Competency Training
What is competency training as it relates to Canadian transportation regulations and as an employer. How do I ensure my employees are adequately trained and that I can prove it.
Competency training in the context of Canadian transportation regulations refers to ensuring that employees possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform their job functions safely and effectively. Specifically, it focuses on training individuals who handle, offer for transport, or transport dangerous goods by road, rail, marine, or air in Canada.
Here are key points related to competency training and how employers can ensure their employees are adequately trained:
Training Requirements:
- Employers must ensure that employees receive proper training and hold a valid training certificate.
- Training requirements are outlined in Part 6 of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR).
- Employees must be trained in both general awareness (basic concepts of TDG) and function-specific training (requirements specific to their job).
In other words, the employee should understand how to complete their job function as it relates to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Training Certificate:
Every person transporting dangerous goods must hold a training certificate or work under the direct supervision of a trained person.
The training certificate includes details such as:
- the employee’s name,
- the training aspects covered,
- and the certificate’s expiry date.
Employers must verify the validity of training certificates.
There is no specific design of how the TDG training certificate must look, as long as the required information with employee and employer signature are there.
Record Keeping:
Employers must keep records of training, including:
Who was trained.
Materials used for training.
Copies of training certificates.
These records must be maintained from the date the certificate is issued until two years after its expiry date.
Competency-Based Training (CBT):
CBT focuses on specific competencies or skills required for job functions.
It breaks down jobs into individual functions and ensures employees are competent in each essential part of their roles.
Evaluation should verify that employees are legally and safely capable of performing their job functions.
Transport Canada intends to update Part 6 of the TDGR to incorporate Competency-Based Training.
The changes aim to replace the vague term “adequately trained” with specific competency requirements.
Employers will need to comply with the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) standard for competency-based training.
Proof of Training:
- Employers must issue training certificates to employees.
- These certificates serve as proof of training and competency.
- Ensure that employees understand the importance of retaining their certificates.
- Remember that maintaining accurate records, verifying training certificates, and adopting competency-based approaches are essential for ensuring compliance and safety in the transportation of dangerous goods.
Sample TDG Certificate
