A Guide to the Road Transportation of Detonators and Blasting Explosives (Less Than 2,000 kg) in the Atlantic Region

April 3, 1992

Attached is an unofficial guide to the regulations relating to transportation of explosives. If an official interpretation is required then the referenced Act, Regulations or document should be consulted. All applicable regulatory requirements must be obeyed, whether or not they are mentioned in this guide.

The synopsis is meant for the small scale transporter of explosives. Explosives distributors and trucking companies should contact the Regional Inspector of Explosives for more information if required.

References, given in brackets in abbreviated form, are explained in the list of References at the end of this guide.

Prepared by: J.T. Kasemets, P.Eng. Senior Inspector of Explosives Atlantic Region Telephone: 902-426-3599

Acts and Regulations

In the Atlantic Region the following Acts and Regulations apply to the transportation of explosives:

At the Federal Level

• Explosives Act (Ex Act) and Regulations (Ex Regs) Parts V and VI
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (TDG Act) and Regulations (TDG Regs)

At the Provincial Level

The TDG Act and Regs have been adopted by the following provincial acts:

This guide summarizes only the requirements of Explosives Regulations and the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations.

Additional Provincial Requirements

The following provinces have additional requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation for transporting explosives on the worksite:

In Newfoundland, the Explosive and Inflammable Substances and Materials Regulations, 1981, made pursuant to the Fire Prevention Act, 1970, require that a permit for transporting explosives be obtained from the Fire Commissioner's office.

For regulations on transporting explosives solely on a mine site contact your provincial Mines Inspection office.

For additional information on transporting explosives for seismic purposes, contact the Regional Inspector of Explosives.

Vehicle Requirements

1. Mechanical Condition: The vehicle must be in sound mechanical condition (Ex Reg 63(g)). This includes every part or system on the vehicle that could affect the safety of the vehicle or cargo, or could adversely affect the driver's control of the vehicle.

2. Carrying Box: The portion of the vehicle in which explosives are transported (carrying box) must be fully enclosed, lockable and fire resistant. It can be a cab, container or compartment (Ex Reg 62(b)). It must be locked at all times (except when loading and unloading), even when underway. Acceptable options include:

   • A standard van-type vehicle with lockable doors
   • An aluminum, fibreglass or wood "camper-top" secured over the cargo space of a pick-up truck, fitted with a suitable locking system
   • A fixed container, with lockable lid, fabricated of 2 inch dressed lumber or 19 mm plywood
   • A Type 6 or Type 10 magazine fixed to the vehicle by holdfasts or suitable means
   • For small quantities, the trunk of an automobile or station wagon (emptied of all loose objects that could become missiles and emptied of any extra flammables, e.g., fuel cans)

3. Packaging: Packaging for explosives must show safety marks, shipping name, UN Number, etc. All explosives must be transported in appropriate outer packaging.

4. Cushioning: The explosives should be cushioned and protected so that a sudden stop, collision, or upset does not cause dangerous jolting.

5. Protection from Metal: Explosives must be protected from exposed iron or steel in the carrying box. Any bare iron or steel that could be struck during handling, transport, or vehicle upset, must be permanently or temporarily covered by a suitable material (Ex Reg 62(c)).

6. Towed Vehicles: A towed vehicle must not be used for transporting explosives without the written permission of the Chief Inspector of Explosives (unless in a semi-trailer pulled by a truck tractor) (Ex Reg 56).

7. Lights and Heating: No lights or heating system may be in the carrying box except if the lights or heater are for the comfort and convenience of the operator (Ex Reg 62(d)).

8. Passenger Vehicles: A passenger type vehicle, such as a station wagon or automobile, may be used to carry no more than 75 kg of explosives (Ex Reg 63(z)). This restriction does not apply to all-terrain or 4-wheel type vehicles which may be used for carrying cargo.

9. Public Passengers: Basically, no explosives may be carried in a vehicle carrying public passengers. Contact the Inspector of Explosives for information on exceptions (Ex Reg 57(i)).

10. Highway Flares: Highway flares may be carried on the vehicle for safety purposes (TDG Reg 2.3(i)) but not in the same compartment with explosives.

Vehicle Inspection

To ensure that the vehicle is in sound mechanical condition (mainly for the purposes of preventing breakdown or fire) the vehicle must be inspected daily before loading explosives. Particular attention should be paid to:

• Exhaust system
• Electrical wiring
• Fuel tank and fuel lines
• Brakes
• Steering
• Tires

The spare tire must be in a fixed position. The engine and chassis must be free from excess oil and grease. Any deficiencies must be corrected before loading (Ex Reg 63(f)).

A daily vehicle inspection form could be locally prepared to include the items contained in Annex A.

The fire extinguisher(s) must be inspected daily to ensure that it is full and in working order (Ex Reg 63(f)) and is readily accessible (Ex Reg 63(g)).

Fire Precautions

1. Flammable or compressed gases or flammable liquids must not be carried at the same time as explosives except when they are used to fuel the transporting vehicle. Greasy rags should also not be carried.

2. At least a 5-B:C fire extinguisher must be carried on the vehicle and located readily available for use at all times whenever transporting more than 25 kg of explosives. (This practice is recommended when carrying any quantity of explosives.) (Ex Reg 63(q)).

3. Smoking is not allowed in or near the vehicle (or while attending the vehicle) (Ex Reg 63(j)).

4. Matches may not be carried (except safety matches in the cab if essential) (Ex Reg 62(e)).

5. The vehicle must not be driven past fires of any kind burning on or near the road unless the driver is certain that such passing can be made safely (Ex Reg 63(u)).

Drivers and Helpers

1. The vehicle must be driven by a licensed driver, 18 years of age or over (Ex Reg 63(r)).

2. If the journey exceeds 10 hours, a second licensed driver, aged 18 years or older must accompany the vehicle (Ex Reg 63(v)).

3. Passengers, except those directly assigned to assist in the handling of explosives, are not allowed to be carried on the vehicle (Ex Reg 63(x)). This is interpreted as not excluding those people involved in the project or work at hand, e.g., the whole pole line crew.

4. Due precautions shall be taken at all times to prevent accidents (Ex Reg 63(a)).

Attending Vehicles

1. A vehicle with explosives must be attended at all times (Ex Reg 63(s)). Keep your explosives under lock and observation AT ALL TIMES, until they are deposited in magazines.

   Where Type 6 and Type 10 magazines have been used as carrying boxes and it is still intended to use the magazines for storage, the magazines should be off loaded from the vehicle as soon as possible. (Magazines on vehicles may not be left unattended because whether or not the vehicle is underway, the explosives are considered as being transported, not stored.)

   NOTE: Ex Regs Sect 63(r) states that every vehicle transporting explosives shall be in the charge of a licensed driver, 18 years of age or over, who shall not leave the vehicle unattended. Ex Regs Sect 63(s)(ii) states that where a vehicle transporting or containing explosives is parked overnight, the vehicle shall, at all times, be attended by a person who is 18 years of age or over and capable of looking after the vehicle.

   The vehicle compartment(s) must be locked, the cab door locked and the windows up. In normal circumstances the engine is to be shut off. The driver/helper assigned to attend the vehicle must be awake and have the vehicle in full view at all times and be close enough (certainly within 100 m) to be able to respond quickly to any challenges to the vehicle's safety or security.

2. Unattended Overnight Storage: A recent amendment to the regulations permits the unattended overnight storage of small quantities of explosives provided that all of the following are adhered to:

   • Maximum of 25 kg or 250 detonators in separate secure magazines fixed to the vehicle
   • The vehicle is provided with an anti-theft system
   • The magazines are covered by a temporary magazine licence
   • The vehicle is parked at least 30 m from any habitation, highway, railway or any location containing flammable substances
   • Placards as described on page 11 are displayed
   • No flammable substances are carried in the vehicle nor any articles liable to spontaneously ignite

Training

1. No person may transport explosives unless he is a trained person or is working under the direct supervision of a trained person (TDG Reg 9.2).

2. The employer is required to ensure that an employee is trained in the particular aspects of handling or transporting of explosives related to the employee's assigned duties and must issue that employee a Certificate of Training (good for 36 months) that indicates:

   • The date the employee completed his initial training or refresher training
   • The aspects in which the employee has been trained (TDG Reg 9.3)

   A Blasters Licence issued by provincial authorities does not replace the need for a Certificate of Training.

3. The certificate is to be retained by the employee and is to be produced upon the request of an inspector. A copy is to be kept on file for a period of two years after the date of expiration.

4. Training may be formal, informal or simply on-the-job training. Of primary importance in this training is for a driver, including a driver who is a qualified blaster, to be aware of:

   • Classification, nature and characteristics of explosives
   • Packaging requirements
   • Placarding and labelling requirements for explosives
   • The documents he must have in his possession
   • The special precautions for handling, segregating, stowing and securing of the explosives load
   • The procedure to follow for reporting (to the police and the employer), lost, stolen or misplaced explosives, and dangerous occurrences or delays in delivery
   • The emergency response action he is to take in case of a dangerous occurrence or a vehicle breakdown
   • The nature and proper utilization of equipment available for handling explosives
   • The conditions, circumstances and manner in which safety equipment made available should be used (TDG Reg 9.7)
   • The general rules of the road for explosives loads

5. The Certificate of Training is issued by an employer to an employee. If the driver/blaster is the employer (i.e., self-employed) then he should issue himself with a certificate after proper training.

Documentation

Required Documents

The driver, while explosives are being transported, must have in his possession:

1. Provincial vehicle registration (Ex Reg 61(b))
2. Certificate of Training (TDG Reg 9.5)
3. Written authorization by employer for employee to drive or accompany the vehicle (TDG Reg 8.4)
4. Any other documents required by municipal, provincial or federal authorities

Shipping Documents

When explosives are being transported with the driver in the cab, one copy of the shipping document must be:

• In the cab within the driver's reach, or
• In a pocket mounted on the driver's side of the door, or
• When the driver is not in the cab, on the driver's seat or in a pocket mounted on the driver's door (TDG Reg 4.23)

Full Shipping Documentation

Must contain the following information legibly and indelibly printed (TDG Reg 4.8(1)):

• Name and address of the consignor
• Name and address of the consignee
• Name of initial carrier
• Description of explosives including:
  • Shipping name
  • Class and compatibility group
  • Product identification using the U.N. number preceded by the letters "UN"
  • Packaging group II (in that order)
• Words "Summary of Emergency Response Plan" followed by the reference number of the emergency response plan followed by the telephone number to call in order to have the plan activated
• Total mass or volume and number of packages
• Net explosives quantity (NEQ)
• Any special instructions
• Type and number of placards
• Signature of consignor

NOTE: NEQ is not needed for less than 5,000 detonators or detonator assemblies, or less than 15,000 m of detonating cord, igniter cord or safety fuse. (TDG Reg 4.9(2))

Modified Shipping Document

May be used when transporting between a magazine and blasting site. The information required is (TDG Reg 4.13):

• Name and address of the consignor
• Trade name of the explosives
• Product identification of the explosives using U.N. number
• Strength and cartridge size of the explosives
• Quantity of explosives
• Purpose for which the explosives are being transported
• "Summary of Emergency Response Plan" followed by the telephone number to call to have the plan activated

Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP)

Anyone transporting more than 25 kg of blasting explosives or detonators must have filed a summary of their emergency response assistance plan (ERAP) with Transport Canada.

Loading and Unloading

1. Explosives must not be moved unless proper arrangements have been made to safeguard the explosives at destination (Ex Reg 60) and confirmation has been received from the consignee that he is prepared to receive the explosives (TDG Reg 7.7(b)).

2. The vehicle must be fully serviced (fuel, oil, air, etc.) before loading explosives (Ex Reg 63(h)).

3. The ignition must be OFF (except where extreme cold and wind conditions might reasonably cause difficulties in restarting the engine) and the brakes ON during loading and unloading (Ex Reg 63(e) and (e.1)).

4. Explosives should be the last on and the first off the vehicle.

5. Damaged or deteriorated explosives may only be transported with the permission of an inspector (Ex Reg 55).

6. Precautions in the form of partitions or careful stowage must be taken to ensure that the explosives are not endangered by impact from other articles (Ex Reg 62(f)).

7. Once loading or unloading has started, it must not be stopped until completed (Ex Reg 63(b)).

8. Care must be taken not to drop or throw explosives. Bale hooks or metal tools are not to be used (Ex Reg 63(c)).

Placarding

1. ORANGE PLACARDS must be displayed when carrying any amount of explosives (even in an automobile) except when carrying 25 kg or less of explosives from a retail outlet to a place where the explosives are to be used if the explosives are in the possession of a blaster or a manufacturer's representative (TDG Reg 5.19(a)).

   Therefore, if transporting from or to your own magazines, placards are required for any quantity.

   Placards must NOT be displayed when no explosives are being carried (TDG Reg 5.19). Four placards are to be displayed with one on each end and one on each side of the vehicle (TDG Reg 5.29).

2. The appropriate placard is determined by referring to the orange labels found on the outer packaging or by referring to TDG Regs.

3. The placard must be 250 mm per side (TDG Reg 5.25.1) and must be retroreflective (TDG Reg 5.27) with a durable and weather resistant surface (TDG Reg 5.6).

Placard Reference Table

Load Requirements

1. The vehicle must not be overloaded - 80 percent of carrying capacity is the limit (Ex Reg 49).

2. For loads more than 2,000 kg an Explosives Transportation Permit must be obtained and additional rules and regulations apply.

3. Separation Requirements: Blasting explosives, detonating cords, and boosters must not be transported in the same load as detonators without a 15 cm solid partition of wood between them which extends 15 cm above the highest level to which explosives are stacked. The detonators (electric or nonelectric) must be packaged as received from the manufacturer and the quantity is limited to 2500 (400 detonating relays) (Ex Reg 62).

   It is permitted to substitute barrier laminate for wood. The barrier laminate consists of layers of plywood/fibreglass/mild steel plate/plywood.

While Under Way

The following "rules of the road" must be strictly obeyed:

1. Provincial and local traffic laws must be obeyed and due consideration must be given to road and weather conditions (Ex Reg 63(w)).

2. The maximum speed permitted is 90 km/h, weather, other conditions and other laws permitting (Ex Reg 63(w)).

3. The vehicle must be stopped before all railway crossings unless they are protected by an automatic signal; however, some provincial regulations require a full stop at all railway crossings (Ex Reg 63(y)).

4. The vehicle must not be stopped unnecessarily or for a longer period of time than is reasonably required. Stops where public safety would be endangered must be avoided (Ex Reg 63(l)).

5. Travel through built-up areas should be avoided wherever possible (Ex Reg 63(m)).

6. Where it is required to park a vehicle containing explosives overnight, it must be parked at a reasonable distance (at least 30 m) from habitation or flammables and the vehicle must be attended at all times by a person who is 18 years of age or over.

Use of Small Transportation Boxes

1. Some companies, especially utilities, use small transportation boxes for carrying small quantities of blasting explosives or detonators. The transportation boxes are generally made of plywood, with a handle and a hasp for locking purposes.

2. As outer packaging for explosives must contain certain information, transportation boxes generally do not contain that information so their use is not permitted.

Dangerous Occurrence, Accident or Breakdown

Accident or Incident Reporting

Where a vehicle is involved in an accident, fire or other incident that causes:

• A delay in the delivery of the explosives other than a delay due to a vehicle breakdown
• Damage to the vehicle or to the explosives

The driver shall immediately notify the local police and the owner of the vehicle (TDG Reg 9.11(2)).

Dangerous Occurrence Definition

A dangerous occurrence with respect to explosives occurs when any quantity escapes from any packaging or vehicle and represents a danger to health, life, property or the environment, or when there is an unintentional explosion or fire.

Emergency Contacts

When a dangerous occurrence happens the following are to be informed immediately:

Also notify:

• Owner of vehicle
• The owner or consignor of the explosives (TDG Reg 9.13)

The TDG Directorate must be informed within 30 days using the "Dangerous Goods Occurrence Report Forms" available from any TDG office.

Lost, Stolen or Misplaced Explosives

If the vehicle is locked and attended at all times, there should be no reason for theft. However, in case of lost, stolen or misplaced explosives, the driver shall immediately report the discovery to the local police (TDG Reg 9.10).

Vehicle Fire Procedures

If vehicle catches fire:

1. Stop vehicle immediately, as far away from people and habitation as possible
2. Summon help but don't leave proximity of vehicle
3. Stop vehicles in both directions if near road
4. If fire outside cargo areas - fight it with extinguisher
5. If fire involves cargo - Immediately stop all traffic, warn spectators and get assistance to evacuate. NEVER fight a fire when the explosives cargo is subjected to the heat of the fire. Fire extinguishers are only for fighting the fire before it gets to the cargo.
6. The evacuation distance for 1,000 kg of blasting explosives is at least 150 m in all directions (for 2,000 kg it is about 225 m).

Annex A: Suggested Vehicle Inspection

Under Hood

• Battery and cables
• Coolant level
• Hoses and clamps
• Fuel lines
• Carburetor
• Electrical wiring
• Belts
• Cleanliness of chassis, engine and pan
• Oil level
• Automatic transmission oil level
• Brake reservoir fluid level
• Windshield washer reservoir level
• Power steering oil level

Exterior

• Windows (cracks and cleanliness)
• Perforations in body
• Lights and wiring
• Tires
• Fuel tank
• Evidence of any leaks on ground
• Test lights, flashers
• Exhaust system
• Chassis free of excess oil or grease
• Brackets for placards

Cargo Space

• Cleanliness
• No exposed metal
• Security (lockable)
• Spare tire fixed
• Stowage of other equipment
• No heater or light in compartment
• Proper separation of blasting explosives and detonators

Cab

• Seat adjustment
• Seat belts
• Rearview mirror
• Test horn
• Fire extinguishers (size, number, accessibility, working order)
• No matches
• Fuel level
• Windshield wipers
• Windshield washer
• Heater/defroster
• Emergency brake
• Steering wheel
• Supply of placards (if required)

Short Test Drive

• Unusual noises
• Suspension
• Brakes
• Steering

Annex B: Classifying Explosives for Transportation

U.N. Dangerous Materials Classes

Class 1 Divisions (By Hazard)

Compatibility Groups

The classification code is the alpha-numeric symbol which denotes the complete hazard classification for a particular type of explosive. The code comprises two digits, indicating the hazard class and division, followed by a letter corresponding to the Compatibility Group, e.g., 1.1D.

Annex C: Sample Certificate of Training

Transportation of Dangerous Goods Certificate of Training

This will certify that:

Name: ________________________________

Company (if applicable): ________________________________

has received adequate training in accordance with Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations for Class 1 (Explosives) in the following aspects as per TDG Reg. 9.7:

Date: _____________ Certificate No.: _____________

Signature of Employer: _________________________________

Signature of Employee: _________________________________ (Authorized to drive or accompany vehicle)

Licence No.: _____________

• Original to be retained by employee
• Copy to be retained on employee's file

Annex D: Contents of a Summary of an Emergency Response Plan

1. Name of company or person filing summary plan
2. Address of company or person
3. Brief description of emergency response capability:
   • Number of qualified technical advisors available to provide information on handling the company's products in an emergency
   • Number of persons available to proceed to the scene of an accident involving the company's products to provide on-site assistance
   • Transportation plans of personnel and equipment
   • Personal safety equipment available to response teams
   • Basic emergency response equipment available to response teams
4. Mechanism for activation of plan (24 hour emergency response number, etc.)
5. Certification by person filing the summary plan, that the emergency response capability exists as described in the summary and that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of his knowledge
6. Name, title, address, telephone number and signature of official filing the summary of the plan
7. In the case of a national association filing a plan on behalf of its members or clients, the names and addresses of the members or clients on whose behalf the plan is filed

Mail to: Director General, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Directorate, Transport Canada, c/o Compliance and Operations Branch (ASDB), Canada Building, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5

Annex E: Modified Shipping Document

COMPANY (Name and Address) | DATE

MODIFIED SHIPPING DOCUMENT

Blasting Explosives

From Magazine: _______________ Return to Magazine: _______________

Detonators

From Magazine: _______________ Return to Magazine: _______________

Summary of Emergency Response Plan

• Plan Number: _______________
• Telephone No. to Activate Plan: _______________
• CANUTEC 24 Hr. Telephone No.: 613-996-6666

Distribution:

• 1 copy to stay at office
• 1 copy to accompany explosives

Driver: _______________ Police: _______________

Annex F: Explosives Labels and Placards

Domestic and US/Canada Consignment

This guide is the property of Maritime Blasting Services Ltd., Moncton, NB