Bulletin # 29

Printable version – PDF (43 kb)

June 2006

Safety Advisory: Explosives in Transit

Two situations with potentially serious safety consequences occur from time to time, and I am taking this opportunity to review them with all concerned in the industry.

The first item involves situations where truckers who have apparently stopped their vehicles loaded with explosives at motel/hotel sites and, with disregard for common sense safety procedures, have covered or removed the four explosives warning placards and then slept in the motel/hotel. No fire, explosion or emergency resulted, but the possibility for disaster is unnerving.

There are several things obviously wrong here. The vehicle was not attended, it was parked in a busy location, and the signs turned in give no warning in case of emergency. A poor attitude can result in carelessness and even an unwillingness to place safety first.

The type of infraction described above is clearly unacceptable, and I will support the police forces to the full weight of the law in their prevention efforts.

Both the Explosives Regulations and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations must be followed. Public safety is not negotiable.

The second item concerns a possible misunderstanding on what is meant by “attending” a vehicle containing any amount of (blasting) explosives. It is recognized that on long hauls some stops are essential, for example, at roadside service station/restaurant locations. It must be remembered, however, that stops may only be made when the safety of the general public will not be endangered, that the duration of the stops must be minimized, and that the vehicle must be constantly attended.

A vehicle is considered properly attended when:

1. The cab doors are locked and the windows are rolled up;
2. The cargo compartment is locked;
3. The engine is shut off except in extreme weather circumstances;
4. The parking location is safely away from fuel islands and other dangerous goods, and as far away from site activity as practicable; and
5. The unit is under constant surveillance by a crew member.

Regarding item number 5, the driver/helper assigned to attend the vehicle must be awake and have the vehicle in full view at all times and be close enough, say within 100 metres or less, to be able to respond to any challenges to its safety or security right away.

Attending a vehicle does not include a one-person crew being asleep in it. Such a situation does not constitute guarding.

The reason for these common sense rules and traditions is once again public safety.

Chris Watson, Ph.D.
Chief Inspector of Explosives