Canadian Standards Association and federal government initiate new standard for protection of first-responders during chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents

    First national standard to help better protect emergency workers from
    coast-to-coast

    OTTAWA, Feb. 28 /CNW/ - Canadian Standards Association (CSA), in
cooperation with the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) and other
stakeholders, announced today their intent to develop the first national
standard for protective equipment for fire, police and paramedic services in
the event of a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incident.
    "Canada's fire, police and EMS services are the first on the scene in
90 per cent of emergencies and not all have the minimal level of protective
equipment necessary in the event of a deliberate or accidental CBRN incident,"
says John Walter, vice-president, Standards Development, Canadian Standards
Association. "This is why CSA, Canadian General Standards Board, and other
stakeholders are working to develop a national CBRN standard that will help
improve the protection of first-responders across jurisdictions from coast to
coast."
    Currently, there are limited protective equipment standards specific to
CBRN incidents. Most first-responders in Canada have hazardous material
(HazMat) or dangerous goods (DG) standards to guide them in responding to a
CBRN incident. With this project, first-responders will have, for the first
time, a national standard recognized across jurisdictions to protect them in
their vital work.
    "Assuring Canadians that those they rely upon in the event of an
emergency are adequately prepared to deal with a CBRN event, and strengthening
Canada's capabilities to respond to CBRN incidents, are continuing priorities
for all levels of government," says Dr. James G. Young, Special Advisor to the
Deputy Minister, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada.
"First-responders are on the front line in times of crisis so we must continue
to develop and implement appropriate preparedness and response programs and
standards, such as the one announced today, to help improve their capabilities
and their safety."
    The new national standard will have a significant impact in assisting
first-responder organizations in the selection, use, capabilities and
limitations of CBRN personal protective equipment, enabling them to do their
jobs more safely with greater protection and functionality. The standard will
identify requirements for protective CBRN equipment, such as respiratory
protection and whole-body protection. The standard will also address and
provide valuable guidance on key issues such as interchanging and
interoperating equipment, thus enhancing the capacity of first-responders to
work effectively across jurisdictions.
    The new standard will also address the differences between a conventional
hazardous material incident and a deliberate CBRN incident in order to
understand how equipment guidelines may differ.
    The work of CSA and CGSB on the development of the national standard is a
leading model of cooperation. The project will leverage the mutual expertise
of both organizations in the area of personal protective equipment standards
and help enhance the security and effectiveness of first responders in
addressing CBRN events.
    CSA and CGSB's accredited standards development process requires strong
and balanced participation from all relevant stakeholders, including the
responder organizations, various levels of government, manufacturers, and
research and testing organizations. This means the development of a single,
recognized national standard will leverage these stakeholders' expertise.
    Funding for the development of this new Canadian national standard is
being provided by the Government of Canada's CBRN Research and Technology
Initiative. In kind contributions of personnel and facilities are also being
made by Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada and other
stakeholders. The standard is targeted for publication in February 2009.

    CBRN is defined by the Government of Canada as weaponized or
non-weaponized chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials that
can cause significant harm. An intentional CBRN incident is a criminal act,
may be a terrorist act as defined in the Criminal Code of Canada and the
Security Offences Act and could include acts involving serious violence to
persons or property.

    About CSA

    Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is a membership association serving
industry, government, consumers and other interested parties in Canada and the
global marketplace. A leading developer of standards and codes, CSA aims to
enhance public safety, improve quality of life, preserve the environment and
facilitate trade. To help people understand and apply standards, CSA offers
information products and training. The Canadian Standards Association is a
division of CSA Group, which also consists of CSA International for product
testing and certification, OnSpeX for consumer product evaluation services,
and QMI for management systems registration. For more information visit
www.csa.ca

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For further information: Anthony Toderian, Senior Media Relations
Officer, CSA Group, T: [phone], E: [e-mail]