MEASURES TO ENHANCE RAIL SAFETY (INCLUDING LAC MÉGANTIC)
LOCATION: NATIONAL
ISSUE: SUMMARY OF RAIL SAFETY OVERSIGHT AND OUTREACH
DATE: March 17, 2021
SUGGESTED RESPONSES
- Transport Canada is committed to protecting all Canadians who live and work along rail lines.
- In keeping with this commitment, Transport Canada conducts more than 35,000 rail safety oversight activities each year, including inspections and audits. Since 2013, the department increased the total number of rail safety oversight personnel by 42% (from 107 to 152).
- These oversight activities complement the progress Transport Canada is making on rules and regulations to improve safety, including:
- lower operating speeds in metropolitan areas for trains carrying crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas;
- strengthening train securement requirements to reduce the risk of uncontrolled movements;
- mandatory use of locomotive voice and video recorders; and
- requiring thicker steel on cars carrying flammable material.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Examples of Progress Achieved since 2013
|
Measures |
Description |
|
Hiring of more Inspectors |
The number of rail safety inspectors increased from 107 to 152. The number of inspectors who inspect dangerous goods tripled from 30 to 90. |
|
Enhanced Standards for Tank Cars |
In May 2015, Transport Canada, along with the U.S. brought forward a new tank car specifically designed for the transport of all flammable liquids. The TC/DOT 117 tank car is a much more robust jacketed tank car. |
|
Reduced Operating Speeds |
Rules Respecting Key Trains and Key Routes: In 2021, Transport Canada established updated rules which require railway companies carrying large volumes of dangerous goods to reduce the speed of their trains. |
|
Mandatory use of sufficient hand brakes |
Securement of Unattended Trains: Rule 112 of the Canadian Rail Operating Rules has been amended to impose stricter requirements on the securement of unattended trains, including rail companies must adhere to a chart on minimum handbrake requirements. |
|
More stringent regulations |
|