Chapter 8: Transportation of Explosives

Learning Objectives

• Identify federal and provincial acts and regulations that apply to transporting explosives.
• Explain how explosives are classified under the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act.
• Describe the training and certification requirements for workers who load, unload, or transport explosives in vehicles.
• Explain how safety marks, such as labels and placards, help to identify dangerous goods and the hazards they pose.
• Discuss compatibility grouping and when explosives may be transported together.
• Identify transport container requirements for commercially packaged explosives.
• Explain fire extinguisher requirements for vehicles transporting explosives.
• Describe inspection and maintenance requirements for vehicles used to transport explosives.
• Identify the requirements for loading and unloading of explosives being transported.
• Explain the rules authorized operators must follow while explosives are in transit.
• Describe the procedures for reporting a release of explosives during transportation.
• Describe the procedures to report loss or theft of explosives.
• Identify the purpose and contents of an emergency response assistance plan (ERAP).

Laws and Regulations Governing Transportation of Explosives

Transportation of explosives by road, rail, air, and water is governed by the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act and Regulations and the Explosives Act and Regulations.

Transportation of explosives on a worksite is governed by WorkSafeBC's Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

Always follow federal and provincial laws and regulations concerning transportation.

Classification of Explosives Under the TDG Act

Under the TDG Act, dangerous goods belong to one of nine classes. Explosives are Class 1.

Each type of explosive has the following:

• A United Nations (UN) number of four digits
• A class number (1)
• A division number (1.1 to 1.6)
• A compatibility group letter

Divisions

Class 1 (explosives) has the following six divisions:

Compatibility Group Letters

The compatibility group letter indicates which explosives can be transported and stored together. For a complete description of the 13 compatibility groups for Class 1 explosives, see Appendix 2 of Part 2 of the TDG Regulations.

Important: Explosives from compatibility groups B (mostly detonators) and D (mostly blasting explosives) must not be stored together.

For more information on classification of explosives, see sections 2.9 to 2.12 of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations.

Training and Certification of Drivers and Helpers

Under section 21.7 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, a worker engaged in loading, unloading, or transporting explosives in a vehicle must be trained in the following:

• The proper means for handling the explosives
• The hazards of fire and mishandling explosives
• The procedures to follow in the event of a fire or explosion

TDG Training Requirements

Drivers and persons handling, offering for transport, or transporting explosives must have a certificate, issued by the employer, stating the worker has received adequate TDG training. A person is adequately trained in TDG if the person has a sound knowledge of all the following topics:

• Types of placards, labels, signs, numbers, and other safety marks; what they mean; and when and where to display them
• A thorough knowledge of the control and emergency features for all handling equipment used in the day-to-day activities of the job
• Safe practices on the loading and transportation of dangerous goods
• The proper selection and use of means of containment (i.e., packaging or containers) for dangerous goods
• Documentation for shipping dangerous goods
• Emergency response assistance planning
• Shipping names
• Reporting requirements

Self-employed persons who have reasonable grounds to believe that they are adequately trained and who will perform duties to which the training relates must issue to themselves a signed training certificate.

Workers who are not trained can handle, offer for transport, and transport dangerous goods as long as they perform those activities in the presence of and under the direct supervision of a person who holds a TDG training certificate in accordance with Part 6 of the TDG Regulations.

Certificate Validity

• TDG training certificates are valid for 3 years and include transportation by ATVs, vessels, snowcats, and snowmobiles.
• For aerial operations, certificates are valid for 2 years. The pilot and the blaster of record are required to have TDG certificates.
• The employer must keep copies of the certificates.

Safety Marks

Safety marks help workers to quickly identify dangerous goods and the hazards they pose. A safety mark can be:

• A placard
• A label
• A sign
• An orange panel
• A word
• An abbreviation
• A letter
• A number
• A mark
• Any combination of the things listed above

The type of safety mark required depends on the size of the container and the classification of the dangerous goods. In general:

• If the container is 450 L or less (known as a small means of containment), a label is required.
• If the container is more than 450 L (a large means of containment), a placard is required.

The class of dangerous goods determines the type of label or placard needed. Explosives are Class 1, and placards are required on all vehicles that carry high explosives.

Labels

Labels are small hazard-warning signs that must be displayed on one side of any small means of containment (such as UN-approved plastic bags or fibreboard boxes of explosives). Under the TDG Regulations, labels must show:

• The class of the explosive
• The division number
• The compatibility group letter

Placards

Vehicles transporting explosives must display appropriate large hazard-warning placards. Placards must show the following:

• The class and hazard division numbers of the explosive being transported
• The compatibility group letter of the explosive

Placards must correspond to the highest-hazard explosive being transported.

Placards are placed before explosives are loaded on the truck and removed when there are no explosives on board. An orange TDG placard must be displayed on all four sides of a vehicle while the vehicle contains explosives.

Placard Requirements by Explosive Type

Placard Display Rules

Usually only the placard for the explosives with the lowest division number (i.e., the most-hazardous explosives) must be displayed, except:

• When explosives included in Class 1.2 and Class 1.5 are transported together, the placard for Class 1.1 must be displayed.
• When explosives included in Class 1.4 and Class 1.5 are transported together, the placard for Class 1.5 must be displayed.

Compatibility Groups

Explosives of the same compatibility grouping may be transported together, provided there is no increase in the probability of an accident or in the magnitude of the effects of such an accident. Section 5.7 of the federal TDG Regulations contains a compatibility chart that shows which divisions of explosives may be transported together.

Transport Container Requirements

Commercially packaged explosives must be in plastic bags and fibreboard boxes that comply with National Standard of Canada CAN/CGSB-43.151, Packaging, Handling, Offering for Transport and Transport of Explosives (Class 1). This standard is published by the Canadian General Standards Board and is updated from time to time. To stay in compliance with this standard, keep explosives in their original packaging from the manufacturer.

Many vehicles used to transport explosives are equipped with fixed compartments (powder boxes) or tanks for this purpose. Leaving packaged explosives unsecured in the back of a vehicle or covering them with a tarpaulin is unacceptable.

Vehicle Requirements

The part of the vehicle where explosives are carried must be:

• Separate from the passenger compartment of the vehicle
• Fully enclosed, locked, and fire resistant
• Free of any combustible or abrasive materials
• Free of any fire-producing devices or materials

Container Construction

The Explosives Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada requires that containers or compartments be constructed of steel or aluminum with walls made from:

• An outer cladding of 6 mm (¼ in.) metal
• An inner lining of 12 mm (½ in.) plywood or equivalent non-sparking material

These inner lining materials protect the explosives from abrasion and contact with iron or steel surfaces. Explosives must be kept separate from items such as drill rods, metal tools, oily rags, other combustibles, detonators, and other initiating devices.

Detonator Separation

Detonators must be kept separate from other explosives in a vehicle so that the explosion of one or more detonators will not initiate any of the other explosives. The detonators must be in a completely enclosed container or compartment that protects them from detonation in the case of fire for at least one hour. There must be no access to the detonators from inside the cargo compartment of the vehicle.

Explosives and detonators may be transported in the same vehicle provided they are effectively separated. Any separation or barrier is acceptable, as long as it is supported by test data showing that the detonators will not initiate the rest of the explosives.

Boxes constructed with a 150 mm (6 in.) thick plywood barrier can still be used if they totally enclose the detonators. The barrier must extend at least 150 mm (6 in.) above the highest level to which explosives are packed.

Radio Transmitter Precautions

Special precautions must be taken when the vehicle is equipped with a radio transmitter. Electric detonators must be in a closed metal container, electrically bonded to the vehicle, and lined with wood or other approved material such as rubber or felt. The leg wires must be kept folded and shunted, and the radio transmitter must be switched off whenever the container is open.

Fire Extinguisher Requirements

A vehicle transporting explosives in British Columbia must be equipped with at least two fire extinguishers that have a rating of at least 4-A:40-B:C. Each must be:

• Fully charged
• In working order
• Readily accessible for use

The fire extinguishers must be in separate locations on the vehicle so that at least one is accessible in the event of a fire.

Warning: The extinguishers are intended for putting out fires on or near the vehicle. Do not attempt to extinguish burning explosives. Most explosives create their own oxygen supply and are not readily extinguished. Also, impact or shock may cause them to detonate. If the fire is near explosives or detonators, remove everyone from the danger area and keep it guarded until the fire burns out and the area has cooled.

Pre-Loading Inspections of Vehicles

Vehicles used for transporting explosives must be inspected and maintained in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.

Good Working Order Requirements

Before loading explosives on a vehicle, inspect the vehicle to ensure it is in good working order:

• The brakes and steering are working properly.
• The electrical wiring is insulated and secured.
• The chassis, engine, pan, and bottom of the body are clean and free from oil and grease.
• The vehicle is fully serviced and contains enough fuel.
• The fuel tank and feed lines are in good condition and have no leaks.
• The vehicle does not contain flammable materials such as paper, rags, and fuel containers.
• Fire extinguishers are fully charged, in working order, and readily available for use.

Container Requirements

Containers for explosives must have the following characteristics:

• No exposed iron or steel on the inside
• A lid with a suitable lock
• A secure location in or on the vehicle

Additional Requirements

• Do not carry explosives on trailers.
• Do not carry explosives on a semi-trailer unless the semi-trailer is:
  • Equipped with power brakes operable from the tractor cab.
  • Attached by fifth wheel.
• Ensure that tires are not worn smooth or visibly defective.

Unless these pre-loading requirements are satisfied, the vehicle must not be used to transport explosives. The blaster should document the vehicle inspection for due diligence.

Loading and Unloading Explosives

Explosives must not be moved unless appropriate arrangements have been made to safeguard the explosives at the destination. The operator of the vehicle must do the following before receiving the shipment of explosives:

• Give the owner of the shipment notice of the time at which the operator is prepared to deliver.
• Receive confirmation from the owner of the shipment that the owner is prepared to receive the shipment at or about the time specified in the notice.

Safety Precautions During Loading/Unloading

A person engaged in transportation of explosives must have been instructed in, and must observe, all safety precautions. While explosives are being loaded or unloaded, the following precautions must be taken:

• Smoking, open flames, and vaping are not permitted within 15 m (50 ft.) of an explosive, a day box, a magazine, or a vehicle containing explosives.
• Smoking, open flames, and vaping in or while attending any vehicle carrying or containing an explosive are prohibited.
• Turn the ignition off and apply the parking brake. If extreme cold and wind conditions might reasonably cause difficulty in restarting the engine, it may be left running.
• Handle explosives in a safe, orderly manner. An accidental fall may cause detonation.
• Do not drop, throw, or otherwise mishandle explosives.
• Distribute the load evenly between the load-bearing axles of the vehicle.

Rules While in Transit

Only the driver and persons assigned to assist in handling explosives are permitted on a vehicle transporting explosives.

A vehicle or mobile equipment containing explosives must be attended by a qualified person at all times. Often, the blaster assumes or is assigned this responsibility, including operating the vehicle.

Authorized Operator Requirements

The authorized operator must:

• Have a valid driver's licence. A driver with an N is restricted to travelling with one passenger and having zero alcohol.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be at least 21 years of age when transporting more than 2000 kg (4,409 lb.) of explosives.
• Have an approved emergency response assistance plan (ERAP) as required by the TDG Regulations.
• Possess documentation required by the Explosives Regulations and the TDG Regulations (such as a TDG training certificate and shipping documents).

Operating Requirements

When operating a vehicle transporting explosives, the following requirements apply:

• Follow dangerous goods routes. If there are no dangerous goods routes, the driver must, if possible, avoid routes that pass through densely populated areas.
• Drive in a safe manner, consistent with prevailing road and weather conditions.
• Do not drive near a fire.
• Stops at places where public safety would be endangered must be avoided.
• The vehicle must not be stopped unnecessarily or for a longer period than is reasonably required.
• Only refuel a vehicle carrying explosives when the ignition is shut off, and in a location where danger to workers or the public is minimized.
• The driver and any person assisting the driver must not carry alcohol or another performance-diminishing substance for their personal use.
• A person who is under the influence of alcohol or another performance-diminishing substance must not be in or attend a vehicle that contains explosives. However, people who have taken a prescription drug may be in or attend a vehicle containing explosives if they have medical proof that they need the drug and that it will not impede their ability to function safely.

Mechanical Breakdown

In the case of a mechanical breakdown of a vehicle transporting explosives:

• The driver must ensure that minor repairs to the vehicle are done at the location of the breakdown only if doing the repair work will not increase the likelihood of an ignition.
• The work is done by a person who understands the hazards to which they could be exposed.
• Major repairs are allowed only when the explosives have been transferred to another vehicle or a place at least 300 m (985 ft.) from any inhabited premises, and placed under proper security.

Railway and Highway Crossings

• When approaching a railway crossing with an automatic signal device, reduce the vehicle's speed and ensure that the crossing is safe before proceeding.
• If a railway crossing is without an automatic signal device, bring the vehicle to a complete stop and proceed only when the way is clear.
• Before crossing any main highway, bring the vehicle to a complete stop and proceed only when the way is clear and safe.

Overnight Parking

When a vehicle carrying or containing explosives is to be parked overnight, the place where the vehicle will be parked must:

• Not be used for any other purpose that may involve any substance likely to cause explosion or fire
• Be away from homes and buildings that contain flammable materials

For more information on requirements for overnight parking, see sections 199 and 200 of the federal Explosives Regulations.

Reporting a Release of Explosives

In case of a release (spill) or anticipated release of any amount of explosives during transportation, the person in charge of the explosives at that time must make an emergency report to the local authorities. In B.C., these authorities are:

• 911 (or the local police)
• Emergency Management BC: 1.800.663.3456
• Canadian Coast Guard: 1.800.889.8852 (in case of a release involving a vessel)

The emergency report must be made as soon as possible after the release.

What is an Anticipated Release?

An anticipated release of explosives means that:

• A motor vehicle accident has occurred.
• The boxes that hold the explosives have been damaged.
• No explosives have been released from the boxes.

Emergency Report Contents

An emergency report must include the following information:

• The name and contact information of the person making the report
• The date, time, and location of the release
• The mode of transport used
• The shipping name or UN number of the explosives
• The quantity of explosives that was in the means of containment before the release
• The quantity of explosives estimated to have been released
• If applicable, the type of incident leading to the release (e.g., a collision, rollover, derailment, overfill, fire, explosion, or load-shift)

Employer Reporting Requirements

In addition, the blaster's employer must do the following:

• Immediately report the release to WorkSafeBC.
• Submit a written report of the release to WorkSafeBC within 48 hours.

After Making an Emergency Report

If a release results in a death, injuries requiring medical attention, a facility or road closure, or an evacuation, the person in charge of the explosives must submit a release report to:

• CANUTEC: 1.888.CANUTEC (1.888.226.8832) or 613.996.6666
• The consignor (shipper) of the explosives
• A Vessel Traffic Services Centre or a Canadian Coast Guard radio station (in case of a release involving a vessel)

After a release report has been made, a 30-day follow-up report must be submitted to the Director General of the federal TDG Directorate.

Loss or Theft of Explosives

Any loss or theft of explosives must be reported as soon as possible to:

• CANUTEC: 1.888.CANUTEC (1.888.226.8832) or 613.996.6666
• Natural Resources Canada inspector: 613.995.5555

Loss or Theft Report Contents

A loss or theft report must include the following information:

• The name and contact information of the person making the report
• The names and contact information of the consignor (shipper), the consignee (receiver), and the carrier
• Information as to whether the explosives were lost or stolen
• The shipping name or UN number of the lost or stolen explosives
• The quantity of the lost or stolen explosives
• A description of the means of containment containing the lost or stolen explosives
• The approximate date, time, and location of the loss or theft

Any loss or theft of explosives should also be reported to the local police.

For more information on reporting requirements in case of loss or theft of explosives, see sections 8.16 and 8.17 of the TDG Regulations.

Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP)

An emergency response assistance plan (ERAP) describes what needs to be done in case of an accident or other incident during the transportation of explosives or other dangerous goods. An ERAP describes things such as:

• Procedures to follow
• Who needs to be contacted and how
• What equipment needs to be used and how to get it to the site

An approved ERAP is used to help emergency workers in their response to an accident.

An ERAP is required when transporting explosives or other dangerous goods in specific quantities and under certain conditions. Part 7 of the TDG Regulations sets out those quantities and conditions and describes the ERAP application, approval, and implementation process.

For more information on ERAPs, visit Transport Canada's Emergency response assistance plans webpage.