Transporting oil and gas is no simple task. A mishap during shipment can be disastrous to life and the environment. It is important that everyone involved is knowledgeable and prepared every step of the way. Here is a list of a few things that are good to have completed before transporting oil or gas.
Oil and gas can be classified as a dangerous good. In this case, the driver, shipper, and receiver will need to be trained for Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG). This training covers many areas such as, labeling, safety practices, and emergency response. Everyone involved in the process of transportation should be knowledgeable before the goods are sent out. This training will help in preventing any problems as well as in the event of an emergency. These regulations have been put into place to keep everyone safe. You can visit Transport Canada for any materials regarding TDG.
All parties involved in the transportation should have access to a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and a Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Sheet (WHMIS) for the product being shipped. These sheets will provide important information for health and safety. They will outline the proper precautions you will need to keep everyone safe such as appropriate wear and handling procedures. Before sending or receiving oil and gas, be sure to have an updated copy of each sheet readily available if needed. Also make sure that the proper placards are on the transporting vehicle and the appropriate WHMIS labels are on any containers.
In order to prevent a spill it is critical that all equipment is checked over and functioning properly. Any valves should be operating correctly in order to start and stop the flow of the material if needed. Equipment used to transport, such as a container or forklift, should be examined. There should be no leaks in any containers and the forklift should be approved for the weight limit. Materials for emergency response should also be readily available. Cloths and absorbent are important to have in the event of a spill to avoid any damage to the environment. Barriers are also important to contain a spill and prevent further contamination.
Shipping oil and gas can be a dangerous job, but if the right precautions are taken it can go smoothly. A spill can cause problems for everyone and the environment. So before shipping these or any other chemicals, check that you are prepared before you proceed. If you have any questions about shipping a dangerous good contact Moto Transportation at 1-604-757-2441.