Abstract Manager

The recent adoption of the Canadian Method for Risk Evaluation and Assessment (CMREA) by the CSA and increased use of the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) safety standards heralds a transformative era in the integration of safety measures into the design of new transportation projects in Canada. This abstract delves into the anticipated changes and advancements that these standards will bring to the Canadian transportation landscape.

The CMREA, designed to be a comprehensive and adaptable risk assessment framework, is poised to revolutionize the way safety is woven into the fabric of transportation project design in Canada. This methodology, tailored to the Canadian context, promotes a meticulous examination of risks associated with mobility including rail, bus, paratransit services as well as new propulsion technologies in support of net zero. By necessitating a holistic evaluation of potential hazards and their exposure, CMREA compels designers to embed safety considerations at every stage of project development. This shift from a reactive to a proactive approach not only enhances the overall safety performance of transportation systems but also minimizes the likelihood of accidents and reduces the severity of their impacts.

Simultaneously, the increased use of CENELEC standards in the design of railway projects in Canada establishes an upgraded framework for System Safety, compared to the former MIL-STD approach, used in North America for decades.  The CENELEC standards 50126, 50128 and 50129 are bringing an accurate and systematic approach into implementing a formal system safety process based on recognized practices and methods.  The approach aims at ensuring reliability while minimizing the risks or hazards associated with system failures, thereby safeguarding both passengers, operators and maintainers.  The synergy between CMREA and CENELEC standards marks a significant departure from traditional safety practices in Canadian transportation design. Designers are now equipped with a robust framework that encompasses a broader spectrum of safety considerations.

In conclusion, the incorporation of both standards into new Canadian transit projects design will revolutionize the safety landscape of transportation in Canada. The integration of these standards into design practices not only ensures compliance with national and international safety norms but also fosters a proactive safety culture that permeates every stage of a project. This shift towards a comprehensive safety-oriented approach is pivotal in building resilient and secure transportation infrastructure for the future.