Transport Canada Continues to Improve the Safe Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Rail

To protect the safety and security of Canadians, especially those along our rail corridors, it is important that the transportation of dangerous goods by rail be done as safely as possible. With the publication in Canada Gazette, Part II of amendments to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, updating regulations on dangerous goods tank cars and Emergency Response Assistance Plans, dangerous goods shippers are required now to transport toxic inhalation hazard substances in tank cars constructed of normalized steel — steel that undergoes a heat treatment process that increases its durability and resistance to cracking at low temperatures. Toxic inhalation hazard substances include substances such as anhydrous ammonia, a fertilizer used by farmers. The phasing out of rail tank cars constructed of non-normalized steel will provide greater protection to Canadians and the environment by reducing the risks of transporting toxic substances by rail. Rail shippers also have consistent rules on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border as these regulations now align with those of the United States.