Transport Canada has issued an emergency directive requiring at least two crew to work trains that transport dangerous goods.


It also says no locomotive attached to one or more loaded tank cars transporting dangerous goods can be left unattended on a main track. The directives take effect immediately.


In addition, the department is giving rail operators five days to ensure that all unattended locomotives on a main track or sidings be protected from unauthorized entry into the cab.


The directives come just hours before a House of Commons committee meets to look at rail safety in light of the train disaster in Lac-Mégantic, Que.


The transport committee will hold an emergency meeting to talk about rail regulations in general, and how to improve them.


An investigation into the July 6 tragedy, which has claimed an estimated 47 lives, is in the early stages.


New Democrat MP Olivia Chow, who sits on the committee, says she hopes MPs can at least find out why the federal government did not enact previously recommended regulations designed to improve rail safety.


The federal Transportation Safety Board had already asked for changes in regulations governing rail traffic.