Finally, you’re ready for the big move.
You’ve prepared to pack your fragile belongings, found the right moving company, and figured out the best way to transport the puppy and the parakeet. One thing you may not have thought of, though, is what to do about transporting the dangerous chemicals among your household goods.
Thinking about transporting chemicals at the last minute is a scenario you want to avoid. Yet not everyone is aware of the rules for transporting dangerous chemicals in Canada. It’s a much bigger part of your move than you may think.
Image Source: P. O. Arnäs
Dangerous chemicals such as explosives, corrosives, flammables, and oxidizers are part of our daily lives at home. Backyard recreation would never be the same without them. House and lawn maintenance would be impossible.
But transportation of these items can be tricky. Disposal is tricky too. That’s why thinking about what to do with these items is an important part of planning any move.
Dangerous chemicals you may have at home right now include:
- Propane
- Pool chemicals
- Oil-based paints
- Pesticides and fertilizers
- Bleach
- Disinfectants
Taking precautions while transporting dangerous chemicals helps protect you and your family from accidents. Transporting dangerous chemicals is also a matter of public safety. In Canada, it’s subject to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations. Here are five steps you can take to keep everyone safe during your move:
Talk to Your Moving Company
If you are using a professional moving company, you must notify the company in advance about any dangerous chemicals you may want them to transport. In fact you’re required by law to declare any dangerous goods. After all, it’s a question of both public safety and the driver’s safety. Call the company to arrange a consultation so that you will understand what they can and cannot move and how to prepare the dangerous.
Know the Regulations
That may leave you with some items to move yourself. You will be responsible for finding out about the regulations and exemptions. The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations lets you know how much you can transport of which items. You can also contact your Transportation of Dangerous Goods regional office with regulatory questions.
Research Individual Items
The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations will inform you of precautions you’re required to take while transporting specific items. For example, you will usually have to secure the item in an upright position. Other typical precautions include providing proper ventilation and making sure the container is properly sealed.
If you’re undertaking this yourself, you may also want to know what to do in case of a spill and what first aid may be involved. To find out more about the safe handling, transportation, and storage of dangerous chemicals, consult the supplier of the item. You can also use the resources of industry associations, such as the Canadian Propane Association website.
Dispose or Donate
In many cases it may be easiest to dispose of or donate your goods containing dangerous chemicals. Donation is a great option if you don’t want anything to go to waste. Give your leftover items to your neighbour as a farewell present. You can pay them back for always borrowing their ladder or convincing them to help you move. You can also give back to the community by donating to a Household Hazardous Waste Reuse Centre.
If you decide to dispose of a corrosive, flammable, explosive, or poisonous item, make sure you follow the proper disposal procedures for Household Hazardous Waste. In Toronto, you have the option of dropping off Household Hazardous Waste at a depot or Community Environment Day event or arranging a Toxic Taxi pick-up.
Plan Ahead
Above all, when you are planning a big move, make sure to set aside time to deal with the question of transporting dangerous chemicals. You will need time to consult with the moving company and figure out alternative means of transporting or dealing with the items. It will also take you time to prepare them for safe transportation or proper disposal. Once you’ve done your research and made your preparations you can relax during the move itself, knowing that it will be safe and responsible.
