DAOD 4003-1, Hazardous Materials Management

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definitions
3. Operating Principles
4. Responsibilities
5. References

1. Introduction

Date of Issue: 1998-01-30

Application: This is an order that applies to members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and a directive that applies to employees of the Department of National Defence (DND).

Supersession: CFAO 36-55, Hazardous Materials Management

Approval Authority: Issued under authority of the Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment) (ADM(IE)).

Enquiries: Director, Environmental Protection (D Env P)

2. Definitions

hazardous material (HAZMAT) (matières dangereuses)

HAZMAT is any material that, if handled improperly, can endanger human health and well-being or the environment or equipment. Some examples of HAZMAT are poisons, corrosive agents, flammable substances, ammunition and explosives.

delegated procurement authority (autorité déléguée en matière d'achat)

The delegated procurement authority is the individual given responsibility to obtain HAZMAT.

HAZMAT control authority (matières dangereuses)

The HAZMAT control authority is an individual acting on the authority of the Commanding Officer to approve the introduction or continued use of a HAZMAT.

technical authority (autorité fonctionnelle)

The technical authority is the individual responsible for providing information, guidance and advice on the technical aspects of a product.

3. Operating Principles

Background

3.1 HAZMAT, if improperly used or handled, could endanger the environment and the health of personnel, or damage vital military material. Federal and provincial governments have established laws and regulations for the use, storage, transport and disposal of HAZMAT.

3.2 The DND and the CAF HAZMAT management activities must meet or exceed the letter and spirit of all applicable federal acts, regulations, policy and guidelines and, where appropriate, be compatible with provincial acts, regulations and guidelines and municipal and international standards.

Prime Directive

3.3 HAZMAT shall be selected, procured, handled, used, stored, transported and disposed of in a manner that protects human health, the environment and equipment and meets legal requirements. Due diligence shall be exercised in carrying out those duties and responsibilities that are associated with such protection.

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Due Diligence

3.4 In the course of their action or duty, all individuals shall maintain a reasonable standard of care for the environment and for the health and safety of others. That reasonable standard of care is known as "due diligence". In exercising due diligence, individuals have a duty to:

1. know and obey federal laws and regulations on handling HAZMAT;
2. respect provincial laws and municipal bylaws where appropriate;
3. exercise caution;
4. prepare for risks that a thoughtful and reasonable person would foresee; and
5. respond to risks and incidents as soon as practicable.

Procurement

3.5 Where practicable, HAZMAT procurement shall be decentralized and delegated to an appropriate level.

Use and Storage

3.6 Every effort shall be made to:

1. reduce HAZMAT usage;
2. avoid or minimize the creation of pollutants and wastes; and
3. limit the storing of HAZMAT to quantities necessary to meet operational requirements.

Life Cycle Management

3.7 The life cycle aspects of HAZMAT management (initial selection, procurement, handling, use, storage, transportation and disposal) shall be given appropriate consideration in DND and CAF planning. Emphasis should be placed on whether the HAZMAT need be acquired, given its characteristics.

3.8 The use of the DND material management information system for life cycle management of HAZMAT is mandatory.

Organizations, Units and Other Elements

3.9 All organizations, units and other elements in contact with HAZMAT shall:

1. take appropriate action to ensure that their areas of responsibility or concern are adequately covered by developing necessary procedures and instructions that reflect DND policy, technology, industry best practices, laws of Canada and, where appropriate, international standards;
2. appoint an individual as HAZMAT control authority to review and, if appropriate, approve the introduction into or continued use of, HAZMAT in the workplace and ensure the safe storage and disposal of HAMAT;
3. have an emergency response plan in place to deal with HAZMAT problems that may arise; and
4. ensure that CAF members and DND employees are trained in the handling, use, storage and disposal of hazardous waste to the degree necessary, depending upon their contact with HAZMAT.

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4. Responsibilities

Overview

4.1 For each of the following activities involving HAZMAT there are specific responsibilities for selected individuals:

1. Initial Selection;
2. Procurement;
3. Transportation;
4. Use; and
5. Handling, Storage and Disposal.

Initial Selection

4.2 During the initial selection of HAZMAT, the HAZMAT control authority, the technical authority and users are responsible to perform the following actions:

1. consider choices;
2. select material;
3. conduct tests and trials;
4. assess risk;
5. obtain technical data including Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS); and
6. develop specifications.

Procurement

4.3 During the procurement of HAZMAT, the delegated procurement authority and the technical authority are responsible to perform the following actions:

1. select the source of supply and the means of procurement;
2. identify and approve products against approved lists; and
3. make appropriate material data entries.

Use

4.4 During the use of HAZMAT, users and their supervisors are responsible to perform the following actions:

1. follow engineered controls;
2. use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
3. review the MSDS;
4. make appropriate data entries; and
5. provide spill response.

Transportation

4.5 The transport of HAZMAT requires carriers, shippers and receivers to:

1. package, label and place symbols and placards;
2. load and unload;
3. record manifests;
4. choose the appropriate mode of transportation; and
5. provide spill response.

Note - The transportation of HAZMAT shall be in accordance with the Transport of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations.

Handling, Storage and Disposal

4.6 Anyone who handles, stores or disposes of HAZMAT is responsible to perform the following actions in accordance with procedures established:

Handling

1. receive, issue, package, decant and label HAZMAT;
2. have PPE available and use where necessary; and
3. provide spill response.

Storage

1. ensure compatibility of HAZMAT;
2. select a proper storage site (consider HAZMAT, site preparation, risk of fire, detectors, showers and fire alarms);
3. use and have available PPE;
4. control access and provide security; and
5. provide spill response.

Disposal

1. ensure compatibility of hazardous waste;
2. select an appropriate waste handling location (consider HAZMAT, site preparation, risk of fire, detectors, showers and fire alarms);
3. control access and provide security;
4. test and classify waste;
5. select a disposal option (consider minimizing, reusing, recycling);
6. select a disposal contractor;
7. make appropriate data entries; and
8. provide spill response.

Civil Legal Liabilities

4.7 A person who causes damage to the environment and contravenes a federal or provincial law, or endangers human health, is liable on conviction in civilian court to a fine, or to imprisonment for certain offences, or to both.

5. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Policy DAOD

• Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Regulations
• Canada Labour Code, Part II and Regulations
• Hazardous Products Act and Regulations
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations

Other References

• A-GG-040-004/AG-001, Hazardous Materials Safety
• A-LM-187-004/JS-001, The Safe Storage, Handling and Disposal of Hazardous Materials
• 1996 North American Emergency Response Guidebook, Transport Canada