Transport Canada has released comprehensive new guidance for first responders to assist them with dealing with potential incidents involving the transport of flammable liquids by rail. A CN unit oil train passes through Auburn, Washington on BNSF tracks in May of 2016. Photo © 5/2016 by Nikki Burgess; all rights reserved.

The second week of the year finds us all bearing down to get through the winter grind—be sure to do it safely.  Cold and snow are not only inconvenient but can be potentially dangerous if we don’t keep proper precautions in mind!  It was a relatively quiet week in the regulatory world, with a new emergency guide release by Transport Canada being the biggest news. Here’s the latest:

FMCSA

The agency announced its implementation of the multi-year multiple-year commercial vehicle safety plan (‘‘multi-year plans’’) program and annual updates for the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) grants.  The idea behind both moves is to assist state DOT’s to more effectively monitor commercial motor vehicle safety and performance and administer state level licensing requirements. See the notice here

U.S. EPA

The agency announced fee structures that will apply to the new electronic manifest system for hazardous waste.  The fees are intended mainly to apply to waste receiver sites, but other entities may be affected, and of course, one can expect such costs to make their way back through the logistics chain to shippers. Do you ship hazardous waste?  If so, you may want to have a look. Here’s your link

Transport Canada

Our northern neighbor’s analog to PHMSA has released a new and comprehensive guide to first response and mitigation protocols to be followed in the event of, fires, spills, leaks, or other incidents involving the transport of flammable liquids by rail. Ever since the tragic August 2013 oil train derailment and fire at Lac-Megantic, Quebec took dozens of lives, the agency (as well as its US counterpart) has taken extensive actions to attempt to increase the safety of shipments by rail. This new guide represents the most recent effort.  See it here

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