Harper Government Supports Expansion of the HazLoc Testing Laboratory

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - June 26, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced an investment in support of the Canadian Standards Association's (CSA) expansion of the Hazardous Location (HazLoc) Testing Laboratory in Edmonton, Alberta. The expanded laboratory will provide small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in industrial sectors with enhanced access to the services and expertise they need to test and commercialize technologies used in explosive locations.

The Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, will provide $1 million towards CSA's purchasing of new specialized equipment. This equipment will expand testing capabilities, allowing for increased efficiency and safety in the development of new technologies. Western Canadian businesses will now have immediate local access to the services they need to bring their products to the marketplace. In addition, foreign companies who are looking to do business in Alberta will also be able to access the facility to perform HazLoc testing.

The new laboratory is an important part of CSA Group's commitment to providing fast and cost effective test and certification services for clients in Alberta, and throughout Canada. As experts in hazardous locations services, CSA Group can help manufacturers gain access to North American and global markets.

Quick Facts

• The CSA Group is an internationally-accredited standards development organization and a global provider of testing, and certification services. The CSA mark on a product demonstrates that the product has been certified to applicable standards for safety or performance; CSA Group is a global leader in HazLoc testing, which is a national safety code requirement, and the Edmonton laboratory is one of the largest explosion-proof testing labs in Canada.
• The Government of Canada's support will assist in the purchasing of:
  • A Clam Shell Explosion Chamber, which will increase the maximum size of device that may be tested;
  • A Coordinate Measuring Machine, that can automatically determine the physical dimensions of a testing object to a high degree of accuracy;
  • A Gas Flow Automation System, that will help to relieve pressure in the chamber, disperse explosive gases and decrease the amount of time required per test; and
  • Process improvements to increase efficiency.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to fostering productivity and global competitiveness in the industrial sector so that we can continue to create jobs and economic growth. By enhancing this testing facility, we are providing Canadian businesses with access to the services needed to move products from the test bench to the marketplace."

- The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification

"CSA Group is committed to providing the best service possible for our customers in hazardous locations and the Edmonton expansion will assist them in achieving local and global access for their products. CSA Group is grateful for the support of the federal government which has allowed us to continue our leadership in this field and helps us contribute to a better, safer and more sustainable world for all Canadians."

- Nashir Jiwani, Regional Vice President, Canada, CSA Group

Additional Links

- CSA Group

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