TSB Turns 20, Vows Continued Effort

GATINEAU, QC, March 29 /CNW Telbec/ - Promising to "keep the momentum," the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) marks its 20th anniversary today with a renewed commitment to safety, as it reflects on the successes of the past two decades.

"We have accomplished a lot in 20 years," said Board Chair Wendy Tadros. "Our work has helped change all sorts of operating practices, equipment, and laws governing the transportation industry. More, however, remains to be done."

Asked to highlight specific key successes, Ms. Tadros noted that Transportation Safety Board investigations and recommendations have prompted international regulators to require survival suits for all crew members on commercial vessels. Domestically, small passenger vessels now need a float-free liferaft, larger operators are increasingly carrying voyage data recorders, and all passengers must now receive a safety briefing prior to each voyage.

"Our work has also prompted improvements in pipeline spacing, changes in the federal electrical code, the removal of defective wheels from Canadian trains, and tougher crashworthiness standards for data recorders," she said. "Many of these measures have since been adopted by companies and regulators worldwide."

Ms. Tadros said that, in aviation, cooperation between investigators and international aviation regulators and manufacturers has led to improved inspection techniques for aircraft parts made from composite materials. The Board has also been influential in reducing the risk of contaminated insulation materials and debris that can propagate fires; prohibiting pilots from landing where visibility is poor; and ensuring that planes land at the first sign of smoke from an unknown source, she said.

Ms. Tadros also pointed to the recently released "Watchlist" which "provides a blueprint to build a safer transportation system," adding that the Board will "monitor progress on these nine critical safety issues."

"We're a leader in transportation safety, but you don't get that way by resting on your laurels. We're always looking for ways to improve safety for Canadians - we're proactive - and this Watchlist is part of that."

Added Ms. Tadros: "We are proud of our work here at the Transportation Safety Board. We look forward to the future, and to making Canada even safer, one investigation at a time."

As an independent agency, the TSB investigates numerous occurrences each year, publishing its findings in public reports and making recommendations.

For more information about the history of the TSB and view the video testimonials, please visit www.bst-tsb.gc.ca.

The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.

This news release and all relevant materials can be found on the TSB website at www.bst-tsb.gc.ca.

For further information: Media Relations, Transportation Safety Board of Canada, Telephone: [phone]