Regulatory Cooperation Council – Work Planning Format

Regulatory area to be addressed

Explosives Classification

Natural Resources Canada and the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration will work to align and promote the safe management of explosives materials including classification requirements.

Department/Agency

United States

Canada

U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) – Explosives, Regulatory and Business Services Branch (ERBSB)

Work stream A
Classification approval criteria

Objective: Work toward enhanced recognition of explosives classification assessments.
Rationale: Given the globalized nature of commercial explosives being manufactured and used, stakeholders have suggested a strong collaboration on the classification of explosives matters for ensuring a mutual recognition, where possible.

Planned initiatives and sub-deliverables

Date

Initiative A – Existing equivalency

2016 to 2017

Continue work through joint meetings (build on the Powerpoint presentation from May 2016) to identify areas where review and classification processes are equivalent

June 2016-June 2017

Produce a document that identifies methods to share data to simplify and streamline the classification process in those areas

June 2016 -June 2017

Document potential agency actions to further enhance recognition

June 2016 – June 2017

Expedite approvals process through moving towards enhanced recognition of each country’s decisions

December 2016 – December 2017

Develop mechanisms to enhance the recognition and promote consistent results in the analysis of classification tests

December 2017 - June 2017

Work stream B
Harmonization

Objective: Work toward reducing variances in explosives classification.
Rationale: The legislative systems differ between both countries, leading to varying regulatory approaches and requirements. By acting together, both countries may address individual national interests while achieving shared goals of greater safety and security.

Planned initiatives and sub-deliverables

Date

Initiative A - Explosives classification

2016 to 2017

Identify and assess the feasibility of potential measures to recognize the classification of country of origin to facilitate cross-border transportation of explosives

June 2017

Enhance cooperation with other Canadian and U.S. agencies on transportation-related explosives issues

June 2016 – June 2017

Work stream C
Issues identified internally and by stakeholders

Objective: Maintain an on-going dialogue among NRCan, PHMSA and stakeholders for ensuring, where possible, reduction of unnecessary costs on businesses associated with different regulatory systems.
Rationale: Internal review and stakeholders input has identified areas where regulatory variances have led to a different explosive classification having an impact on their operations where they might benefit from enhanced recognition.

Planned initiatives and sub-deliverables

Date

Initiative A –Review of issues identified internally and by stakeholders

2016 onwards

Review pertinent issues under consideration by the United Nations Transport of Dangerous Goods Sub-Committee including:
- Classification of ammonium nitrate emulsions
- 1.4S items subject to the 6D test (review of list)
- 1.4 other than S classification criteria
- Jet perforating gun classification criteria
- Small Arms Ammunition
- Analogy (use and application)
- Exclusion from Class 1: Substances and Articles (Default to Class 9 or other Class)
- Rocket Motor classification (default vs. testing)
- Shaped charges classification (analogy vs. testing)

June 2016 – June 2017

Review newly identified issues through the NRCan-PHMSA working group and work collaboratively within the UN Transport of Dangerous Goods Sub-Committee to address such issues where appropriate

June 2016 – onwards

Work stream D
International Engagement

Objective: There are a number of North American issues on the transportation of explosives (listed in Work Stream C Initiative A) which require work through international fora, or work at international locations. NRCan and PHMSA will explore opportunities to work collaboratively on these issues to advance joint positions.

Planned initiatives and sub-deliverables

Date

Initiative A – Collaboration on international standards and initiatives

Establish coordinated joint positions via working groups and pre-meetings on items in Workstream C Initiative A, wherever practicable, through participation in international fora, including the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, International Civil Aviation Organization Dangerous Goods Panel, and/or the International Maritime Organization Subcommittee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers.

July 01, 2018

Page details

Date modified:: 2018-03-14

Language selection

Search

Regulatory Cooperation Council – Work Planning Format

Page details