Transport Canada's role in dangerous goods accidents

In the event of a transportation accident involving dangerous goods, Transport Canada may send inspectors or Remedial Measures Specialists to the accident site. These experts provide technical advice and assistance, operate detection and analytical equipment, monitor and report on response operations, and exchange information with the Canadian Transport Emergency Centre (CANUTEC). The department may also undertake an investigation under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act to determine if any safety regulations were broken and therefore contributed to or caused the accident.

Information obtained at the accident sites may be used to validate current containment equipment, regulations and safety standards; to initiate new development and research on dangerous goods and their containment; to develop new measures to be added to the Emergency Response Guide; to initiate investigation on alleged infractions; or to validate current Emergency Response Assistance Plans.

Transport Canada also works closely with other federal departments and agencies, as well as provincial and territorial governments, to promote and regulate the safe transportation of dangerous goods, and to provide advice and guidance on related issues.

Other major players

The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) promotes transportation safety through independent investigations and, in some cases, public inquiries into rail, air and marine accidents. These investigations and inquiries help the TSB to determine why an accident happened, and how safety can be improved to help prevent similar accidents.

The TSB also maintains an accident reporting system for all modes of transportation. This information is used by the Board, and by Transport Canada, to analyze and improve the safety of Canada’s transportation system.

If a transportation accident involves fatalities, a representative of the provincial or territorial coroner or a medical examiner is sent to the site. The coroner’s responsibilities include conducting autopsies where necessary and determining the cause of death. The coroner may decide to hold a coroner’s inquest into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. This inquest is normally held two to six months after the accident.

The police, whether local, provincial or RCMP, are normally among the first officials to arrive at the site. Their initial responsibilities are to ensure the safety of persons and property at the site. They also secure the site, document evidence, assist the coroner in his/her duties, and may act as the coroner’s agent, especially in remote locations.

On occasion, there may be other organizations present at accident sites. For example, officials from Environment Canada and their provincial counterparts may be on hand to help determine the presence of or to contain any environmental damage.