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| back to previous page |
November 16, 2003 |
Member News |
| CN Workshop on the safe transportation of Sodium Chlorate by rail | |
| In a Responsible Care Initiatives, CN has organized and hosted this workshop at their Head Quarters in Montreal in an effort to continuously improve the safe transportation of Dangerous goods by rail. This was a great opportunity to learn more about the special characteristics of this product as presented by Erco Worldwide and Nexen Chemicals. In their respective presentations, we have received information on the properties of the product, loading and unloading methods, what type of PPE to wear when responding to incidents and Dos and Don’ts on handling this product. The three biggest North American producers are Eka Chemicals, Erco Worldwide & Nexen Chemicals that represent almost 80% of production capacity concentrated in Canada and mainly exported in the United States. Representative from the Car owners PROCOR, GATX & ACF made a joint presentation on the type of railcars used for the safe transportation of this product. There are 3 types of hopper railcars being used for the transportation of sodium chlorate dry; Steel body, with painted lining, Steel body, with aluminum body and steel body with stainless steel body. In their presentation, a review of the advantages and disadvantages of using these different types of car designs all meeting the requirements of AAR standards. Onyx Industries, contractor servicing the railway industry made a presentation on special transfer equipment utilize to handle the product at railway incidents. Transport Canada also made a presentation on the role and responsibilities of the (RMS) Remedial Measures Specialist, Officer. On the scene of an incident, the RMO’s role is to promote public safety, give advice and recommendations, monitor the implementation of any activated “ERAP” Emergency Response Assistance Plan”, monitor emergency response activities and initiate a compliance investigation. At this workshop, 2 case studies where presented to share lessons learned in responding to Sodium Chlorate rail incidents. The audience who attended the workshop represented, Class 1 & Short line Railways, Chemical Industries, Railcar Owners, E.R.Contractors, Transport Canada, Association of American Railroads (AAR), Canadian Chemical Producers Association (CCPA) and the Railway Association of Canada (RAC). To conclude the workshop, action items regarding inquiries from the audience where noted and will be brought forward to the next AAR / BOE Hazmat committee and they will be kept inform on futur developments. |
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Contact Information: |
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Association of Canada 99 Bank Street, Suite 901 Ottawa, ON K1P 6B9 Telephone: (613) 567-8591 Fax: (613) 567-6726 |
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Mr. Paul Goyette Director, Communications and Public Affairs Phone: (613) 564-8097 |
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