What is a critical piece of information needed when contacting the Canadian Transport Emergency Centre?

The most critical piece of information when contacting the Canadian Transport Emergency Centre is the type of hazardous material involved. This information is vital because it allows the personnel at the emergency centre to provide appropriate guidance and resources based on the specific hazards and risks associated with that substance. Each type of hazardous material can require different response strategies, protective equipment, and decontamination procedures, so knowing exactly what is present at the scene is essential for ensuring safety and effective response.

While knowing the location of the incident, the name of the site manager, or emergency services contacts are also valuable, they do not have the same immediate impact on the effectiveness of the response as understanding what hazardous materials are involved. Accurate identification of the hazardous material can significantly influence the direction of the emergency response, including evacuation decisions, contamination containment, and medical treatment options.