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Policy on Visits to Occurrence Sites by Board Members

Effective March 28, 2018

1. Context

1.1 This policy provides guidance to Board members, management and investigators with respect to visits to occurrence sites by Board members.

1.2 The investigator-in-charge (IIC) is responsible to the director of investigations (DOI) for conducting the investigation.

1.3 It is the responsibility of Board members to review the investigation report and the evidence gathered during an investigation and then objectively make their decisions on the basis of this material and any other relevant information that they may have. In order to fulfil their role, Board members need to understand the TSB investigation process and the challenges that investigators can face when deployed to accident sites.

1.4 Board members are not part of the investigation and must maintain their independence in order to fulfil their responsibilities.

1.5 There is a clear delineation of responsibilities between Board members and investigators. Consequently, parties with a direct interest who make representations to the Board on confidential draft reports can be confident that the Board gives as much weight to their representations as it gives to the investigator's report.

1.6 For this reason, Board members must avoid any action or comment that could be interpreted as their being part of the investigation or directing or influencing the investigation.

1.7 In the case of complex investigations, Board members may benefit from briefings, visiting the occurrence site or viewing the wreckage to fully appreciate the issues discussed in the investigation report that they will review.

2. Definitions

2.1 "Board member" means a full-time or part-time member of the Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board (CTAISB) who has been appointed by the Governor in Council in accordance with section 4 of the CTAISB Act.

3. Policy objective

3.1 The purpose of this policy is to outline the conditions and procedures that govern visits to occurrence sites by Board members.

4. Policy requirements

4.1 Before going to an occurrence site

4.2 When at an occurrence site

5. Authorities

5.1 This policy is issued under the authority of the Chair. It was approved by the Board on March 28, 2018, after consultation with the Executive Committee.

5.2 This policy will be reviewed and may be updated in response to changes in government priorities or TSB strategic direction, but at least once every 5 years.

6. Roles and responsibilities

6.1 Chair

The Chair is the responsible authority for this policy. The Chair will approve all Board member site visits after consulting with the COO and DOI.

6.2 Board members

Board members are responsible for discussing proposed site visits with the Chair. Board members are responsible for obtaining appropriate protective clothing, safety equipment and protective devices. Board members must follow the IIC's instructions while on site.

6.3 Chief operating officer

The COO is responsible for the periodic review and update of this policy.

6.4 Directors of investigations

Each DOI is responsible for ensuring that their investigators follow this policy and that IICs make appropriate arrangements for site visits by Board members.

6.5 Investigator-in-charge

The IIC is responsible for ensuring that their team follows this policy.

7. References

7.1 The following acts and regulations apply:

8. Enquiries

8.1 Questions about this policy may be addressed to:

General enquiries
1-800-387-3557
1-819-994-3741
communications@bst-tsb.gc.ca