Emergency response assistance plans (ERAPs)

ERAP online services

You can now use Transport Canada's ERAP online services (EOS) to create, view or edit an ERAP application.

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What is an ERAP

An emergency response assistance plan (ERAP) describes what to do in the event of a release or anticipated release of certain higher-risk dangerous goods while they are in transport.

Each plan is specific to certain:

  • dangerous goods,
  • modes of transport (air, rail, road or marine),
  • means of containments, like containers or packaging, used to hold the dangerous goods, and
  • geographical area in which the dangerous goods will be transported.

A person with an approved ERAP uses the plan to assist emergency responders. ERAPs list specialized personnel and equipment needed for responding to an incident.

ERAPs may be used along with emergency response plans from other organizations such as carriers and local or provincial authorities. An incident management system, usually the Incident Command System (ICS), ensures coordination between the ERAP and other emergency response plans.

Who has an ERAP

Persons who have ERAPs are involved in the transportation of certain dangerous goods above the quantity specified in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG Regulations). They are often producers, manufacturers or distributors of dangerous goods. In special cases, person who aren't required to have an ERAP may still have an approved plan.

Find out if you need an ERAP

When are ERAPs implemented

ERAPs are implemented to respond to a release or anticipated release of the dangerous goods that are part of that plan.

Often, the person who has the ERAP is contacted through the ERAP telephone number. Once they are reached, this person determines the actions they will take to respond to the release or anticipated release.

ERAP telephone number

Every ERAP must have an ERAP telephone number. When a consignment requires an ERAP, this number is found on the shipping document.

If you call the ERAP telephone number, you will be connected with someone who can implement the plan. They will:

  • provide technical and emergency response advice promptly
  • monitor the response
  • send ERAP emergency response resources

Who can implement an ERAP

Anyone can call the ERAP telephone number for assistance. But the persons who have the ERAP are responsible implementing it, as they are most familiar with the resources in the plan.

When necessary to protect public safety, section 7.1 of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992 (TDG Act) allows Transport Canada to:

  • Direct a person with an approved ERAP to implement their plan to respond to a release or anticipated release
  • Authorize a person with an approved ERAP to implement their plan, if it is unclear who requires an ERAP for the dangerous goods involved in an incident

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