UPDATE – Send us your feedback: Transport Canada conducting virtual inspections

At a recent meeting of the Multi-Industry Association Committee on Transportation and Dangerous Goods (MACTDG), the topic of Transport Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods virtual inspections was discussed. If you have experienced one of these TDG "virtual audits", please contact the CPA.

Members of MACTDG indicated that these inspections are typically easy, allowing industry to select examples of their documents for TC’s examination.

Feedback from industry providers includes:

• The inspections provide industry with an opportunity to put their best foot forward in the documents they present.
• The information sometimes appears to be based on TDG Client Information Database requirements that are not yet in place.
• TC has not provided a standard for inspectors to make their own inspection requests. Requests are sometimes very organized, while in other cases, they are more ad hoc and lack specific information regarding the types and quantities of documents they require.

One industry representative also said they had experienced difficulties dealing with an inspector requiring information on a location that was unmanned due to COVID-19. TC TDG inspectors are required to make allowances for difficulties due to changes in staffing caused by the current situation. Should you experience this type of situation, an open and honest dialogue about the current challenges should lead to the inspector being more accommodating, unless mitigating circumstances and dangers are identified by the inspector, which forces a heightened sense of urgency. 

Transport Canada has indicated that it may put together a working group to examine the process and its effectiveness. They are considering making this a more permanent part of their audit process for lower risk facilities. Once in place, the CPA plans to be part of the process on behalf of members. If you have experienced a TDG virtual audit, whether positive or negative, please contact robertloenhart@propane.ca to provide your input on the process.