TSB Says CN Derailment in P.G. is Class 3 Occurrence

By 250 News

There is no telling how long it will take the Transportation Safety Board to complete its investigation into last Saturday’s CN collision and derailment in Prince George.

The collision and derailment has been designated a “level  3” incident . That means it is the investigation of an individual occurrence, there will be a written report but no recommendations.  An incident is given this classification if  A) there is a public expectation that the TSB should independently make findings as to the cause and  contributing factors, or  B) there  is a potential to  better understand  “the latent unsafe conditions contributing to a significant safety issue; or C) a government representative so requests or D) the Board must do so to meet its obligations or commitments.”

The Transportation Safety Board Spokesperson, John Cottreau says while this level of investigation will not produce recommendations, there are other ways to communicate safety issues “We could issue a safety advisory, or send out a safety information bulletin.” 

How long will it take to  produce a report?  “That is the question I am most often asked, and the one to which I have no answer” says Cottreau.  “It will take as long as it takes to determine the cause. We will take the time we need.”

One thing is certain says Cottreau,  if there are safety issues identified during the course of the investigation, they will be dealt with “We will not wait until the report is complete, if there is something that should be  addressed, we will  deal with that immediately.”

While CN  has gone on record as saying  the August 4^th collision and derailment was the result of  human error, Cottreau says the Board will make it’s own findings “Anyone can say whatever they want, our investigators are very thorough and will look at everything.”

Does that investigation include an examination of the “safety culture” of the corporation? Cottreau says reports in the past have examined that issue, and if it is considered a factor in this incident, there is no reason to think it wouldn’t be examined. 

He also says   if the information gathered indicates the investigation should be upgraded to “Class 2” it will be.  Under that classification, there will be a written report with recommendations.  An incident is given this classification if there is “a high probability of advancing Canadian transportation safety in that there is significant potential for reducing the risk to persons, property or the environment.”

The “Class 1 Occurrence” means the Board has decided to call a public inquiry.  Cottreau says to date, that has not been necessary.

Class 4 Occurrences  are a safety issue investigation resulting from  multiple occurrences.

Class 5 is data collection for analysis, statistical reports  and archives.

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