Proof of Classification
By: Kirsten Alcock, Manager of Product Safety, email
Proper classification for transportation is essential for the health and safety of everyone involved. It impacts the individual preparing the shipping documents, the company shipping the hazardous goods, and the emergency responders should there be a spill. Knowing what you are shipping is critical. When a product is shipped from one destination to another, it is imperative that the product is properly classified in accordance with the current transportation regulations. In Canada, we follow the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG).
The Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) is available online and recently moved to the Justice Laws Website. It is currently found here at this link. Previous versions have now been archived so it is important to update your bookmarks.
One of the requirements under the TDG is for Proof of Classification. This can be found under Part 2.2.1. Many companies are not aware of this requirement although it has been around for quite some time now. This document must be made available to the Federal Minister of Transport if requested.
Basically a Proof of Classification can be the following:
- a test report;
- a lab report; or
- a document that explains how the dangerous goods were classified.
The Proof of Classification must include the following:
- the date on which the dangerous goods were classified;
- if applicable, the technical name of the dangerous goods;
- the classification of the dangerous goods; and
- if applicable, the classification method used under this Part or under Chapter 2 of the UN Recommendations.
The Dell Tech Product Safety Team has been trained, tested, and received certification in accordance with the TDG regulations. We can help you not only test your product, but we can help classify it and prepare a Proof of Classification for you. If your company ships dangerous goods, you should have these documents readily available for each product.
HOW DELL TECH CAN HELP:
- Provide guidance on the proper shipping description of your product in accordance with TDG
- Advise on the appropriate TDG Class, UN number and Packing Group assignment
- Perform Hazard Classification Testing for Class 8 materials: CORROSITEX as well as Metals Corrosion is available in-house
- Perform Hazard Classification Testing for Class 3 materials: Flash Point testing and sustained combustibility is available in-house
- Prepare the mandated TDG Proof of Classification documentation once testing has been completed
Contact:
Dell Tech
Kirsten Alcock, B.Sc. (Hons)
Manager, Product Safety Group
519-858-5074
kirsten@delltech.com
English 
