Safety issue investigation (SII)
Expanding the use of locomotive voice and video recorders [LVVR] in Canada
About the study
In May 2015, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada launched a safety issues investigation (safety study) on the use of locomotive voice and video recorders under the Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board Act.
Key railway stakeholders participated in the safety study, including Transport Canada, the Railway Association of Canada, Canadian Pacific Railway, Canadian National Railway, VIA Rail, GO Transit, and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.
The safety study assessed current technology and regulatory issues, operational and human resources, and potential safety benefits of the expanded use of on-board recorders. The study collected background information for the development of an action plan to implement locomotive voice and video recorders.
Safety communications
Recommendations
Recommendation R03-02: National standards for locomotive data recorders
Recommendation R13-02: In-cab locomotive video cameras
Correspondence
Media materials
Related TSB railway investigation reports
Train passed a signal indicating stop
VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Train No. 52
Mile 232.8, Kingston Subdivision
Trenton Junction
Trenton, Ontario
19 January 1999
Main-track derailment
Via Rail Canada Inc.
Passenger train No. 92
Mile 33.23, Canadian National
Oakville Subdivision
Aldershot, Ontario
26 February 2012
News releases
TSB calls for implementation of voice and video recorders on locomotives in Canada
Read the news release
Investigation information
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
Class of investigation
This is a class 1 investigation. These investigations—also known as safety issue investigations (SII)—analyze a series of occurrences with common characteristics that have formed a pattern over a period of time. These investigations, which may result in recommendations, are generally completed within 730 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail 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.