Transport Canada approves new rules to secure trains

OTTAWA, Canada – Transport Canada issued the following statement on train securement:

“Today we have reached another important milestone ‎in response to recommendations from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada stemming from its investigation into the Lac-Mégantic derailment.

“Transport Canada has approved revisions to Rule 112 of the Canadian Railway Operating Rules, establishing multiple layers of defence to secure trains and further reduce the risk of runaways.

“Following the accident in Lac-Mégantic the department imposed stricter rules for securing unattended trains by issuing an emergency directive which set a standard on the number of applied handbrakes and a subsequent directive which also required additional physical securement measures to prevent runaway trains.

“The updated Rule 112 formalizes the provisions set out in the emergency directive and makes them permanent as well as more detailed.

“The new rules provide industry with a comprehensive handbrake application chart to respond to various operating situations, which once applied, must be confirmed by another employee with the appropriate level of knowledge.

“Railway equipment must be secured by additional physical measures listed in the rules.

“Rules had previously been amended to require the locomotive cabin to be locked and immobilized whenever a train is left unattended to prevent unauthorized entry.

“The Emergency Directive on train securement remains in effect until the new Rule 112 comes into force on October 14, 2015.

“These rules are just one of the ways Transport Canada is improving railway safety in Canada. Earlier this year, the department required trains carrying dangerous goods to slow their speeds when travelling in highly urbanized areas.

“Transport Canada issued an emergency directive to this end which remains in effect until August 17, 2015.”