Transport Canada moves to further improve the safe transportation of dangerous goods - New standards for rail tank cars

OTTAWA, Jan. 10, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, announced proposed regulatory amendments to further improve the safety of the transportation of dangerous goods by rail. These amendments will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on January 11, 2014.

The proposed regulations will introduce new standards for certain rail tank cars, replacing existing standards referenced in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations. For example, it will require that new DOT 111 tank cars be built with thicker steel requirements, as well as adding top fitting and head shield protection to the tank car. DOT 111 tank cars are used for transporting dangerous goods of high and medium danger, such as crude oil.

Industry is already building new tank cars to this standard. This proposed amendment turns previously agreed-to tank car standard requirements into regulations. Transport Canada continues to work with all stakeholders involved in tank car design, manufacturing and use as well as our colleagues in the United States government to determine what additional requirements would enhance the DOT 111 standard. These could include further improving tank car design, or retrofitting, repurposing or retiring older tank cars in the North American fleet.

Quick Facts

• This amendment will also enhance the classification regime for the transport of dangerous goods. Specifically, it requires that the person who classifies a dangerous good before transport keep a record of classification of those goods, as well as a record of the sampling method for crude oil.
• Additionally, this proposed regulation adds requirements to the shipping document. The proposed consignor's certification would appear on the shipping document to certify that the person named on the shipping document has prepared the consignment to the regulations that apply.
• Stakeholders will have a 30-day consultation period to comment on the proposed regulations before they are finalized and published in the Canada Gazette, Part II.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to working with everyone involved to look at every possible way to increase safety when dangerous goods are transported by rail."
The Honourable Lisa Raitt,
Minister of Transport

Related Products

• Rail Safety in Canada
• The safe transportation of dangerous goods: Support for municipalities and first responders

Associated Links

• Minister Raitt discusses strengthening safety with the Advisory Council on Railway Safety (October 22, 2013)
• Harper government acts to increase safety in the transportation of dangerous goods (October 17, 2013)

SOURCE: Transport Canada

Ashley Kelahear
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
613-991-0700

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055

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