Transport Canada updates rule to help secure rail cars, reduce risk of runaway trains

Transport Canada announced on Wednesday that it has approved revisions to Rule 112 of the Canadian Railway Operating Rules, which establish multiple layers of defence to secure trains and further reduce the risk of runaway trains.

The updated rule is in response to recommendations from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada stemming from its investigation into the Lac-Mégantic derailment, which claimed the lives of nearly 50 people on July 6, 2013.

“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,” Transport Canada said in a statement. “Railway equipment must be secured by additional physical measures listed in the rules.”

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Following the Lac-Mégantic derailment, Transport Canada 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 directive remains in effect until the new Rule 112 comes into force on Oct. 14.

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.

“These rules are just one of the ways Transport Canada is improving railway safety in Canada,” the statement said, adding that 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 Aug. 17.