Addendum to the Terms of Reference for the Emergency Response Task Force (ERTF) for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods

Background

On July 27, 2015, the Minister of Transport extended the Emergency Response Task Force’s mandate until May 1, 2016. The Task Force will continue to abide by the “Emergency Response Task Force for the Transport of Dangerous Goods Terms of Reference”^{Footnote 1}, signed September 9, 2014, but with addenda to the:

• Elements of the Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) Program Examination;
• Deliverables and timeframe; and
• Task Force Composition.

Elements of the Examination and Work Plan

The Task Force will complete their examination on the following subject areas and propose recommendation(s) to Transport Canada:

1. TDG ERAP Program: Effectiveness and Improvement of the Program (ToR I(2)(ii)).

   The objectives are to:

   • Clarify the process as well as the authority to activate an ERAP;
   • Taking into consideration local emergency response capacity, identify potential gaps in community emergency response resources, and identify communities at risk. In support of this element, the Task Force will use the mapping of flammable liquids transportation corridors, and the findings and results from the Fire Survey (conducted in May and June 2015).
2. Improving communications, information sharing and outreach strategy by addressing first responder training needs (ToR II(3)).

   The objective is to identify a uniform and appropriate level of guidance and training required by first responders in order to respond to an incident involving large volumes of flammable liquids transported by rail.

   The Task Force will facilitate the development of a training curriculum, including awareness, operational and specialized levels, that is accessible in Canada and is tailored to the various roles and responsibilities of first responders when responding to an incident involving flammable liquids.

   In anticipation of a new National Fire Protection Association competency standard on flammable liquids firefighting, the Task Force will identify key competencies needed to respond to rail incidents involving flammable liquids and develop Interim Guidelines to address them.

3. Identifying other flammable liquids that may require an ERAP (ToR Part I(2)(i))

   The objective is to propose options using a risk-based approach for the potential expansion of the ERAP program to include flammable liquids beyond those listed in the Protective Direction 33, now in the current Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (SOR 2014-306).

4. Real-time data access

   The Task Force will continue its discussion on access to real-time data for municipalities and first responders. The objective is to provide more clarity for municipalities to understand the impact of real-time data access on their emergency response, and for them to have an opportunity to explain to Transport Canada why they think that having real-time data access will assist them in being better prepared for emergency response to incidents involving flammable liquids.

Deliverables and Timeframe

The Task Force will complete their examination will submit their findings and recommendations, addressing all items identified in a final report to the Director General, TDG, by May 1, 2016.

Task Force Composition

Annex A includes an updated membership list to reflect the membership as of December 8, 2015.

Approved by:

Adrian Michielsen
Vice-Chair,
TDG Emergency Response Task Force

Signed on:

January 20, 2016