Transportation of Dangerous Goods Program Administrators oversee, monitor and co-ordinate the safe, efficient and effective classification, containment, documentation, handling, offering for transport, transporting and storage of dangerous goods. Transportation of Dangerous Goods Program Administrators are on-call to answer management’s, staff’s and regulators’ questions and provide advice/guidance in emergency situations as well as in the course of on-going operations. They frequently handle highly confidential and sensitive information. They are called upon to provide timely solutions to problems which may be complex in nature and related to interpretation and application of regulatory requirements.

Pre-requisite Knowledge and Experience 

While there is no federal licensing standard for Transportation of Dangerous Goods Program Administrators, there are commonly accepted prerequisites for holding these positions, such as but not limited to the following:

  • ·High school graduation or equivalency.
  • Current dangerous goods qualifications in the areas being dealt with. For example, DG Shippers Course or Air Operator/Freight Forwarder DG Acceptance Specialist Course.
  • Several years of related experience (often cited as a minimum of 3 - 5 years) in the transportation of dangerous goods. For example, employed as a Shipper or Acceptance Specialist.
  • Knowledge of all applicable acts, regulations, policies and directives as well as company related air operations and capabilities as they apply to the transportation of dangerous goods.
  • Knowledge of transportation of dangerous goods packaging, handling and storage procedures and requirements.

Additionally candidates for Transportation of Dangerous Goods Program Administrators positions must be able to acquire the appropriate security clearances required to access work sites such as operational airports.

A background in, or knowledge of, interview techniques, investigative methods, auditing procedures, legal processes and chemistry are deemed as desirable qualifications for those assuming the duties of a Transportation of Dangerous Goods Program Administrator.

Technical Knowledge Requirements

Transportation of Dangerous Goods Program Administrators are required to have a good working knowledge of many of the following acts, regulations and directives to successfully carry out their duties:

  • Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations
  • Transportation of Dangerous Goods and Civil Aviation Directives
  • International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions
  • International Civil Aviation Organization Supplement
  • Emergency Response Guides
  • A.I.R. Shipper
  • Contraventions Act and Regulations
  • International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations
  • CFR 49 - Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations [U.S. Regulations]
  • Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and Aeronautics Act
  • Packaging Standards such as Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
  • Canada Labour Code
  • Occupational Safety and Health Regulations
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
  • Enforcement and Court Procedures
  • Provincial and Municipal regulations such as waste management
  • Rules and regulations regarding non-compliance or quarantine (Notice of detention)
  • Quality Control and Assurance Programs such as Safety Management System (SMS) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
  • Security Regulations and Procedures

The technical knowledge requirements vary for Transportation of Dangerous Goods Program Administrators in accordance with the type and scope of company operations as well as with the jurisdictions in which the company operates (e.g. Provincial, Regional, National and International).

Tasks Common to Transportation of Dangerous Goods Program Administrators 

Block A - Major Job Tasks

  • Demonstrating Transportation of Dangerous Goods Knowledge and Expertise
  • Providing Advice and Guidance Internally & Externally
  • Measuring Compliance and Program Oversight
  • Investigating and Reporting Incidents/Accidents
  • Managing Training
  • Maintaining Active Collaborative Relationships with Regulatory Agencies

Block B - Job Responsibilities 

  • Conducting internal monitoring and compliance reviews for risk assessment and root-cause and gap analysis, i.e., Safety Management System (SMS) protocols;
  • Providing guidance relative to the diverse elements of dangerous goods transportation with regard to aircraft type and capabilities and sufficient operational knowledge to develop strategies based on services provided, i.e., routing and aircraft limitations;
  • Overseeing or co-ordinating information/safety regulations, reviews and analysis, such as the distribution of up-dates, regulatory changes or changes in policies and procedures;
  • Co-ordinating the development, distribution and implementation transportation of dangerous goods policies, procedures and emergency response assistance plans (ERAPs);
  • Investigating dangerous goods related accidents and incidents;
  • Reporting to regulatory agencies for dangerous goods related incidents and accidents;
  • Acquiring special permits (equivalency certificates);
  • Developing guidelines and commenting on proposed regulatory amendments;
  • Providing regulatory input for other company functions including in-house maintenance, records retention, e-filing or other IT functions;
  • Counselling procurement/purchasing authorities with regard to the selection of packaging and in the selection and use of inventory or suppliers/services, such as duly qualified ground handling agents or interline operators;
  • Administering internal dangerous goods training programs including the development or selection of in-house, task (duty) specific training programs or the selection of appropriate certified vendors to provide training; and,
  • Retaining and maintaining training records.

Block C - Additional Duties 

  • Developing compliance procedures and standard operating procedures to ensure that the organization is complying with the applicable dangerous goods regulations and is operating in a safe environment for personnel and equipment;
  • Monitoring for regulatory compliance either through internal/external auditor and/or gap analyses processes to establish the root cause of the dangerous goods incident or accident;
  • Taking remedial action and establishing corrective measures following a dangerous goods incident or accident;
  • Managing projects;
  • Having current knowledge of transportation of dangerous goods regulations and international dangerous goods regulations and standards;
  • Having access to, and a working knowledge of, related environmental, occupational health, safety and security acts and regulations;
  • Recommending the development and implementation of policy and procedures that affect the organization with regard to the transportation of dangerous goods;
  • Establishing a radiation protection program (RPP) to address the transportation of radioactive materials
  • Establishing an emergency response program and security plans to deal with the transportation of high consequence dangerous goods;
  • Establishing plans and procedures for the shipment of controlled substances (drugs);
  • Co-ordinating the production and retention of shipping documents related to the transportation of dangerous goods;
  • Liaising with regulatory agencies, both proactively and reactively;
  • Assisting in the selection and maintenance of 3rd party suppliers, consultants and vendors;
  • Developing, maintaining Transportation of Dangerous Goods Operations Manuals and other policy information that clearly sets out duty specific responsibilities and procedures;
  • Maintaining and updating transportation of dangerous goods training programs; and,
  • Developing and maintaining records for both initial and recurrent transportation of dangerous goods training.