Important Considerations
Contact with local Municipalities
- All Federation Members are strongly encouraged to approach their local Municipalities and Industry Stakeholders to coordinate emergency response to ensure that their Utility has been added as an emergency contact within the Municipal Emergency Response Plan. In the event of an emergency, only stakeholders listed within the local Municipal Emergency Response Plan will be contacted/involved.
- Be aware there is a potential your Utility could be affected by multiple emergency situations at the same time, therefore creating multiple incident commands. This would require open dialogue between your Utility and all Incident Commands; thus, the same information may be repeated multiple times. Keep in mind terminologies may not align between all Stakeholders, which highlights the importance of clear and open communication.
External Communication
- Being aware of an emergency situation as soon as possible and being involved in regular updates is critical in allowing adequate time to make appropriate decisions regarding emergency response.
- Make sure that if your Utility has any shared infrastructure with another Member Utility or Industry Partner (eg. RMOs) that each Stakeholder is aware of who is responsible for what. Ensure that all Stakeholders involved utilize common names on the shared infrastructure reducing confusion between each other.
- Make sure your Emergency Control Centre (ECC) is aware of your franchise boundaries.
Internal Communications
- Some areas of the province have poor cellular reception, therefore making it extremely difficult to keep in contact with anyone, specifically co-workers. Truck boosters, radios, satellite devices, or another forms of communication should be considered if you have any problem areas with poor cellular reception.
- Have an effective internal communication system within your Utility. One option to consider is group text messages, which allow everyone to be aware of the ongoing situation/status.
- Pictures are an excellent form of communication, documentation, and confirmation of tasks completed.
Current Information
- Having current and up to date information is vital in your decision making relating to protecting your system, infrastructure and customers.
- Having proper emergency response plans with contacts/roles that are clearly established and practiced is crucial to ensure a smooth and efficient response.
External Information
- Early involvement and being involved with those making decisions regarding the emergency (eg. Incident Command).
- Make sure you are monitoring the active situation and are ensuring you are receiving information from a reliable source.
Internal Information
- Ensure all employees, especially those involved in an emergency, have access to up-to-date maps.
- Ensure all employees involved in an emergency know your system, including where gas lines run (to and from), which taps can be feed from other areas through block valves or reg stations, and which customers are affected by which taps. This information is crucial to know and can save a lot of time if a tap needs to be rerouted or shut off.
- Having access to an updated and current customer contact list is very important if you need access onto a property to shut off gas, locate a line, or get past locked gates or if you need to notify customers of an outage or a timeline of work being scheduled in their areas.
Contingency Planning
- Consider the ability for administration staff to work remotely and consider backup power sources in the event your main office building loses power or is evacuated.
- Having service vehicles fully equipped with all the required tools/equipment for regular work along with the consideration of any tools/equipment that may be required in the event of an emergency.
- Reduce the potential impact on your above ground infrastructure by ensuring your routine maintenance is completed, (eg. vegetation control, regularly checking all valves to ensure they are operational, etc.)
- If additional resources are needed, utilize the Emergency Services Agreement (Zone Agreement). It is a good idea to reach out to those within your agreement to let them know what is going on.
Additional Details to Consider
- What will you do if all of the Utilities within your Emergency Services Agreement (Zone Agreement) are dealing with their own emergency situations at the same time?
- What will you do if your office is evacuated? How will you operate your Utility?
- What will you do if the power is off at your office for an extended period of time? (eg. If your office is digital, how will you access your files?)
- What will you do if there is no internet access? (eg. How will you access SCADA or your GIS system?)
Notification/Reporting to the Federation
- All Federation Members are to notify the Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops of any emergency deemed to be a level 2 or higher within the O&M Manual: Emergency Preparedness & Response.
Useful Links:
AER Bulletin (Increased Risk of Wildfires) - Click Here
Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard - Click Here
Health Risks
- Wildfire smoke can affect your health now and in the future. It can cause minor problems like eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as headaches. But it can also worsen allergies and cause more serious issues like persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, increased mucous production, bronchitis, exacerbation of asthmas and even risk of death. Pregnant women and workers with existing health conditions, especially those with lung or heart issues are at increased risk.
- While outdoor air may appear smoky, the amount of hazardous substances in the air are typically far below occupational exposure limits (OELs) found in the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code (Schedule 1, Table 2).
Using the Air Quality Health Index
- There are no specific safety thresholds for working in wildfire smoke due to its complex composition. The health risks depend on factors like the smoke content, exposure level and duration, as well as the worker’s age and susceptibility. For these reasons, outdoor air readings are used to determine the right measures to take.
- It is important to follow the health messages contained within the Government Air Quality Health Index.
Air Quality Health Index - Click Here
Employer Responsibilities:
- Stay updated with Government Air Quality Health Index and public health warnings. Ensure they are followed.
- Identify workers who are more likely to be exposed or with existing health conditions.
- Inform workers of the dangers of smoke exposure and main symptoms.
- Inform workers of what to do if they show signs/symptoms of smoke inhalation.
- Regularly check in with workers.
- Establish emergency protocols.
- Provide training on administrative controls and PPE.
Examples of Administrative and PPE Controls:
- Working indoors when possible.
- Use clean HEPA filters in building ventilation systems, limit outdoor air intake and ensure proper exhaust.
- Suspending outdoor activities, if possible or look to suspend strenuous or heavy activities.
- If your work is not critical and can be moved to an area where smoke levels are lower, consider relocating or rescheduling.
- Regularly rotate workers exposed to smoke outdoors to reduce total exposure.
- Prevent smoky air from getting in your vehicle, keep your windows closed and air systems on recirculate.
- Drink water and stay hydrated to help ensure your nose and mouth are moist.
- If you have chest tightness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency clinic.
- Provide respiratory protective equipment and training to workers required to work outdoors.
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- A N95 respirator can filter out particles but will not protect against toxic gases. (Refer to COP 2.15.1-Respiratory Protection in FEDGAS HSMS Templates for more details).
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- Respirators must be fit tested, and workers must be trained in respirator care, use, selection, limitations and maintenance.
WCB-Automatic Clearance Notification Lists
- No need to request WCB clearance letters each project.
- Checks WCB clearance on all companies specified within your list every 24 hours.
WCB Automatic Clearance Notification List Instructions:
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Update:
Since November 2023, Federation Members have:
- Completed 350+ online courses
- Saved over $4500 in online training costs
Courses include:
- ICS-100
- Ground Disturbance 101, 201
- Defensive Driving
- Health & Safety Committees and Representatives, etc.
-Enter discount code fedgas123 at checkout.
-Receive 30% off all courses in library.
H&S Program Awareness Course![](/uploads/files/new-logo.gif)
Update:
- The preliminary draft of the H&S Program Implementation and Maintenance Course has been completed. Course content, resource materials, classroom activities and quizzes are complete and have been submitted for approval.
- Awaiting feedback from Training Committee and Federation Board of Directors.
- Seeking approval to update Required vs Recommended Training Matrix to include a requirement to complete the new H&S course.
- H&S Course to be offered in 2025 Training Calendar to Members.
Attendees will learn:
1. Awareness of OHS Legislation and loss causation models,
2. Understand main components of a HSMS,
3. Awareness of WCB and return to work programs,
4. Awareness of health and safety roles and responsibilities,
5. Strategies and resources to help administer and maintain a HSMS,
6. Awareness of regulatory reporting requirements (WCB, OHS),
7. Awareness of contractor management programs and requirements,
8. Understand worksite inspection process and requirements,
9. Understand emergency response plan requirements,
10. Awareness of incident investigation process and root cause analysis.
Benefits for Federation Members:
- Deeper understanding of H&S program requirements,
- Learn strategies needed to implement and maintain H&S programs,
- Obtain resources to aid with implementing and maintaining a H&S program,
- Increased levels of OHS compliance throughout Membership,
- Reduction in operational OHS risk exposure and 3rd party consulting reliance.
Safety Leadership Award 2024![](/uploads/files/new-logo.gif)
The FEDGAS Safety Leadership Award recognizes a Federation Member for their commitment and contribution to enhancing/protecting safety in their workplace, in their community and/or the natural gas industry.
Winner receives the following:
- Safety Leadership Award winner plaque,
- $500 pre-paid MasterCard/Visa gift card for their company,
- Picture when receiving the award during the FEDGAS convention.
An application can be made by an individual or group or someone familiar with the contribution, provided the individual or group agrees with submitting the application.
Award to be presented during the AGM/Convention with all Members present.
or
Go to the FEDGAS Website to submit nomination online (see below).
Safety Chat Group (Quarterly)Next meeting on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 @ 8:30 am Connor Wollis, Alberta Forestry and Parks Topic:
Jim Hall Topic:
If you would like to attend, please send an email to bwood@fedgas.com Or click the link below on the scheduled date and time |
Health & Safety Updates |
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Federation H&S Working GroupNominations Now OpenH&S Working Group Members gain valuable experience when it comes to safety committee formatting and processes. Being involved in the formal review of safety initiatives and documents gives members valuable insight into what goes into continuously improving a health and safety program. |
2023 HSMS Manual Available for Download
HSMS Manual has been updated to align with the March 31, 2023 OHS Code update.
Call or email the Federation H&S Specialist if you have any questions relating to the updated sections. 780-220-9351 or bwood@fedgas.com.
Pre-Built HSMS Templates and Safety Program ElementsAbility to download and edit pre-built H&S manual, safe job procedures, safe work practices, hazard assessments, ERPs and much more |
H&S Newsletter (March, June, September, December)Quarterly newsletter sent out to Membership on behalf of the H&S Working Group which includes various OHS updates, initiatives and relevant safety information |
Resources Section of H&S WebsiteAbility to review, download and revise various OHS resources. This section includes safety videos, info sheets, posters, useful links, pre-built ERP tabletops, pre-built HSMS orientations and more |
Safety BulletinsIssued on behalf of the H&S Working Group on a regular basis to spread prevention awareness between Members. All information is shared confidentially |
Safety Chat GroupOpportunity to meet quarterly with the Federation H&S Specialist and other H&S Representatives from various Members to discuss safety and share valuable information collectively for the betterment of Members |
Voluntary Information Sharing SystemOpportunity to submit safety information for the benefit of the Membership. Information shared using the system will be used to develop safety bulletins and guide safety newsletters which will be distributed to Members confidentially for prevention purposes |
H&S Site Visits In person H&S gap analysis of your current Health & Safety Program with specific recommendations and/or suggestions to help strengthen your Health & Safety Program. |
H&S Working GroupThis group meets monthly and works on many actions that will benefit members, some of which include updates and revisions to the HSMS templates, developing H&S newsletters, facilitating safety initiatives and much more |
Access to Support and Advice From a Dedicated Safety ProfessionalAbility to ask questions or get advice from the H&S Specialist anytime H&S Specialist is part of the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) - OHS Committee. Relevant information is relayed to Members via H&S newsletters, safety bulletins and safety chats |
All Federation H&S Services and Correspondences are available in the H&S section of the Federation website. To schedule safety services or for general assistance, please contact the Federation H&S Specialist by email bwood@fedgas.com or by phone (780) 220-9351. |