by Emily Walter on October 29, 2010 at 3:26 pm · in Emily's Blog
As kids, our parents use to tell us not to talk to or take candy from strangers. Funny that on Halloween, children are encouraged to do just that! Now that I am a parent myself, I find myself thinking about all of those warnings that I used to get before I would set out trick or treating. Here are a few safety tips that trick or treaters of all ages should remember:
Make sure that all costumes have reflective material or lights attached to them so that the wearer can be seen easily when near the street.
Check (or have an adult check) all treats before eating them. There are still sick people out there who could tamper with candy before handing it out. Avoid any "homemade" treats unless the person is a trusted friend or family member.
Teach kids how and where to safely cross the street. On halloween, it’s very easy for both trick or treaters and drivers to get distracted.
Avoid trick or treating alone, make sure to go with an adult or a group.
Plan a route and make sure your family knows where you are going.
Only go to houses that have a light on.
Take a cell phone.
By using a little common sense, it’s easy for everyone to have a safe and fun Halloween!
by ICC The Compliance Center on October 28, 2010 at 4:27 pm · in Uncategorized
I must confess. After twenty plus years working the issues of regulatory compliance, transportation of dangerous goods, environmental protection, emergency and hazardous waste management and occupational health and safety, I haven’t seen everything and I’m happy, even relieved, about this fact. I realize this confession of mine is not what most would typically expect to hear from a person who has dedicated much of his career to hazards communications and accident prevention. Indeed, I have been through my fair share dealing in the legal issues of nonconformity to these regulations, the misuse of chemical products and the accidents that occur as consequence. I’ve been deep in the regulatory alligator pit, written the affidavits and have been challenged as the “expert witness”. I’ve had to set records straight (at times to people thought to know better) about the inherent risks to health, the environmental and physical property due to the improper storage, handling and exposures to dangerous goods. I’ve been the proverbial thorn in the Achilles’ heel of company administrators concerned more about their bottom lines, and the guardian angel of workplace employees.
It’s not to say that I’m field inexperienced; quite the contrary. I have felt the impact of explosion, decontaminated under a drenching shower, fought fire and treated human flesh damaged by chemical burns. Over the years I’ve witnessed many tragic occurrences – the results of neglectful ignorance of good information, blind faith in misinformation and worse, no information.
For the most part, I guess I could say that I’ve been there, done that. Though I shudder at the thought that with all I’ve experienced, it is comparatively very minute to what happens around this world where dangerous chemicals are involved. And all because a simple order of the day, is not followed everyday – prevention.
Transport Canada requests comments on or before October 29, 2010 on Amendment A.
The changes in this proposed amendment are:
update the references in the Table to section 1.3.1 to a number of technical standards, to the IMDG Code, and to the UN Recommendations and the Manual of Tests and Criteria and adds new technical standards; the changes are highlighted
include consequential amendments to Part 5, Means of Containment (which are highlighted) and to Schedules 1 and 2 as a result of updating existing standards and adding new standards
update subsection 1.17(4) to allow the display of the new limited quantities mark in the UN Recommendations
removes Part 16
Comments are requested, in writing, on or before October 29, 2010. Please send comments to:
Linda Hume-Sastre
Director, Legislation and Regulations
Transport Dangerous Goods Directorate (ASDC)
Transport Canada
By one of the following options: Email:linda.hume-sastre@tc.gc.ca Fax: 613-993-5925 Surface mail: Place de Ville, Tower C, 330 Sparks Street 9th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0N5
The 2011-2012 edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by air comes into effect on January 1, 2011. Here is a brief summary of the changes:
changes to excess bagage containing dangerous goods
new definitions
new proper shipping names
additions and changes to the Special provisions
new Limited Quantity marking
requirement for absorbent material replaced with a requirement for closures of inner packagings containing liquids to be held securely by secondary means, such as adhesive tape. When it is not possible to apply a secondary means of closure, a leakproof liner must be used
all the reformatted packing instructions for classes 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 dand division 6.1
additional clarification and restructuring of lithium battery Packing instructions
This is not an exhaustive list and you would need to review the new edition to ensure all relevant changes are taken into account.
The new Vehicle Inspection Manual specifies the minimum mechanical standards required for a vehicle to pass the BC Commercial and Private Vehicle Inspection Programs.
This manual replaces the Vehicle Inspection Manual (dated December 2001). The new Vehicle Inspection Manual was in force on August 30, 2010, and a 45 day transitional period was granted to ensure an ample opportunity for all facility operators and authorized inspectors to obtain and become familiar with the new Manual.
This transitional period expires on October 14, 2010.
Effective October 15, 2010, all provincial vehicle inspections must be conducted in accordance with all criteria and standards contained in the new Manual to be considered compliant with Motor Vehicle Act Regulations and Inspection Program requirements. Any regulatory violations or matters of non-compliance with Inspection Program requirements may result in enforcement action against facility operators and / or authorized inspectors.
Once the new Vehicle Inspection Regulation (formerly called the Inspection Standards (Safety and Repair) Regulation) comes into force, you must have access on line, or keep a printed copy at your facility.
What has changed?
Expansion of Vehicle Inspection Manual to include several new vehicle types, such as 3 wheeled vehicles, and a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) section
Addition of several new tool requirements for facilities
Removal of "General Information" section as part of the Manual. Information for Designated Inspection Facility (DIF) operators and Authorized Inspectors (AIs) will be contained in a separate document titled "Vehicle Inspection Guide". This document will be available on-line and will be updated regularly
Enhancement of page formatting and sequential document page numbering
Expansion of and enhanced definition section
There have been many revisions and edits throughout the Manual. Some notable changes for inspection standards and criteria include:
Motorcycles, restricted use motorcycles, 3 wheeled vehicles, neighborhood zero emission vehicles and VIN’s
