OTTAWA, March 12, 2013 /CNW/ - The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is pleased to announce that it is working on behalf of the Government of Canada to address a gap in electric vehicle safety training for Canadian first responders. On behalf of Natural Resources Canada's Federal Interdepartmental Electric Vehicles Working Group, SCC has engaged the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to adapt training modules, used by U.S. first responders, for Canadian deployment.
With the recent growth in electric vehicles, the need to effectively train Canadian first responders to safely handle emergency situations has become magnified. The issue of first responder safety was highlighted to SCC by key stakeholders as part of a broader standardization mapping exercise.
"Making standardized electric vehicle safety training available to Canadian first responders is an initiative of national significance," said John Walter, SCC Chief Executive Officer. "Given the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles on North American roads, it is important to take the necessary steps to keep both Canadian first responders, and drivers, safe. We are pleased to be a facilitator and driver of an applicable solution."
"Our government is pleased to contribute expertise to this training initiative which will help to ensure that first responders are prepared for the increasing use of electric vehicles in Canada," said the Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources. "We are committed to continued collaboration with governments and industry organizations to bring electric vehicles to consumers faster and to provide jobs and economic development for Canadians."
The training packages will be available to Canadian provinces by mid-2013. These will include Train-the-Trainer sessions, as well as online training and resources for Fire, Police, Emergency Medical Services, tow truck operators and other first responders.
"Based on the success of the program in the US, we are confident this training will be highly beneficial to our Canadian emergency counterparts," said NFPA President James M. Shannon. "And as countries make a stronger 'green' effort through the use of electric vehicles, the need for this type of training will become even more essential."
A Canadian committee has been formed to review the training materials for viability in a Canadian context. For more information about SCC's role, contact [email protected].
SCC is a Crown corporation and a portfolio of Industry Canada. With the goal of enhancing Canada's economic competitiveness and social well-being, SCC offers accreditation services to standards development bodies, and coordinates the efforts of Canadians in the development and use of national and international standards. SCC is the Canadian member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and sponsor of the Canadian national committee to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). For additional information on the work of the SCC, visit www.scc.ca or email [email protected].
SOURCE: Standards Council of Canada
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Antonia Kusy
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