OTTAWA, Ont. — Transport Minister David Collenette has announced new “clear language” regulations governing the transportation of dangerous goods in Canada.

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, 2001 are designed to promote public safety and set out requirements for testing, classification, labeling, containment and documentation for dangerous goods, the minister says.

“This new version of the regulations is presented in clear language and in a more user-friendly format, making them easier to understand,” says Collenette. “The amendments also reflect advances in technology, and the increasingly global nature of the transportation industry, by enhancing harmonization and addressing the greater number of transborder shipments.”

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, 2001 will replace the previous version, which was enacted in 1985. The main purpose behind the revision was to clarify, simplify and modernize the regulations. The new regulations will also streamline the process for shipments involving several forms of transport, including ships, trucks and trains.

Transport Canada pioneered a unique approach to developing the regulations and to consulting extensively with stakeholders — such as chemical producers and shippers, railways and fire departments — on the content, style, format and presentation. The department used the Internet as part of this process, posting draft versions of the regulations on the Transport Canada Web site as they were developed and soliciting input on them.

The process took several years to complete due to many revisions and updates generated through stakeholder consultation.

The regulations are available at http://www.tc.gc.ca/tdg/en/clear/tofc.htm and will officially take effect on Aug. 15, 2002.