

· 2,000 kg if any of the explosives are included in Class 1.1A; and
· 20,000 kg.

PREPARATION OF THE SHIPPING DOCUMENT (SECTION 3)

The shipping document accompanying a load of explosives must be in paper format. An
electronic shipping document is not acceptable. The information on a shipping document
must be easy to identify, legible and printed in indelible ink. The shipping document may
be in English or French [Section 3.4].

When the information related to dangerous goods is on the same shipping document as
information related to non-dangerous goods, the dangerous goods information must
[Section 3.4(2)]:

· be before the information related to the non-dangerous goods and under the heading
“Dangerous Goods”;
· contrast with the information related to the non-dangerous goods; or
· follow an “X” opposite the shipping name in a column under the heading “DG”.

The following is the minimum required information that must appear on a shipping
document:
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Where in The
Shipping Document Information When Required
Regulations
Date Always 3.5(1)(b)
Name and address of consignor Always 3.5(1)(a)
Description of goods in the following order
a. UN number
Always 3.5(1)(c)(i)

b. Shipping name Always 3.5(1)(c)(ii)

c. The technical name of the most dangerous

If Provision 16 of
substance related to the primary 3.5(1)(c)(ii)(A)
Schedule 2 applies
classification
For liquefied petroleum
d. The words “Not Odorized” gas that has not been 3.5(1)(c)(ii)(B)
odorized
e. Primary classification (Class X) Always 3.5(1)(c)(iii)
f. Compatibility group For Class 1 3.5(1)(c)(iv)
g. Subsidiary classifications If Any 3.5(1)(c)(v)
h. Packing group If Any 3.5(1)(c)(vi)
The words ‘Toxic by inhalation’ or toxic – If Provision 23 of
3.5(1)(c)(vii)
inhalation hazard’ Schedule 2 applies
The quantity in the International System of
Always 3.5(1)(d)
Units (SI) for each shipping name 1, 2
For Class 1 as per
The net explosive quantity Provisions 85 and 86 of 3.5(1)(d)
Schedule 2
The number of containers2 For small containers 3.5(1)(e)
The words “24-Hour Number” followed by a
telephone number where the consignor Always 3.5(1)(f)
can easily be reached3
Consignor’s Certification4 Always 3.6.1
Emergency Response Assistance Plan
(ERAP) number and telephone number to If Required 3.6(1)
activate it
The words “Fumigated Unit” As required 3.5(3)
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Note:

1. If the dangerous goods fill less than 10% of the container, then the words “Residue
– Last Contained”, followed by the shipping name of the dangerous goods last
contained can be used to describe the quantity [Section 3.5(4)].

2. Multiple Deliveries: If the quantity of dangerous goods or the number of small

containers changes during transport, the carrier must show the change on the
shipping document or on a document attached to the shipping document. [Section
3.5(5)].

3. The telephone number of someone who is not the consignor, but who can give
technical information on the shipment, such as the Canadian Transport Emergency
Centre (CANUTEC), may be used instead. To use CANUTEC’s phone number, the
consignor must receive permission, in writing, from CANUTEC. A consignor who
uses the telephone number of an organization or agency other than CANUTEC
must ensure that the organization or agency has current, accurate information on
the dangerous goods the consignor offers for transport and, if the organization or
agency is located outside Canada, the telephone number must include the country
code and, if required, the city code [Section 3.5(2)].

4. Consignor’s Certification: “I hereby declare that the contents of this consignment are
fully and accurately described above by the proper shipping name, are properly
classified and packaged, have dangerous goods safety marks affixed or displayed
on them, and are in all respects in proper condition for transport according to the
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations.” [Section 3.6.1]

During transport, the dangerous goods shipping document must be within easy reach of
the driver. If the driver steps away from the vehicle during transport, the shipping
document must be clearly visible to anyone entering the vehicle from the driver’s side. If
the dangerous goods are unloaded, or the trailer unhooked, and left in an unsupervised
area, then the shipping document must be placed in a waterproof container that is securely
attached to the explosives container [Sections 3.7 and 3.10].

SAFETY MARKS (Part 4)

Small Means of Containment (450 kg or less)

Safety marks are the placards, labels and markings required by the TDG Regulations. The
Regulations require small containers to display the appropriate class label for that
dangerous good. A small container must display dangerous goods label(s) for the primary
and subsidiary hazard classes, as well as the shipping name and UN number of the
product [Sections 4.10 to 4.12]. The label must be at least 100 mm on each side. If the
container is too small or has an irregular shape, the label can be reduced in size, but must
be at least 30 mm on each side [Section 4.7(2)]. A description of the label for explosives
can be found below.
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Large Means of Containment (Over 450 kg)

Placards representing the primary and subsidiary class of the dangerous goods being
transported must be placed on all four sides of a large container or transport unit.

Each side of a placard must be at least 250 mm in length. All placards must have a line
running 12.5 mm inside the edge. If the large container has an irregular shape the placard
can be reduced in size but must never be less than 100 mm on each side [Section 4.7(3)].

The primary class placard must be displayed if the dangerous goods are in a large
container. If two or more dangerous goods have different UN numbers but are in the same
Class, only one placard displaying the class is needed per side of the vehicle.

Explosives do not require a UN number on their placards.

Subsidiary class placards are required if:

· the subsidiary class is:

o Class 4.3 (Water Reactive Substances); or

o Class 6.1 (Toxic Substances), Packing Group I, Inhalation Toxicity only

The placards must be displayed on each side and each end of the container (4 placards
total). The placards may be displayed on the frame of the means of transport or a frame
directly attached to the large container. The placard may also be placed at the front of the
truck instead of the front of a cargo unit attached to the truck [Section 4.15(3)].

Placard Locations
Front of the truck or Both sides of Rear of the
front of the cargo unit the cargo unit cargo unit

You cannot use a DANGER placard for transporting explosives.

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CLASS 1, EXPLOSIVES

Classes 1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Label and Placard

Black: Symbol, numbers, letter and line 5 mm inside the edge for a label and 12.5 mm
inside the edge for a placard

Orange: Background

The symbol is an exploding bomb.

** Place for the division – to be left blank if explosive is a subsidiary class

* Place for the Compatibility Group letter – to be left blank if explosive is a

subsidiary class
Class 1.4 Class 1.5 Class 1.6

Label and Placard

Black: Numbers, letter and line 5 mm inside the edge for a label and 12.5 mm inside
the edge for a placard

Orange: Background

* Place for the Compatibility Group letter

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EMERGENCY RESPONSE ASSISTANCE PLAN (ERAP) (SECTION 7)
A person who transports or imports explosives in one or more containers must have an
approved ERAP if the total quantity of those dangerous goods exceeds the number in
column 7 of schedule 1 for any of the UN numbers [Section 7.1]

When the quantities of explosives are expressed in net explosives quantity and number of
articles, one kilogram net explosives quantity equals 100 articles and each 100 articles is
one kilogram net explosives quantity [Section 7.1(4)].

For explosives not subject to special provision 86, the ERAP limit is expressed in
kilograms, and for those subject to special provision 86, the ERAP limit is expressed in
articles [Section 7.1(8)(d)]

If there is no number set out in Column 7 of Schedule 1, an ERAP is not required.

RELEASE OR ANTICIPATED RELEASE REPORT REQUIREMENT

(PART 8)
For explosives (Class 1), a verbal Emergency Report must be made to a local authority
any time there is a release, or anticipated release, of any amount.

A local authority is any organization which may be responsible for emergency response at
the location of the release or anticipated release. In Alberta, these include:

· the local police or RCMP, and

· Alberta EDGE

The person making the verbal Emergency Report must also make a verbal Release or
Anticipated Release Report to CANUTEC (1-888-226-8832 or 613-996-6666) and the
consignor if:
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· a fatality occurred;
· there were any injuries caused by exposure to the dangerous goods which required
medical treatment by a health care provider;
· an evacuation occurred or people sheltered in place;
· a loading or unloading facility, road, main rail line or main waterway was closed;
· the container became damaged enough to compromise its integrity (this includes
any damages to hoses and gaskets); or
· the centre sill or stub sill of a tank car was broken or there is a crack in the metal
equal to or greater than 15 cm (6 in.) [Section 8.4].

The information that must be included in the verbal Emergency or Release or Anticipated
Release Report is:

· the name and contact information of the person making the report;
· the date, time and location of the event;
· the mode of transport used (including a description of the container);
· the shipping name or UN number of the dangerous goods;
· the quantity of dangerous goods initially in the container;
· the quantity of dangerous goods released (if applicable);
· the type of incident leading to the event (for example: collision, roll-over, derailment,
overfill, fire, explosion or load-shift);
· the name and location of any road, main railway or main waterway that was closed (if
applicable);
· the number of people evacuated or sheltered in place (if applicable); and
· the number of fatalities or injures (if applicable).

A report can also include other information not required by the regulations (for example,
any cleanup arrangements, or involvement of other emergency response agencies like the
police, fire department, Alberta Environment and Parks or the Alberta Energy Regulator).

After submitting a Release or Anticipated Release report to CANUTEC, the person or

employer of the person who made the report must submit a 30-day follow-up written report
to the Dangerous Goods Directorate of Transport Canada [Section 8.8]. The 30-Day
Follow-up Report must include, in addition to the information listed above:

· names and contact information of the consignor, carrier and consignee;

· full classification of the dangerous goods;
· a description of the container involved and a description of the failure or damage
including how the event occurred;
· information on any fire or explosion (if applicable);
· the name and location of any facility, main railway line or main waterway that was
closed, and the duration of the closure;
· the ERAP reference number (if applicable);
· the date the initial verbal report was made; and
· an estimate of the financial loss as a result of the release/anticipated release and any
associated, emergency response or remediation.
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A 30 day report must be kept for two years after the day which it was made. These reports
must be made available to an inspector within 15 days of receiving a written request from
the inspector.

LOSS OR THEFT OF DANGEROUS GOODS (SECTION 8.16)

A person is required to report the loss or theft of dangerous goods as soon as possible.
Reportable quantities of some dangerous goods which may have agricultural application
are as follows:

· primary or secondary class of Class 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 (explosives) – any quantity; or
· primary or secondary class of Class 1.4 (except 1.4S), 1.5 or 1.6 (Explosives) –
over 450 kg.

For the complete list of reportable quantities, please see Section 8.16 of the TDG
Regulations.

Reports of the loss or theft of explosives must be made to:

· CANTUEC (1-888-226-8832 or 613-996-6666); and

· A Natural Resources Canada Inspector (613-995-5555);

Information which must be included in the loss or theft report:

· The names and contact information of the person making the report, consignor,
consignee and carrier;
· Information as to whether the dangerous goods were lost or stolen;
· The shipping name or UN number of the dangerous goods
· The quantity of lost or stolen dangerous goods
· A description of the container of the dangerous goods
· The approximate date, time and location of the loss or theft.

PROHIBITION: EXPLOSIVES (SECTION 1.8)

A person must not transport explosives that are:

· in direct contact with a large container, except when:

o allowed by Schedule 1;
o allowed in a special provision in Schedule 2;
o there are less than 2000 kg of Class 1.1A; or
o there are less than 20 000kg of other explosives; or
· also radioactive materials.
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150 KG GROSS MASS EXEMPTION (SECTION 1.15)

You do not need a shipping document, safety marks, TDG training, or to adhere to the
container or reporting requirements of the TDG regulations for transporting explosives if

· the containers are less than or equal to 30 kg each and will not spill during
transport;
· the explosives are being transported by the user or purchaser; and
· the total mass of all dangerous goods transported is less than or equal to 150 kg.

This exemption applies only to:

UN0012, UN0014, UN0044, UN0055, UN0105, UN0131, UN0161, UN0173, UN186,

UN0191, UN0197, UN0276, UN0312, UN0323, UN0335 if classified as a consumer
firework, UN0336, UN0337, UN0351, UN0373, UN0378, UN0404, UN0405, UN0431,
UN0432, UN0454, UN0499, UN501, UN0503, UN0505, UN0506, UN0507, UN0509 and
UN0510.

This exemption cannot be used if the explosives:

· require an ERAP;
· require a control or emergency temperature; or
· are not listed above.

500 KG GROSS MASS EXEMPTION (SECTION 1.16)

You do not need to have safety marks, or adhere to the container or shipping document
requirements of the TDG regulations if you are transporting explosives that are:

· Class 1.4S or UN0191, UN0197, UN0276, UN0312, UN0336, UN0403,

UN0431, UN0453, and UN0493;
· in containers less than or equal to 30 kg that will not spill during transport;
· are accompanied by a simplified shipping document. The shipping document
must include the following information in the following order:
· the primary class of the dangerous goods in each container
following the word “Class” or “Classe”;
· the total number of containers of each class; and

For example, Class 1.4S, number of means of containment, 10

· each container has displayed on a side which will be visible during transport
the required dangerous goods safety marks.

You must have TDG training to use this exemption.

This exemption does not apply to explosives that:

· require an ERAP;
 - 15 -
· require a control or emergency temperature; or
· are not listed above.

AGRICULTURE: 1500 KG FARM VEHICLE EXEMPTION (SECTION 1.21)

You do not need a shipping document, safety marks, TDG training or to adhere to
container requirements of the TDG regulations if:

· the explosives are Class 1.4S;

· there are up to 1 500 kg of explosives on a farm vehicle;
· the container will not spill during transport;
· the explosives are transported solely on land for a distance up to 100 km; and
· the explosives are to be or have been used by a farmer for farming purposes.

An explosive which requires an ERAP will need to be accompanied by a shipping

document.

AGRICULTURE: 3000 KG GROSS MASS FARM RETAIL EXEMPTION

(SECTION 1.22)

You do not need a shipping document, safety marks or to adhere to the container
requirements of the TDG regulations if:

· you are carrying up to 3,000 kg gross mass of Class 1.4S;

· the explosives are transported solely on land between place of purchase and
destination, for a distance on public roads less than or equal to 100 km;
· the explosives will be used for farming purposes; and
· the explosives are in a container which will not spill during transport.

You will need TDG training to use this exemption.

CLASS 1, EXPLOSIVES EXEMPTION (SECTION 1.31)

You do not need a shipping document, safety marks, TDG training, or to adhere to the
road and rail TDG importing requirements if

· the quantity of explosives in transport (not subject to special provision 85 or 86)

(expressed in net explosives quantity) is less than or equal to the number shown in
column 6(a) of Schedule 1 for the explosives;
· the quantity of explosives subject to special provision 85 or 86 (expressed in
number of articles) is less than or equal to the number shown in special provision 85
or 86 for each of the explosives;
· each container has displayed on it the class, compatibility group and UN number of
the explosives contained inside it; and
· a placard is displayed if the explosives are included in Class 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.5 and
are
 - 16 -
§ over 10 kg net explosives quantity; or
§ over 1000 articles for explosives subject to special provision 85 or 86.

SPECIAL PROVISION 76 (FIREWORKS DISPLAY EXEMPTION)

Any combination of explosives, may be transported by road if

· the total quantity of all the explosives expressed in net explosives

quantity, is less than or equal to 5 kg;
· the total amount of explosives subject to special provision 86 is less
than or equal to 100 articles; and
· the operator of the road vehicle has a valid Pyrotechnic Card that has
been issued to the operator by the Explosives Regulatory Division of
Natural Resources Canada.

This special provision applies to:

UN0027, UN0066, UN0094, UN0101, UN0105, UN0161, UN0197,

UN0255, UN0305, UN0325, UN0335, UN0336, UN0337, UN0349,
UN0430, UN0431, UN0432, UN0454, UN0499

SPECIAL PROVISION 85
Despite the explosive index number in Column 6(a) of Schedule 1, UN0044 may be
transported in accordance with section 1.31(Explosives Exemption) when they are less
than or equal to 15 000 articles.

SPECIAL PROVISION 86
Despite the explosive index number in Column 6(a) of Schedule 1, these dangerous goods
may be transported in accordance with section 1.31 (Explosives Exemption) when they are
less than or equal to 100 articles.

This exemption applies to

UN0029, UN0030, UN0121, UN0131, UN0255, UN0267, UN0315, UN0325, UN0349,

UN0360, UN0361, UN0367, UN0368, UN0454, UN0455, UN0456, UN0500

Note: Explosives cannot be sent through the postal system.

 - 17 -
Dangerous Goods Shipping Document for Road Transport

DESTINATION (City-Town)
CONSIGNOR
Name:
Name:
Address:
Address:

Name of Carrier Prepaid Collect Transport Unit Number

Point of Origin Shipping Date Shipper’s No.

REGULATED DANGEROUS GOODS

Packages
UN Primary Subsidiary Packing
Shipping Name Quantity Requiring
Number Class Class Group
Labels

24-Hour Number: ___________________

ERAP Reference ___________________ and Telephone Number ____________________

Consignor's Certification
I hereby declare that the contents of this consignment are fully and accurately described above by the proper
shipping name, are properly classified and packaged, have dangerous goods safety marks properly affixed or
displayed on them, and are in all respects in proper condition for transport according to the Transportation of
Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Name of Consignor: ___________________
Special Instructions

NON-REGULATED GOODS
Packages Description of Articles Weight

Received in apparent
good order
Consignee's Signature Shipper’s Signature

Received in Apparent Good Driver’s Signature Driver’s No.

Order

Please note that this sample shipping document contains some information that is not required in
the TDG Regulations. The additional information reflects current industry practices.