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
Transportation Safety Board
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.
Coroner
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.
Police
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.
Others
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.
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