Emergency Response Task Force - Thursday, February 19, 2015

In reference to ERG2016 Guidebook “to add Canadian Maple Leaf Flag to the 47 Orange Guide pages”, Members suggested that Transport Canada consider adding a reference to add ‘see shipping documents’ that way one can tell if a particular product has an ERAP.

ACTION ITEM: 
The ER Task Force agrees with suggestion. Transport Canada will implement this suggestion/recommendation.

Vice-Chair provided a verbal update regarding Subgroup 1.

Members originally commented/suggested that clarification was needed on offer for transport and shipper to determine who had to meet the ERAP requirements. The Vice Chair responded that the definition of ERAP-holder was what Subgroup 1 members agreed upon.

ACTION ITEM: 
Lexicon should be finalized to clarify common language used when dealing with flammable liquid rail incidents.

DECISION:
The ERAP-holder refers to the person who is required to submit an ERAP as per the TDG Regulations (7.1) and receives approval of such.

The Vice-Chair explained that the methodology used by Subgroup 1 was an approach called Transportation Risk Management, which takes into consideration Risk Assessment and Incident Hazard Analysis. One challenge was that the transport movement data was not readily available to Subgroup 1. A request was actioned to TC by the ERTF Secretariat. The data is currently being collected.

The 2nd challenge was the lack of consensus on how to define a populated area, urban/rural/remote, therefore that issue was put aside.

The Vice Chair explained that Subgroup 1 members analysed two scenarios; 1) a spill with no fire - members felt that no further recommendations were necessary and agreed that their findings provided further corroboration and validation of similar scenarios used by TDG during ERAP submission assessments.

2) a spill with fire – member discussions on what the purpose of an ERAP would be in such a scenario, and members suggested a Tiered Response would be appropriate once an ERAP is activated.

The Vice-Chair pointed out that the Tier One in the Response Tier and Timelines document - which offers best practices and guidelines - indicate emergency response advice over the phone within 10 minutes of the request and NOT 20 minutes.

The Vice-Chair then spoke about the Technical Advisor (referred to in the Response Tier and Timelines), explaining that communities and first responders would be unfamiliar with that term/meaning. Members felt it was important to clarify the expectations and competencies required for a Technical Advisor – specifically a Flammable Liquids Technical Advisor (FLTA). The FLTA would provide advice in the Tier One of the Response Tier and Timelines document.

The intention of the profile is not to create a legal instrument, but to flesh out a clear understanding of what the appropriate role, training and competencies would be required for a FLTA for the purpose of assisting First Responders. These are offered as best practices, and the intent of the FLTA is to clarify the role and describe the profile.

It was suggested that recommendation 17 be reworded from “…TC TDG Directorate uses the FLTA descriptor document as an approval… tool during the review and approval process of ERAP..” to replace uses with further develop.

The Technical Advisor profile would be further developed and pursued during the NFPA workshop scheduled for March 18.

ACTION ITEM:
Reword Recommendation 17.

ERTF member inquired about the current criteria TDG uses to assess a Technical Advisor.

Vice-Chair responded that TDG does currently have guidelines to assess a technical advisor and will share with members.

ACTION ITEM:
Vice-Chair will share with members.

• NFPA Planning Team is planning to meet the week of Feb 25 to discuss upcoming NFPA Workshop March 18
• ERTF Secretariat will send invitations for Subgroup 4 (ERAP Review) work on flammable liquids in March 2015
• The ERTF second Quarterly Report is to be circulated to members for comment the week of February 23. Members are asked to provide comments by Friday, March 6, 2015.

The Secretariat reminded members to submit their suggestions for agenda items to Mylaine DesRosiers (mylaine.desrosiers@tc.gc.ca) or the Secretariat (TC.ERTFSecretariat-SecretariatGTIU.TC@tc.gc.ca).

Participants’ concerns, questions or suggestions are included in a consultation record which will be updated on a regular basis (RDIMS 9712281).

When: Thursday, March 19, 2015
Where: 330 Sparks Street, Place de Ville – Tower C, Ottawa, Ontario (FC 27-28-29-30)
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST

Forward agenda:
Please note: Members wishing to make a presentation are required to submit any item/presentation documents to the ER Task Force Secretariat no later than two to three days in advance of the meeting date for distribution to all participants.