The Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act and Regulations’ primary mandate is to promote public safety. When dangerous goods incidents occur, Transport Canada (TC) is informed in accordance with Part 8 (Reporting Requirements) of the TDG Regulations. Depending on the magnitude of the incident, TC may send a TDG Inspector or a TDG Remedial Measures Specialist (RMS). TC ’s primary role is to promote public safety by monitoring remedial measures taken to mitigate the incident.
| Participate in site meetings. |
| Make recommendations to the Incident Commander in an Incident Command System (ICS). |
| Ensure that appropriate actions are taken to protect the public. |
| Advise First Responders on issues related to TDG Act & Regulations and assess the effectiveness of the remedial measures taken. |
| Remove or detain dangerous goods or a means of containment and monitor compliance with the TDG Act & Regulations. |
| Direct or stop actions if required to protect public safety and personnel on site or intervene to prevent a release of dangerous goods. |
| Communicate relevant incident information to TC through CANUTEC. |
A Remedial Measures Specialist (RMS), in addition to being designated as a TDG inspector, is a scientist that:
- Works for the TDG Directorate;
- Attends dangerous goods incident sites;
- Is an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) specialist; and
- Is a trained emergency response specialist.
| In addition to TDG ’s role, the RMS will: |
| Provide advice on response capabilities, remedial measures, safe practices and chemical-specific knowledge. |
| Monitor and assess industry’s response (carriers, consignors/shippers, ERAP holder and response contractors). |
| Conduct site assessment and report to the Incident Commander and to TC . |
| Monitor the implementation of an activated ERAP to ensure its effectiveness. |
When Would TC Attend an Incident Involving Dangerous Goods?
The considerations that might result in sending a TC representative to an incident site include:
- Proximity to populated or sensitive areas;
- Quantity and type of dangerous goods involved;
- Condition of the means of containment; and
- Whether an ERAP has, or should have been activated, etc.
TC will generally attend incidents that require a response of more than 24 hours, such as a major train derailment involving tank cars transporting poisonous or flammable gases.
TC may attend incidents involving shorter response times or incidents where an ERAP is not required in order to monitor response activities, conduct a compliance inspection or investigation and obtain information on the condition of the means of containment and the behavior of the dangerous goods.
TC may also attend these incidents at the request of local authorities, provided a TC representative can arrive in reasonable time.