Transport Canada publishes 'You're Not Alone!' quick reference guide for first responders

GATINEAU, QC, Jan. 23, 2018 /CNW/ - As first responders play a crucial role in keeping Canadian communities safe in any dangerous goods incident, ensuring they receive proper training is of utmost importance.

As part of the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to providing first responders and emergency planners with the tools and resources they need to respond to a dangerous goods emergency, Transport Canada convened a meeting of the Steering Committee on First Responder Training today.

The meeting brought together stakeholders and government representatives to help steer the development of a national training curriculum for personnel who respond to railway incidents involving the transportation of dangerous goods.

At the meeting, Transport Canada announced the publication of a quick reference guide, You're Not Alone!, which is designed to help first responders at the scene of an incident involving flammable liquids. The guide outlines important safety measures and groups them into five steps as part of emergency planning. 

The guide was added to Safety Awareness Kits published by Transport Canada in 2017 and is aimed at first responders and communities.

Transport Canada published these kits and the quick reference guide to raise community awareness of existing available resources on dangerous goods.

Quote

"Communities and first responders need to know that if a dangerous goods incident occurs, they're not alone, and there are resources available to help. The safe transportation of dangerous goods by rail remains one of my top priorities. We all share a common goal of making sure everyone is prepared for a dangerous goods emergency and the 'You're Not Alone!' quick reference guide is an important piece of that preparation."

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport

Quick Facts

• The Steering Committee on First Responder Training was established in December 2016 in response to an Emergency Response Task Force recommendation for Transport Canada to provide assistance in the development of a national training curriculum for first responders on flammable liquids.
  
  
• Participant stakeholders include industry associations, emergency response contractors, training schools, modal carriers, Indigenous communities, municipalities, and fire marshals and commissionaires.

Associated Links

• You're Not Alone! http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/tdg/safety-menu-1318.html

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SOURCE Transport Canada