Transportation of Dangerous Goods

Identification, Shipping Names

UN3480 Lithium Ion Batteries 

UN3481 Lithium Ion Batteries Contained in Equipment

UN3090 Lithium Metal Batteries

UN3091 Lithium Metal Batteries Contained in Equipment

2.2.1 (10)(c)

Proof of Classification 

For the purposes of this section, a proof of classification is:
a) a test report
b) a lab report; or
c) a document that explains how the dangerous goods were classified

Safety data sheets are an example of proof of classification.

2.43.1 (2)(a-d)

Lithium Cells and Batteries

The conditions are as follows:
(a) the cell or battery type passes each test set out in subsection 38.3 of Part III of the Manual of Tests and Criteria;
(b) each cell or battery has a safety venting device or is designed to prevent a violent rupture under normal conditions of transport;
(c) each cell or battery is equipped to prevent external short circuits; and
(d) each battery containing cells or a series of cells connected in parallel is equipped with diodes, fuses or other devices that prevent dangerous reverse current flow.

3.1 (1) 

Consignor Responsibilities

Before allowing a carrier to take possession of dangerous goods for transport, the consignor must prepare and give to that carrier a shipping document or, if the carrier agrees, an electronic copy of the shipping document.

3.2 (1) 

Carrier Responsibilities

A carrier must not take possession of dangerous goods for transport unless the carrier has the shipping document for the dangerous goods.

3.4 (1)

Legibility and Language

The information required on a shipping document and on a consist must be easy to identify, legible, in indelible print and in English or French.

3.5 (1) (a-c)

Information on a Shipping Document

The following information must be included on a shipping document: 
(a) ) the name and address of the place of business in Canada of the consignor;
(b) the date the shipping document or an electronic copy of it was prepared or was first given to a carrier;
(c) the description of each of the dangerous goods, in the following order: 

3.5 (1)(c)(i, ii, iii, v, vi)

Information on a Shipping Document

(c) the description of each of the dangerous goods, in the following order: 
(i) the UN number,
(ii) the shipping name and, immediately after the shipping name unless it is already part of it, 
(iii) the primary class, which may be shown as a number only or under the heading "Class" or "Classe" or following the word "Class" or "Classe",
following the primary class,
(v) the subsidiary class or classes, in parentheses, which may be shown as a number only or under the heading "subsidiary class" or "classe subsidiaire" or following the words "subsidiary class" or "classe subsidiaire", except that, for transport by aircraft or by vessel, the subsidiary class or classes may be shown after the information required by this paragraph,
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(vi) the packing group roman numeral, which may be shown under the heading "PG" or "GE" or following the letters "PG" or "GE" or following the words "Packing Group" or "Groupe d'emballage

3.5 (1)(d-f)

Information on a Shipping Document

(d) for each shipping name, the quantity of dangerous goods and the unit of measure used to express the quantity which, on a shipping document prepared in Canada, must be a unit of measure included in the International System of Units (SI) or a unit of measure acceptable for use under the SI system, except that for dangerous goods included in Class 1, Explosives, the quantity must be expressed in net explosives quantity or, for explosives with UN numbers subject to special provision 85 or 86, in number of articles or net explosives quantity;
(e) for dangerous goods in one or more small means of containment that require a label to be displayed on them in accordance with Part 4, Dangerous Goods Safety Marks, the number of small means of containment for each shipping name; and
(f) the words "24-Hour Number" or "Numéro 24 heures", or an abbreviation of these words, followed by a telephone number, including the area code, at which the consignor can be reached immediately for technical information about the dangerous goods in transport, without breaking the telephone connection made by the caller.

3.5 (2)

Information on a Shipping Document

The telephone number of a person who is not the consignor, such as CANUTEC, but who is competent to give the technical information required by paragraph (1)(f) in English or in French may be used. However, to use CANUTEC's telephone 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.

3.5 (5)

Information on a Shipping Document

If the quantity of dangerous goods required on a shipping document under paragraph (1)(d) or the number of small means of containment required under paragraph (1)(e) changes during transport, the carrier must show those changes on the shipping document or on a document attached to the shipping document. 

3.6.1 (1)(a)

Consignor's Certification

(1) Beginning on July 15, 2015, a shipping document must include, after the information required under section 3.5, one of the following certifications: 
(a) "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.

3.6.1 (2)

Consignor's Certification

(2) The certification must be made by an individual who is the consignor or by an individual acting on behalf of the consignor and must set out that individual's name.

3.7 (a-b)

Location of a Shipping Document

The driver of a power unit that is attached to or is part of the cargo unit of a road vehicle transporting dangerous goods must ensure that a copy of the shipping document is kept, as follows:
(a) if the driver is in the power unit, in a pocket mounted on the driver's door or within the driver's reach; or
(b) if the driver is out of the power unit, in a pocket mounted on the driver's door, on the driver's seat or in a location that is clearly visible to anyone entering through the driver's door.

3.10 (1)

Location of a Shipping Document: Storage in the Course of Transportation

(1) A carrier must ensure that a shipping document is placed in a waterproof receptacle that is securely attached to or near the means of containment containing the dangerous goods, at a readily identifiable and accessible location, when the dangerous goods are in transport if:
(a) they are left in an unsupervised area 
(i) after being unloaded from a means of transport,
(ii) after the cargo unit of a road vehicle containing them has been disconnected from the power unit, or
(iii) when the railway vehicle containing them is no longer part of a train; and
(b) possession of the dangerous goods has not been transferred to another person

3.11 (1)(a-c)

Keeping Shipping Document Information

(1) A consignor must be able to produce a copy of any shipping document 
(a) for two years after the date the shipping document or an electronic copy of it was prepared or given to a carrier by the consignor;
(b) for dangerous goods imported into Canada, for two years after the date the consignor ensured that the carrier, on entry into Canada, had a shipping document or an electronic copy of one; and
(c) within 15 days after the day on which the consignor receives a written request from an inspector

3.11 (2)(a,b)

Keeping Shipping Document Information

When dangerous goods are no longer in transport, each carrier who transported the dangerous goods must be able to produce a copy of the shipping document that related to the dangerous goods and was required to be in the possession of that carrier while the dangerous goods were in transport 
(a) for two years after the date the dangerous goods are no longer in transport; and
(b) within 15 days after the day on which the carrier receives a written request from an inspector.

4.1

Requirements for Dangerous Goods Safety Marks

A person must not offer for transport, transport or import a means of containment that contains dangerous goods unless each dangerous goods safety mark required by this Part and illustrated in the appendix to this Part, or illustrated in Chapter 5.2 or 5.3 of the UN Recommendations, is displayed on it in accordance with this Part.

4.6 (a-c)

Visibility, Legibility and Colour

Dangerous goods safety marks must be:
(a) visible, legible and displayed against a background of contrasting colour; 
(b) made of durable and weather-resistant material that will withstand the conditions to which they will be exposed without substantial detachment or deterioration of their colour, symbols, letters, text or numbers
(c) displayed in the colours specified

4.7 (1)

Labels and Placards: Size and Orientation

(1) Labels and placards must be displayed on a means of containment as they are illustrated in the appendix to this Part, that is, a square on a point. 
(2) Each side of a label must be at least 100 mm in length with a line running 5 mm inside the edge. However, except for dangerous goods included in Class 7, Radioactive Materials, if that size label, together with the shipping name, technical name and UN number, cannot be displayed because of the irregular shape or size of the small means of containment, each side of the label may be reduced in length by the same amount to the point where the label, together with the shipping name, technical name and UN number, will fit that small means of containment, but must not be reduced to less than 30 mm.
(3) Each side of a placard must be at least 250 mm in length and, except for the DANGER placard, have a line running 12.5 mm inside the edge. However, except for dangerous goods included in Class 7, Radioactive Materials, if that size placard cannot be displayed because of the irregular shape or size of the large means of containment, each side of the placard may be reduced in length by the same amount to the point where the placard will fit that large means of containment, but must not be reduced to less than 100 mm.

4.8 (1)(a,b)

Ways to Display a UN Number

1) A UN number that is required by this Part to be displayed on a small means of containment or on a tag attached to it must be displayed in one of the following ways: 
(a) next to the primary class label for the dangerous goods; or
(b) within a white rectangle located on the primary class label for the dangerous goods, without the prefix "UN", but it must not obscure the symbol, class number, compatibility group letter or text on the label. 

Examples of how a UN Number can be displayed on a small means of containment.

NOTE: The specific UN number must reflect the Dangerous Good within the means of containment.

4.8 (2)

Ways to Display a UN Number

2) A UN number that is required by this Part to be displayed on a large means of containment must be displayed in black numerals not less than 65 mm high in one of the following ways:
(a) on an orange panel placed next to the primary class placard for the dangerous goods, without the prefix "UN"; or
(b) within a white rectangle located on the primary class placard for the dangerous goods, without the prefix "UN", but it must not obscure the symbol, class number, compatibility group letter or text on the placard. 

Examples of how a UN number can be displayed on a large means of containment:

4.9 (1,2)

Removal or Change of Dangerous Goods Safety Marks

(1) When the conditions that required the display of dangerous goods safety marks change, the person having the charge, management or control of the means of containment must determine, as a result of the new conditions, whether the dangerous goods safety marks must be changed or removed.
(2) The person who neutralizes the contents of the means of containment or who unloads, unpacks, cleans or purges the means of containment must cover or remove the dangerous goods safety mark when the danger indicated by the dangerous goods safety mark is no longer present in the means of containment.

4.10 (1)(b.1, i-iv)

Labels on a Small Means of Containment

(1) One label must be displayed on a small means of containment for the primary class and one for each subsidiary class set out in column 3 of Schedule 1 for each of the dangerous goods in transport in the small means of containment, except that 
(b.1) the Class 9, lithium battery label, illustrated in the appendix to this Part, must be displayed on a small means of containment for the following dangerous goods: 
(i) UN3090, LITHIUM METAL BATTERIES,
(ii) UN3091, LITHIUM METAL BATTERIES CONTAINED IN EQUIPMENT or LITHIUM METAL BATTERIES PACKED WITH EQUIPMENT,
(iii) UN3480, LITHIUM ION BATTERIES, and
(iv) UN3481, LITHIUM ION BATTERIES CONTAINED IN EQUIPMENT or LITHIUM ION BATTERIES PACKED WITH EQUIPMENT;

The Primary Class label for lithium batteries is:

4.10 (3) (a)

Labels on a Small Means of Containment

(3) When a label is required to be displayed, it must be displayed 
(a) on any side of the outer surface of a small means of containment other than the side on which it is intended to rest or to be stacked during transport& DESIGN

4.11 (1)

Shipping Name and Technical Name on a Small Means of Containment or on a Tag

(1) When dangerous goods in transport are in a small means of containment on which a primary class label for the dangerous goods must be displayed, the shipping name of the dangerous goods must be displayed next to the primary class label.

The following primary class label should be used for lithium batteries:



The shipping name can either be displayed attached to the primary class label or beside it.

4.12

UN Numbers on a Small Means of Containment or Tag

(1) When dangerous goods in transport are in a small means of containment on which the primary class label for the dangerous goods is displayed, the UN number for the dangerous goods must be displayed on or next to the primary class label.

The UN number can be displayed as seen in Part 4, 4.8 on the primary class label or next to it on the means of containment.
  

4.15

Placards on a Large Means of Containment

(1) The primary class placard for each of the dangerous goods contained in a large means of containment, other than a vessel or an aircraft, must be displayed on each side and on each end of the large means of containment.

4.16.1

Placarding Exemption for Dangerous Goods Having a Gross Mass of 500 kg or less.

Subsection (1) provides an exemption from placarding requirements if the dangerous goods in or on a road vehicle or railway vehicle have a gross mass that is less than or equal to 500 kg.
Subsection (2) sets out which dangerous goods cannot be counted in the 500 kg and are, therefore, subject to the placarding requirements.
(1) Except in the case of the dangerous goods listed in subsection (2), a placard is not required to be displayed on a road vehicle or railway vehicle if the dangerous goods in or on the road vehicle or railway vehicle have a gross mass that is less than or equal to 500 kg.

4.24

Lithium Battery Mark

(1) For the purposes of special provision 34, the lithium battery mark, illustrated in the appendix to this Part, must indicate 
(a) "UN3090" for lithium metal cells or batteries;
(b) "UN3480" for lithium ion cells or batteries; and
(c) "UN3091" or "UN3481", as appropriate, for lithium cells or batteries that are contained in, or packed with, equipment.
(2) When a means of containment contains lithium cells or batteries assigned to different UN numbers, all applicable UN numbers must be indicated on one or more marks.
(3) Subject to subsection (4), the mark must be at least 120 mm wide × 110 mm high and the hatching must be at least 5 mm wide.
(4) The dimensions of the mark may be reduced for a means of containment that is an irregular shape or size if 
(a) the mark is at least 105 mm wide × 74 mm high; and
(b) every symbol, letter and number required on the mark is reduced proportionately.

The lithum battery mark for lithium metal/lithium ion batteries are as follows:

NOTE: The telephone number for additional information must be stated on the label.

5.1.1 (1-3)

Selecting and Using Means of Containment

(1) A person must not handle, offer for transport, transport or import dangerous goods in a means of containment unless the means of containment is required or permitted by this Part to be used for the transportation of the dangerous goods.
(2) A person must not handle, offer for transport or transport dangerous goods in a standardized means of containment unless the standardized means of containment is in standard.
(3) A person must not handle, offer for transport or transport dangerous goods in a means of containment that is required or permitted by this Part unless the means of containment is designed, constructed, filled, closed, secured and maintained so that under normal conditions of transport, including handling, there will be no release of the dangerous goods that could endanger public safety.

5.2

Requirements for a Standardized Means of Containment to be in Standard

A standardized means of containment is in standard with a specific safety standard if it has displayed on it the certification safety marks required by the standard and
(a) was in compliance with the requirements of the standard when each certification safety mark was first displayed; and
(b) remains in compliance with the requirements of the standard that had to be complied with when each certification safety mark was first displayed.

5.6

UN Standardized Means of Containment

A means of containment is a UN standardized means of containment if it has displayed on it the applicable UN marks illustrated in Chapter 6.1, Chapter 6.3 and Chapter 6.5 of the UN Recommendations and
(a) it is in compliance with 
(i) sections 2 and 3 and Part I of CGSB-43.125 for a Type P620 means of containment,
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(ii) sections 2 and 3 and Part I of CGSB-43.146, or
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(iii) sections 2 and 3 and Part 1 of TP14850; or
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(b) it was manufactured outside Canada in compliance with Chapter 6.1, 6.3 or 6.5 of the UN Recommendations and with the national regulations of the country of manufacture.a

A UN standardized means of containment can vary depending on the type of battery/material that it is to carry. Some examples are as follows:

55 Gallon Open Top = 1A2/Y1.6/150
 55 Gallon Closed Top = 1A1/X1.8/300


                                                  
 UN Code: 1H2/Y1.5/30

It is the responsibility of the consignor/carrier to ensure that shipments are in an appropriately classified UN rated means of containment.

6.1 (1,2)

Training Certificate Requirements

(1) A person who handles, offers for transport or transports dangerous goods must 
(a) be adequately trained and hold a training certificate in accordance with this Part; or
(b) perform those activities in the presence and under the direct supervision of a person who is adequately trained and who holds a training certificate in accordance with this Part.
(2) An employer must not direct or allow an employee to handle, offer for transport or transport dangerous goods unless the employee 
(a) is adequately trained and holds a training certificate in accordance with this Part; or
(b) performs those activities in the presence and under the direct supervision of a person who is adequately trained and who holds a training certificate in accordance with this Part.

6.2 (a-m)

Adequate Training

A person is adequately trained if the person has a sound knowledge of all the topics listed in paragraphs (a) to (m) that relate directly to the person's duties and to the dangerous goods the person is expected to handle, offer for transport or transport.
(a) the classification criteria and test methods in Part 2, Classification;
(b) shipping names;
(c) the use of Schedules 1, 2 and 3;
(d) the shipping document and train consist requirements in Part 3, Documentation;
(e) the dangerous goods safety marks requirements in Part 4, Dangerous Goods Safety Marks;
(f) the certification safety marks requirements, safety requirements and safety standards in Part 5, Means of Containment;
(g) the ERAP requirements in Part 7, Emergency Response Assistance Plan;
(h) the report requirements in Part 8 (Reporting Requirements);
(i) safe handling and transportation practices for dangerous goods, including the characteristics of the dangerous goods;
(j) the proper use of any equipment used to handle or transport the dangerous goods;
(k) the reasonable emergency measures the person must take to reduce or eliminate any danger to public safety that results or may reasonably be expected to result from an accidental release of the dangerous goods;
(l) for air transport, the aspects of training set out in Chapter 4, Training, of Part 1, General, of the ICAO Technical Instructions for the persons named in that Chapter and the requirements in Part 12, Air, of these Regulations

34 (1)(a-h)

Special Provision 34

34 (1) These Regulations, except for Part 1 (Coming into Force, Repeal, Interpretation, General Provisions and Special Cases) and Part 2 (Classification), do not apply to the handling, offering for transport or transporting of lithium cells and batteries on a road vehicle, a railway vehicle or a vessel on a domestic voyage if
(a) for a lithium metal or lithium alloy cell, the lithium content is not more than 1 g, and, for a lithium-ion cell, the watt-hour rating is not more than 20 Wh;
(b) for a lithium metal or lithium alloy battery, the aggregate lithium content is not more than 2 g, and for a lithium-ion battery, the watt-hour rating is not more than 100 Wh;
(c) lithium ion batteries are marked with the watt-hour rating on the outside case, except for those manufactured before January 1, 2009;
(d) each cell and battery type passes each of the tests set out in paragraph 2.43.1(2)(a) of Part 2 (Classification);
(e) the cells and batteries are afforded protection against short circuit, including protection against contact with conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit;
(f) the cells and batteries are packed in a means of containment that completely encloses the cells and batteries;
(g) the gross mass of the cells and batteries does not exceed 30 kg, except when the cells and batteries are installed in or packed with equipment; and
(h) the cells and batteries are packed in a means of containment capable of withstanding a 1.2 m drop test in any orientation without damage to the cells or batteries contained inside the means of containment, without the contents shifting so as to allow battery-to-battery or cell-to-cell, contact, and without release of contents.

All conditions under SP 34 must be met in order to qualify to use Special Provision 34. If all conditions are met, then Part 1 and Part 2 of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulation still apply.

34 (2)(a-c)

Special Provision 34 
Batteries/Cells Installed in Equipment

(2) Cells and batteries referred to in subsection (1) that are installed in equipment must, unless they are afforded equivalent protection by the equipment in which they are contained,
(a) be afforded protection against damage and short circuit, including protection against contact with conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit;
(b) subject to subsection (3), be fitted to prevent accidental activation; and
(c) be packed in a means of containment designed, constructed, filled, closed, secured and maintained so that under normal conditions of transport, including handling, there will be no release of the dangerous goods that could endanger public safety.

All outbound material that has installed batteries within the equipment, must adhere to these clauses.

34 (4)

Special Provision 34 
Lithium Battery Mark

(4) Except for means of containment containing button cell batteries installed in equipment, including circuit boards, or no more than four cells installed in equipment or no more than two batteries installed in equipment, each means of containment must be marked with the appropriate lithium battery mark in accordance with section 4.24.

See Part 4, 4.24 response.

137 (3)

Special Provision 137
Packing Requirements

(3) Lithium ion cells or batteries and lithium metal cells or batteries that are damaged or defective must be packed in accordance with Packing Instructions P908 or LP904 of the UN Recommendations, as applicable.

137 (4)

Special Provision 137 
Damaged Battery Label

(4) As applicable, the outer means of containment or the overpack must be marked legibly and visibly on a contrasting background, with the words “Damaged/Defective Lithium Ion Batteries”, “piles au lithium ionique endommagées/défectueuses”, “Damaged/Defective Lithium Metal Batteries” or “piles au lithium métal endommagées/défectueuses”.

If the shipment contains a damaged/defetive lithium battery, a label stating "Damaged/Defective Lithium Ion Batteries" must be be applied. The specific language may vary if the package contains a damaged/defective lithium metal battery.

137 (5)

Special Provision 137 

(5) It is forbidden to transport lithium ion cells or batteries and lithium metal cells or batteries that are damaged or defective and that, under normal conditions of transport, are liable to disassemble rapidly, react dangerously, produce a flame or a dangerous evolution of heat, or produce a dangerous emission of toxic, corrosive or flammable gases or vapours.

137 (6)

Special Provision 137

(6) It is forbidden to transport by aircraft lithium ion cells or batteries and lithium metal cells or batteries that are damaged or defective.

138 (a-d)

Special Provision 138

138 (1) When transported for disposal or recycling, lithium ion cells or batteries and lithium metal cells or batteries, or equipment containing those cells or batteries,
(a) are not subject to subsection 2.43.1(2) of Part 2 (Classification);
(b) must be packed in accordance with Packing Instructions P909 or LP904 of the UN Recommendations, as applicable, whether packed with or without non-lithium cells or batteries or equipment containing those cells or batteries;
(c) must be in a means of containment or an overpack that is marked legibly and visibly on a contrasting background with the words “Lithium batteries for disposal”, “Piles au lithium destinées à l’élimination”, “Lithium batteries for recycling” or “Piles au lithium destinées au recyclage ”, as appropriate; and
(d) are forbidden for transport by aircraft.