Ummmmmm. Here in the USA it is called HM126, and has been in effect since 1992.
Safety Management Systems : DOT HM 126F Course Description
DOT HM-126F
Course Length: 4 hours
CFR Reference: Title 49 CFR parts 171-180
Overview: This course will be introducing the student to the world of hazardous materials and how they must be handled for transportation. This course will give the student a general awareness along with some function specific training in reference to handling hazardous materials. It will explain how it is determined what is considered a hazardous material and how it must be handled for transportation for all modes of transportation. The course will further explain: the paperwork required for its transportation and how it must be handled; packaging required for the product; how the packaging must be marked and type markings required; along with requirements for loading and unloading such materials.
The course will also explain how to recognize markings and what they mean along with how they should be placed on the packaging. The student will also learn in a general way what to do in an emergency; understanding an "Emergency Response Guide Book" and how to use it.
Course Required by: Department of Transportation
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this training the student will be familiar with:
• Requirements to handle and transport and transport hazardous materials
• The classes of hazardous materials
• Requirements of hazardous material paperwork and packaging
• Significance of markings placed on hazardous materials containers and packages
• Proper handling of hazardous materials
• The penalties and consequences if proper handling is not followed
• Emergency plan and how to activate it if an incident were to occur
• Employee responsibility in regards to security of hazardous materials
Written Exam: Regulatory required with a minimum score of 70%. Incorrectly answered questions will be reviewed with student to ensure understanding before completion of course.
Students will be required to be able to identify placards/labels with the use of a Hazardous Materials Guidebook.
Retraining: Student is responsible for
retraining every three years.
(The majority of Haz-Mat hauling companies provide certification classes upon hire, and recertification as it comes due.)
And I am betting that the Canadian regulation is being enacted, because the US governement has extended the HM126 requirement to Canadian drivers hauling into the US.