emergency response plan
SITE SPECIFIC EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
CPO head office is a registered STARS site. #2800 STARS 1-888-888-4567
24 Hour Contact Information:
Country Pump Out Ltd. 732010 RR62- Emerson Trail 780-532-1548
Rental Manager: Troy Bidewell 780-228-8511
Solid Waste Manager: John Evans 780-882-3052
Safety: Paige Metz 780-978-4183
Owner: Kyle Bidewell 780-228-8515
The following are identified potential emergencies:
Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency occurring within or affecting the work site, the supervisor onsite makes the following decisions and ensures the appropriate key steps are taken:
Emergency Equipment is located:
The nearest emergency Services are located:
Fire Protection Requirements
Alarm and Emergency
List trained first aiders:
Safety Data Sheets are located:
Procedures for Rescue and Evacuation
For evacuation and rescue:
Designated Rescue and Evacuation Workers
Incident/Vehicle Accident Procedures
The following steps must be taken following any incident or motor vehicle accident. The order in which they are done can only be determined by the people who witness or arrive at the scene of the accident, and the prevailing conditions.
Country Pump Out provides emergency equipment including first aid kits, fire extinguisher, and a field safety kit. This equipment is located in all field vehicles; spare equipment is located in the parts room.
Employees involved in any emergency involving any injury or illness, or damage to vehicle or equipment are required to report the incident on our Accident/Incident Report Form.
Potential or Actual Violence
There is a potential for violence from a client, co-worker, or a third party. In case of any threatening situation or concern that a threatening situation is arising, leave the area and find someone else, so you are not alone. Report the situation to a manager immediately. A decision will be made whether to report the incident to the police.
In case of an actual threat being made, leave the area at once, call 911 and report the incident. Also notify a manager immediately.
Bomb Threat
First Actions:
Search Guidelines:
Evacuation Guidelines:
Evacuation Procedures
An evacuation may be necessary in the event of a fire, earthquake, or chemical spill or bomb threat. The extent of evacuation may be different for different types of hazards. When an alarm is sounded all workers must leave the area and meet at the designated muster points. Prior to the onset of any job that is not at our facility safe areas must be chosen and shown to every worker and subcontractor on site. Accounting for all employees following an evacuation is critical. Confusion in the assembly areas can lead to delays in rescuing anyone trapped in the building, or unnecessary and dangerous search-and-rescue operations. To ensure the fastest, most accurate accounting of people, consider taking a head count after the evacuation.
It is always voluntary to take part in emergency rescue procedures. A rescue will only be performed when the safety of the rescuers is assured.
Training
During orientation and at regular meetings all workers are informed of the location muster (safe) areas and the safest routes to these areas.
Only workers who are competent and adequately trained in rescue will be permitted to perform rescues. Training for rescuers includes simulated rescue or evacuation exercises and regular retraining, appropriate to the type of rescue or evacuation being provided. At least one member of a rescue team must be a first aid attendant trained to immobilize an injured worker.
Drills will be performed, assessed, and documented annually. All training and drill records are kept on file.
Head Office Evacuation Procedures An evacuation may be necessary in the event of a fire, earthquake, or chemical spill or bomb threat. The extent of evacuation may be different for different types of hazards. When an alarm is sounded all workers must:
To ensure the fastest, most accurate accounting of people, take a head count after the evacuation.
Evacuation training will occur during orientation and at regular meetings, all workers are informed of the location muster (safe) areas and the safest routes to these areas.
Head Office Evacuation Drills will be performed, assessed, and documented annually. All training and drill records are kept on file.
Personal Protective Equipment
A rescue worker must use and wear properly, the appropriate PPE specified in accordance with the training and instruction received. The use of PPE itself must not endanger the worker. Workers performing rescue or evacuation must wear personal protective clothing and equipment appropriate to the hazards likely to be encountered.
All Employees are responsible to maintain, clean, and inspect their own Personal Protective Equipment daily. Qualified workers must inspect ropes and associated equipment visually and physically after each use for rescue, evacuation, or training purposes. In addition, an Employee must not use any Personal Protective Equipment that is in a condition that makes it unable to perform the function for which it is designed.
If a defect is noticed the equipment must be immediately removed from service and replaced with equipment that is in acceptable condition. Personal protective Equipment maintenance records must be kept, including but not limited to:
Communications
Effective communications must be maintained between the workers engaged in rescue or evacuation and support persons.
Once the requirement for an evacuation is imminent workers must:
Potential or Actual Violence
There is a possibility of violence from a landowner, fellow driver, Client, co-worker, or a third party. In case of any threatening situation or concern that a threatening situation is arising, leave the area. Report the situation to the office by phone. A decision will be made whether to report the incident to the police.
In case of a threat being made, leave the area at once and call 911 and report the incident. Also notify the office as soon as possible.
Transportation of Dangerous Goods:
All workers operating the TDG Combo Units will have been trained in TDG and emergency response. Spill response measures will be required for all spills. The level of response activities will be determined by the size and severity of the spill.
Immediate response:
Small spills
EVACUATE the area.
REPORT the spill to Dispatch / Safety
ELIMINATE the source of the spill by closing valves, turning over leaking containers, etc.
CONTAIN the spill
PREVENT the spill from entering any sanitary or storm water drainage system.
CLEAN up spill according to guidance given by management.
LABEL all waste.
DISPOSE of waste in accordance with regulations.
Large spills
EVACUATE workers to a safe area.
ELIMINATE the source of the spill by closing valves, turning over leaking containers, etc.
CONTAIN the extent of the spill. Containment is always the first priority, unless there are injuries.
PROVIDE first aid/medical help to exposed employees.
BLOCK storm sewer(s).
SHUT DOWN general ventilation systems if the spill occurs indoors.
REPORT the spill to dispatch / safety
CLEAN up spill according to guidance given by management.
Emergency numbers are listed on page 14 of this document.
Reporting Requirements:
The HSE Manager will assist in reporting
Natural Disasters: Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Lightening, Hail, etc.
In the event of a severe storm warning within the surrounding area:
Confined Space
While performing any confined space work, gas detection monitors must be worn, the oxygen content of the confined space must be continually monitored and documented and the employee entering the confined space must maintain regular contact with an attending employee. SCBA’s should be readily available. If at any time the following conditions are encountered the confined space must be evacuated immediately:
If any of these circumstances arise, the following steps must be taken:
Overcome with H2S
If a worker is overcome with H2S, you must not go and rescue him without protecting yourself first by donning a breathing apparatus:
EVACUATE
Get to a safe area immediately.
Move upwind if release is downwind of you. Move crosswind if release is upwind of you.
Move to higher ground if possible.
ALARM
Call for help "Man Down", sound bell, horn, whistle or call for help by radio.
ASSESS
Do a head count. Consider other hazards.
PROTECT
Put on breathing apparatus before attempting rescue.
RESCUE
Remove victim to a safe area.
REVIVE
Apply CPR if necessary.
MEDICAL AID
Arrange transport of casualty to medical aid. Provide information to Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Bear Attacks
Most bear attacks occur when a bear is surprised - usually a mother with cubs or a bear protecting its food. There is no guaranteed life-saving method of surviving a bear attack; often things happen so fast that conscious thought is not possible. Each situation is unique. However, there are some general guidelines that have proven to be helpful in past attacks. There are some distinct differences in tactics, depending on the species of bear you are dealing with.
Grizzly Bear: playing dead and offering no resistance may be effective. Curl up in ball covering your face, neck and abdomen. Remain still until the bear leaves the area. This method requires a significant amount of courage but has resulted in successfully surviving an attack. Fighting back usually increases the intensity of the attack, although in rare cases it has caused the bear to leave.
Black Bear: playing dead does not work. Try to escape to a secure place or climb high into a tree. Remember a black bear may climb the tree after you. A last resort is to threaten the bear with any available object. This tactic has worked with some bears. Fighting back also resulted in black bears breaking off attacks.
Bear Repellents
Recently, a few commercially available bear repellents have appeared on the market. These use a compound called "cap-secum" as the active agent and come packaged in a compressed gas container about the size of a large spray can. Usually these hang from a holster on your belt and are employed by spraying the charge in the bears face, causing the bear great difficulty in breathing and seeing, allowing the victim time to escape.
Although they may sound promising, it should be noted that chemical bear repellents are experimental and by no means a proven technology. In reliability tests some brands failed to discharge almost 40% of the time. Interviews with several bear attack victims suggest that even if they had such a canister with them, they doubt whether they would have had time or presence of mind to use them.
Manufacturers claim ranges of up to 5 meters; however, bear experts suggest that an 800-pound bear charging at full speed would close that difference in a half of a second. This, they say, probably means that even if the shot was successful your best scenario is still a very painful collision. The worst case, of course, is that this is an aggressive act towards the bear, and if you miss or are only partially successful, you will almost certainly provoke an attack. Bear experts are very concerned that people carrying these repellents will have a false sense of security and therefore actually increase their risk of a bear confrontation.
At best, repellents are a last resort. Used at very close range they may end a potentially fatal attack, but are not a substitute for taking the necessary precautions to avoid aggressive encounters with bears. Take care NEVER to spray into the wind, this will just blind you and allow the bear to take charge of the situation.
Frostbite and Freezing
During the winter, work may be conducted in very cold temperatures. In these circumstances, one must be aware of any exposed body parts, as these are susceptible to exposure causing freezing of bare skin and/or frostbite.
The First Aid Treatment for frostbite is to gradually restore heat and blood flow to the affected area(s). Applying an external heat source should only be done by qualified medical personnel. The frozen part should not be thawed unless it can remain in a warm atmosphere. In most cases of serious frostbite, it is safest if the body part remains frozen during transportation. If the frozen limb is thawed and then refrozen again, there is only a minute chance that the limb can be saved.
Treatment of Superficial Frostbite
Treatment of Deep Frostbite
Fire / Explosion Prevention Plan
A fire hazard area is one where any source of ignition may cause fire or explosion to occur. Signs are posted in conspicuous places at all entrances to fire hazard areas. The signs identify the area as a fire hazard area and prohibit the use of an open flame or other source of ignition in the area. For off-site locations, fire hazard areas should be identified and communicated to employees prior to commencing work activities. While in a fire hazard area, workers cannot use any equipment, machinery, or tool of a type that may provide a source of ignition or smoke or use an open flame or other source of ignition.
Prevention of fires / explosions is the best method to protect your workers from fire. The following guidelines must be adhered to:
Any additional site-specific fire prevention methods will be written on the hazard inspection form. The fire plan must be updated to assess all of the hazards associated with the work being performed.
Use and Accessibility of Portable Fire Equipment
Portable Fire Equipment is located in accessible location in the shop, office, and on vehicles. Prior to the commencement of work any localized Portable Fire Equipment must be noted and checked to ensure it has been inspected within the last year. Many facilities have, in addition to the equipment supplied by Country Pump Out, sprinkler systems, hoses, additional Portable Fire Equipment, and alarm/shut down systems. All fire-fighting equipment must be maintained in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer or the instructions of the authority having jurisdiction.
As soon as a fire is discovered:
If you decide the fire is manageable…
If the fire does not go out immediately or the extinguisher appears to be getting empty, leave the area at once. Back out with the lever squeezed and the nozzle pointed at your feet. This will help protect you until you are out of the area.
Safe Handling and Storage of Flammable Substances
Country Pump Out ensures that flammable substances that are stored or used at a work area will not be of a sufficient quantity to produce an explosive atmosphere. The following safety issues are ensured:
Fire Emergency Response Procedure
Fatalities and Severe Injuries
FATALITY - You are REQUIRED to contact the OH&S Director of Inspection of the time, place and nature of the injury or accident at 1-866-415-8690 as soon as possible after calling for ambulance and securing the safety of all others.
If a fatality or severe injury (involving hospitalization) occurs all work must be stopped immediately. Important facts and evidence may be lost if work recommences prior to the completion of an investigation.
Site Specific Emergency Preparedness & Response Process (EPR)
When required, site-specific plans must be developed with the assistance of everyone involved. This plan is re-evaluated annually, along with the rest of this manual to keep the information current. If a significant piece of information has been omitted, it will be posted in the lunchroom until the manual has been updated. This emergency plan addresses emergency conditions, which may arise from within the workplace and from adjacent workplaces. The plan was developed and implemented in consultation with the joint committee or the worker health and safety representative, where one exists.
All workers and subcontractors must be initially briefed on the general emergency response plan that deals with how to handle most common emergencies that are possible to impact oil and gas workers including:
The hazard/risk assessment process at Country Pump Out includes the development of a site-specific emergency response and preparedness plan and addresses the risks posed by hazardous substances from accidental release, fire or other such emergency. All site-specific hazards and potential emergencies are listed (general emergencies are reviewed in orientation and general safety meetings) and discussed. This policy is addressing items that are less common and more specific to the location, Client, and type of project. The client knows their facility the best; they should always be involved in pointing out any facility specific potential emergencies. All plan results are discussed with all workers on site (including subcontractors) and reviewed as hazards change.
The emergency preparedness and response plan should be used for routine and non-routine emergencies as well as changes in operation, and products or services may create new emergency situations. These plans are reviewed prior to the commencement of any workday and when conditions warrant.
If the risk assessment shows a need for evacuation or rescue plan, appropriate written procedures must be developed and implemented. This is site specific and one trained-competent worker per shift must be assigned to coordinate their implementation.
All affected workers, visitors, and clients on site must participate in the hazard assessments and emergency preparedness and response process; this process is meant to identify all of the potential emergencies that could affect or be caused at the worksite. All Employees must report any unsafe or harmful conditions including a list of potentially harmful substances found during the inspections if they cannot be fixed immediately. If a hazard is noticed during the shift employees can report these hazards verbally to other Employees, but they must follow that verbal report with a written report once it is practical to do so. If the hazard is severe, work must be stopped and the hazards reassessed. Reports of hazards submitted to the Country Pump Out must always be written. All workers must understand the requirement to report when a situation may have the potential to become an emergency. Once discussed and assessed the plan is then reviewed with all employees and changed as requirements and processes change. Using the hazard assessment process and this site-specific emergency response plan we feel that more emergencies can be averted.
Post Emergency Summary
In the event that any uncontrolled event (emergency) was to happen Country Pump Out is committed to understanding the root cause(s) of the incident and how the personnel on site including both workers and subcontractors handled the emergency. Any information gathered that might ensure a better response in the future will be shared with everyone involved.
It is often beneficial to ask everyone involved in emergency to seek medical attention or talk to his or her peers about the incident.
Dangerous Goods Incident
24 Hours (Toll-Free)
1-800-272-9600
Disaster Services Agency
24 Hours (Toll-Free)
1-800-272-9600
CANUTEC – Dangerous Goods Reporting (*666 from cell phone)
24 Hours (Toll-Free)
1-888-226-8832
Environmental Complaint / Emergency
24 Hours (Toll-Free)
1-800-222-6514
Forest Fires (Land & Forest Service)
24 Hours (Call Collect)
780-310-3473
Industrial Accidents (Notification of Fatality or Serious Injury)
Workplace Health & Safety – All areas
1-866-415-8690
Alberta Energy & Utilities Board - Grande Prairie
24 Hours
780-538-5138
Poison Centre
24 Hours (Toll-Free)
1-800-332-1414
Alberta One Call
24 Hours (Toll-Free)
1-800-242-3447
ATCO Gas (Emergency)
24 Hours (Toll-Free)
1-800-511-3447
ATCO Electric (Emergency)
24 Hours (Toll-Free)
1-800-668-5506
Stars Link Command
1-888-888-4567
Cellular *4567
CPO head office is a registered STARS site. #2800 STARS 1-888-888-4567
24 Hour Contact Information:
Country Pump Out Ltd. 732010 RR62- Emerson Trail 780-532-1548
Rental Manager: Troy Bidewell 780-228-8511
Solid Waste Manager: John Evans 780-882-3052
Safety: Paige Metz 780-978-4183
Owner: Kyle Bidewell 780-228-8515
The following are identified potential emergencies:
- Injury
- Spill
- Overcome with H2S
Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency occurring within or affecting the work site, the supervisor onsite makes the following decisions and ensures the appropriate key steps are taken:
- Initial response.
- Calling for medical or rescue aid.
- Transportation of injured worker, if injuries are not life threatening.
Emergency Equipment is located:
- Fire Extinguisher – in all vehicles & at each emergency exit at the CPO shop
- First aid kits are in all vehicles, in the shop bathroom, in the safety office, in the board room and in the drivers mezzanine
- Blankets: in the parts room
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kits
- First aid, H2S
The nearest emergency Services are located:
- Fire Station – Clairmont
- Ambulance – Grande Prairie
- Police – Grande Prairie
- Hospital – Grande Prairie
- Non-Emergency Doctor - Sexsmith
- 911 will connect to emergency services.
Fire Protection Requirements
- Steel structure building
- Fire extinguishers located at every exit
- Fire extinguishers are in every CPO vehicle
Alarm and Emergency
- Workers all Carry cell phones and an emergency contact list for emergency communication.
- Transportation for ill or injured workers is by co-worker or ambulance.
List trained first aiders:
- All field workers are trained.
Safety Data Sheets are located:
- Outside the Safety office, mezzanine in shop, and any pertinent SDS in trucks.
Procedures for Rescue and Evacuation
For evacuation and rescue:
- Evacuate and direct all persons to the safe designated gathering point located by the front gate and account for everyone including visitors and clients.
- Assist ill or injured workers to evacuate the building.
- Provide first aid, if required.
- Call 911, if required for transportation by ambulance.
Designated Rescue and Evacuation Workers
- Workers are not required to perform rescue as part of their job, all workers have been trained to evacuate.
Incident/Vehicle Accident Procedures
The following steps must be taken following any incident or motor vehicle accident. The order in which they are done can only be determined by the people who witness or arrive at the scene of the accident, and the prevailing conditions.
- Don't Panic
- The person encountering the accident should make a quick evaluation of the scene before disturbing anything or taking further actions.
- Determine if there are any hazards in the area that could harm themselves, other workers or cause further loss.
- Take immediate action to make the area safe.
- Call for assistance.
- Treat injured persons as soon as it can be safely done. Only move the victim if there is an imminent danger, such as fire, electrical hazards, or atmospheric contamination.
- Do not make any unnecessary changes to the scene of the accident.
- Secure the surrounding area until authorities arrive.
Country Pump Out provides emergency equipment including first aid kits, fire extinguisher, and a field safety kit. This equipment is located in all field vehicles; spare equipment is located in the parts room.
Employees involved in any emergency involving any injury or illness, or damage to vehicle or equipment are required to report the incident on our Accident/Incident Report Form.
Potential or Actual Violence
There is a potential for violence from a client, co-worker, or a third party. In case of any threatening situation or concern that a threatening situation is arising, leave the area and find someone else, so you are not alone. Report the situation to a manager immediately. A decision will be made whether to report the incident to the police.
In case of an actual threat being made, leave the area at once, call 911 and report the incident. Also notify a manager immediately.
Bomb Threat
First Actions:
- Listen carefully.
- Be calm and courteous.
- Do not interrupt the caller.
- Obtain as much information as you can including background noises, the speaker’s tone, accent, gender, manner of speaker (excited, calm, etc.), and mannerisms (educated, stutter, etc.), and the exact wording of the threat.
- Questions to ask:
- What time will the bomb explode?
- Where is it?
- Why did you place the bomb?
- What does it look like?
- Where are you calling from?
- What is your name?
- Notify Senior Management and the Safety Coordinator immediately after the caller hangs up.
- Management will then contact the R.C.M.P.
Search Guidelines:
- Do not touch anything – report any suspicious objects.
- Cooperate fully with the R.C.M.P.
Evacuation Guidelines:
- Remain calm.
- Follow R.C.M.P. instructions.
Evacuation Procedures
An evacuation may be necessary in the event of a fire, earthquake, or chemical spill or bomb threat. The extent of evacuation may be different for different types of hazards. When an alarm is sounded all workers must leave the area and meet at the designated muster points. Prior to the onset of any job that is not at our facility safe areas must be chosen and shown to every worker and subcontractor on site. Accounting for all employees following an evacuation is critical. Confusion in the assembly areas can lead to delays in rescuing anyone trapped in the building, or unnecessary and dangerous search-and-rescue operations. To ensure the fastest, most accurate accounting of people, consider taking a head count after the evacuation.
It is always voluntary to take part in emergency rescue procedures. A rescue will only be performed when the safety of the rescuers is assured.
Training
During orientation and at regular meetings all workers are informed of the location muster (safe) areas and the safest routes to these areas.
Only workers who are competent and adequately trained in rescue will be permitted to perform rescues. Training for rescuers includes simulated rescue or evacuation exercises and regular retraining, appropriate to the type of rescue or evacuation being provided. At least one member of a rescue team must be a first aid attendant trained to immobilize an injured worker.
Drills will be performed, assessed, and documented annually. All training and drill records are kept on file.
Head Office Evacuation Procedures An evacuation may be necessary in the event of a fire, earthquake, or chemical spill or bomb threat. The extent of evacuation may be different for different types of hazards. When an alarm is sounded all workers must:
- Calmly exit through the closest emergency exit and meet at the designated muster point.
- Reception OR Dianne will take the visitor sign in sheet with them
- Reception OR Dianne will begin taking a head count at the muster point
- Paige or most sr. manager to take a quick sweep of the office (if practicable), closing all doors behind them
- Peter (Shauna) or most senior mechanic to take a quick sweep of shop (if practicable), laundry room, electrical room, closing all doors behind them
- Conduct full attendance
To ensure the fastest, most accurate accounting of people, take a head count after the evacuation.
Evacuation training will occur during orientation and at regular meetings, all workers are informed of the location muster (safe) areas and the safest routes to these areas.
Head Office Evacuation Drills will be performed, assessed, and documented annually. All training and drill records are kept on file.
Personal Protective Equipment
A rescue worker must use and wear properly, the appropriate PPE specified in accordance with the training and instruction received. The use of PPE itself must not endanger the worker. Workers performing rescue or evacuation must wear personal protective clothing and equipment appropriate to the hazards likely to be encountered.
All Employees are responsible to maintain, clean, and inspect their own Personal Protective Equipment daily. Qualified workers must inspect ropes and associated equipment visually and physically after each use for rescue, evacuation, or training purposes. In addition, an Employee must not use any Personal Protective Equipment that is in a condition that makes it unable to perform the function for which it is designed.
If a defect is noticed the equipment must be immediately removed from service and replaced with equipment that is in acceptable condition. Personal protective Equipment maintenance records must be kept, including but not limited to:
- the name of manufacturer,
- the type of equipment,
- the date put into service,
- when and for what purpose the equipment has been used,
- the date of the last inspection and name of the inspecting person,
- any damage suffered, and
- the date and nature of any of maintenance.
Communications
Effective communications must be maintained between the workers engaged in rescue or evacuation and support persons.
Once the requirement for an evacuation is imminent workers must:
- notify other workers, including the first aid attendant, of the nature and location of the emergency,
- evacuate workers safely,
- check and confirm the safe evacuation of all workers,
- notify the fire department or other emergency responders, and
- notify adjacent workplaces or residences which may be affected if the risk of exposure to a substance extends beyond the workplace. Notification of the public must be in conformity with the requirements of other jurisdictions, including provincial and municipal agencies.
Potential or Actual Violence
There is a possibility of violence from a landowner, fellow driver, Client, co-worker, or a third party. In case of any threatening situation or concern that a threatening situation is arising, leave the area. Report the situation to the office by phone. A decision will be made whether to report the incident to the police.
In case of a threat being made, leave the area at once and call 911 and report the incident. Also notify the office as soon as possible.
Transportation of Dangerous Goods:
All workers operating the TDG Combo Units will have been trained in TDG and emergency response. Spill response measures will be required for all spills. The level of response activities will be determined by the size and severity of the spill.
Immediate response:
Small spills
EVACUATE the area.
REPORT the spill to Dispatch / Safety
ELIMINATE the source of the spill by closing valves, turning over leaking containers, etc.
CONTAIN the spill
PREVENT the spill from entering any sanitary or storm water drainage system.
CLEAN up spill according to guidance given by management.
LABEL all waste.
DISPOSE of waste in accordance with regulations.
Large spills
EVACUATE workers to a safe area.
ELIMINATE the source of the spill by closing valves, turning over leaking containers, etc.
CONTAIN the extent of the spill. Containment is always the first priority, unless there are injuries.
PROVIDE first aid/medical help to exposed employees.
BLOCK storm sewer(s).
SHUT DOWN general ventilation systems if the spill occurs indoors.
REPORT the spill to dispatch / safety
CLEAN up spill according to guidance given by management.
Emergency numbers are listed on page 14 of this document.
Reporting Requirements:
The HSE Manager will assist in reporting
Natural Disasters: Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Lightening, Hail, etc.
In the event of a severe storm warning within the surrounding area:
- Disconnect electrical equipment and appliances not required for emergency use.
- Do not use the telephone except for an emergency or absolutely essential business.
- Store drinking water in clean containers.
- Avoid structures with wide roof spans (e.g. shop, gymnasiums, etc.).
- Tornado warnings:
- Go to a basement if possible, or an interior hallway.
- Upper floors are unsafe. If there is no time to descend, go to a closet, a small room with strong walls, or an inside upper hallway.
- Do Not remain inside a vehicle. As a last resort, and if no ditch or ravine is nearby, crawl under the vehicle.
- If in open country and time permits, locate suitable shelter. If not, lie in the nearest ditch or ravine. Be alert for flash floods.
Confined Space
While performing any confined space work, gas detection monitors must be worn, the oxygen content of the confined space must be continually monitored and documented and the employee entering the confined space must maintain regular contact with an attending employee. SCBA’s should be readily available. If at any time the following conditions are encountered the confined space must be evacuated immediately:
- Alarm is sounded
- The concentration of oxygen inside the confined space drops below 19.5% by volume or exceeds 23% by volume
- If there is a significant change in the amount of hazardous substances inside the confined space
If any of these circumstances arise, the following steps must be taken:
- If possible, the employee in the confined space will exit immediately
- If the employee is unable to exit on their own accord, the attending employee will attempt to retrieve the confined employee by means of connected retrieval line, if one is in use
- If the attending employee is unable to retrieve the confined employee, they will immediately call emergency rescue services
- Under no circumstances shall the attending employee enter the confined space to in an attempt to perform a rescue.
Overcome with H2S
If a worker is overcome with H2S, you must not go and rescue him without protecting yourself first by donning a breathing apparatus:
EVACUATE
Get to a safe area immediately.
Move upwind if release is downwind of you. Move crosswind if release is upwind of you.
Move to higher ground if possible.
ALARM
Call for help "Man Down", sound bell, horn, whistle or call for help by radio.
ASSESS
Do a head count. Consider other hazards.
PROTECT
Put on breathing apparatus before attempting rescue.
RESCUE
Remove victim to a safe area.
REVIVE
Apply CPR if necessary.
MEDICAL AID
Arrange transport of casualty to medical aid. Provide information to Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Bear Attacks
Most bear attacks occur when a bear is surprised - usually a mother with cubs or a bear protecting its food. There is no guaranteed life-saving method of surviving a bear attack; often things happen so fast that conscious thought is not possible. Each situation is unique. However, there are some general guidelines that have proven to be helpful in past attacks. There are some distinct differences in tactics, depending on the species of bear you are dealing with.
Grizzly Bear: playing dead and offering no resistance may be effective. Curl up in ball covering your face, neck and abdomen. Remain still until the bear leaves the area. This method requires a significant amount of courage but has resulted in successfully surviving an attack. Fighting back usually increases the intensity of the attack, although in rare cases it has caused the bear to leave.
Black Bear: playing dead does not work. Try to escape to a secure place or climb high into a tree. Remember a black bear may climb the tree after you. A last resort is to threaten the bear with any available object. This tactic has worked with some bears. Fighting back also resulted in black bears breaking off attacks.
Bear Repellents
Recently, a few commercially available bear repellents have appeared on the market. These use a compound called "cap-secum" as the active agent and come packaged in a compressed gas container about the size of a large spray can. Usually these hang from a holster on your belt and are employed by spraying the charge in the bears face, causing the bear great difficulty in breathing and seeing, allowing the victim time to escape.
Although they may sound promising, it should be noted that chemical bear repellents are experimental and by no means a proven technology. In reliability tests some brands failed to discharge almost 40% of the time. Interviews with several bear attack victims suggest that even if they had such a canister with them, they doubt whether they would have had time or presence of mind to use them.
Manufacturers claim ranges of up to 5 meters; however, bear experts suggest that an 800-pound bear charging at full speed would close that difference in a half of a second. This, they say, probably means that even if the shot was successful your best scenario is still a very painful collision. The worst case, of course, is that this is an aggressive act towards the bear, and if you miss or are only partially successful, you will almost certainly provoke an attack. Bear experts are very concerned that people carrying these repellents will have a false sense of security and therefore actually increase their risk of a bear confrontation.
At best, repellents are a last resort. Used at very close range they may end a potentially fatal attack, but are not a substitute for taking the necessary precautions to avoid aggressive encounters with bears. Take care NEVER to spray into the wind, this will just blind you and allow the bear to take charge of the situation.
Frostbite and Freezing
During the winter, work may be conducted in very cold temperatures. In these circumstances, one must be aware of any exposed body parts, as these are susceptible to exposure causing freezing of bare skin and/or frostbite.
The First Aid Treatment for frostbite is to gradually restore heat and blood flow to the affected area(s). Applying an external heat source should only be done by qualified medical personnel. The frozen part should not be thawed unless it can remain in a warm atmosphere. In most cases of serious frostbite, it is safest if the body part remains frozen during transportation. If the frozen limb is thawed and then refrozen again, there is only a minute chance that the limb can be saved.
Treatment of Superficial Frostbite
- Apply firm, steady pressure with a warm hand. Blow hot breath on the spot, or hold frostbitten fingers motionless in the armpits.
- Do not apply snow, cold water, or direct heat to the affected parts.
- Do not rub or chafe the affected parts.
- Provide the injured person with shelter and general warmth.
Treatment of Deep Frostbite
- The injured person must be removed immediately by stretcher, if possible, to a medical facility.
- The injured person should be kept dry and protected from the cold to prevent worsening of the injury.
- If an injured person is required to walk on a frostbitten limb, chances of successful treatment are increased if the limb has not been thawed.
- No attempt should be made to thaw a frozen part unless the injured person can remain in a warm atmosphere and early medical aid can be provided.
Fire / Explosion Prevention Plan
A fire hazard area is one where any source of ignition may cause fire or explosion to occur. Signs are posted in conspicuous places at all entrances to fire hazard areas. The signs identify the area as a fire hazard area and prohibit the use of an open flame or other source of ignition in the area. For off-site locations, fire hazard areas should be identified and communicated to employees prior to commencing work activities. While in a fire hazard area, workers cannot use any equipment, machinery, or tool of a type that may provide a source of ignition or smoke or use an open flame or other source of ignition.
Prevention of fires / explosions is the best method to protect your workers from fire. The following guidelines must be adhered to:
- If the task requires your vehicle to enter a hazardous area ensure that it is equipped with a combustion air intake and exhaust discharge with a flame arresting device.
- If an event, such as a gas leak or spill of a flammable product occurs all vehicles must be left parked, do not go back into your vehicle for any reason. Re-entering a vehicle may create a static charge that may cause an explosion.
- No smoking or open flames are allowed near areas where vapors may be present or on a well or plant site.
- Care must be taken when working around or with any flammable substance.
Any additional site-specific fire prevention methods will be written on the hazard inspection form. The fire plan must be updated to assess all of the hazards associated with the work being performed.
Use and Accessibility of Portable Fire Equipment
Portable Fire Equipment is located in accessible location in the shop, office, and on vehicles. Prior to the commencement of work any localized Portable Fire Equipment must be noted and checked to ensure it has been inspected within the last year. Many facilities have, in addition to the equipment supplied by Country Pump Out, sprinkler systems, hoses, additional Portable Fire Equipment, and alarm/shut down systems. All fire-fighting equipment must be maintained in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer or the instructions of the authority having jurisdiction.
As soon as a fire is discovered:
- Sound the alarm and start to evacuate.
- Call the fire department.
If you decide the fire is manageable…
- Test that the extinguisher works before you approach the fire.
- Protect yourself at all times.
- Take care. Speed is essential but it is more important to be cautious.
- Keep your back to the exit at all times and stand 2 to 2.4m (6 to 8 ft.) away from the fire.
- Follow the 4-step P-A-S-S procedure:
- Pull the pin (release the lock latch or press the punch lever).
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze or press the trigger.
- Sweep the extinguisher from side to side.
If the fire does not go out immediately or the extinguisher appears to be getting empty, leave the area at once. Back out with the lever squeezed and the nozzle pointed at your feet. This will help protect you until you are out of the area.
Safe Handling and Storage of Flammable Substances
Country Pump Out ensures that flammable substances that are stored or used at a work area will not be of a sufficient quantity to produce an explosive atmosphere. The following safety issues are ensured:
- A flammable substance is not stored within 30 meters of an underground shaft.
- A flammable substance is not stored in the immediate vicinity of the air intake of a ventilation supply system, an internal combustion engine, or a fired heater or furnace.
- Flammable substances are stored only in containers approved by CSA, NFPA, or ULC Standards.
- Static electricity must be controlled while the contents are being transferred from one metallic or conductive container to another by grounding or bonding.
- Tank Trucks must always be grounded prior to loading any flammable or potentially flammable substance. A few seconds could save your life!
Fire Emergency Response Procedure
- Remain calm!
- Ensure all personnel are accounted for and out of danger.
- If a minor fire, activate extinguishing facilities. DO NOT jeopardize personnel safety.
- If a major fire, call nearest fire department or fire control team.
- Take reasonable steps to minimize loss of equipment. Disconnect electrical equipment if it is on fire and only if it is safe to do so.
- Do not break windows.
- Do not open a hot door (before opening a door, touch it near the top. If it is hot or if smoke is visible, do not open).
- Do not attempt to save possessions.
- Meet in the muster area (on site specific Emergency Response Plan), if at a jobsite meet at the designated muster point.
- Do not return to the affected area until told to by the fire department.
- If a minor fire occurred, conduct an investigation and develop an incident report.
Fatalities and Severe Injuries
FATALITY - You are REQUIRED to contact the OH&S Director of Inspection of the time, place and nature of the injury or accident at 1-866-415-8690 as soon as possible after calling for ambulance and securing the safety of all others.
If a fatality or severe injury (involving hospitalization) occurs all work must be stopped immediately. Important facts and evidence may be lost if work recommences prior to the completion of an investigation.
Site Specific Emergency Preparedness & Response Process (EPR)
When required, site-specific plans must be developed with the assistance of everyone involved. This plan is re-evaluated annually, along with the rest of this manual to keep the information current. If a significant piece of information has been omitted, it will be posted in the lunchroom until the manual has been updated. This emergency plan addresses emergency conditions, which may arise from within the workplace and from adjacent workplaces. The plan was developed and implemented in consultation with the joint committee or the worker health and safety representative, where one exists.
All workers and subcontractors must be initially briefed on the general emergency response plan that deals with how to handle most common emergencies that are possible to impact oil and gas workers including:
- H2S exposure
- Weather related hazards including tornado, cold/hot conditions, lightning, hail, natural disasters
- Animal incidents (bears, cougars, etc.)
- Chemical exposure
- Vehicle accident
- Liquid spills, etc.
The hazard/risk assessment process at Country Pump Out includes the development of a site-specific emergency response and preparedness plan and addresses the risks posed by hazardous substances from accidental release, fire or other such emergency. All site-specific hazards and potential emergencies are listed (general emergencies are reviewed in orientation and general safety meetings) and discussed. This policy is addressing items that are less common and more specific to the location, Client, and type of project. The client knows their facility the best; they should always be involved in pointing out any facility specific potential emergencies. All plan results are discussed with all workers on site (including subcontractors) and reviewed as hazards change.
The emergency preparedness and response plan should be used for routine and non-routine emergencies as well as changes in operation, and products or services may create new emergency situations. These plans are reviewed prior to the commencement of any workday and when conditions warrant.
If the risk assessment shows a need for evacuation or rescue plan, appropriate written procedures must be developed and implemented. This is site specific and one trained-competent worker per shift must be assigned to coordinate their implementation.
All affected workers, visitors, and clients on site must participate in the hazard assessments and emergency preparedness and response process; this process is meant to identify all of the potential emergencies that could affect or be caused at the worksite. All Employees must report any unsafe or harmful conditions including a list of potentially harmful substances found during the inspections if they cannot be fixed immediately. If a hazard is noticed during the shift employees can report these hazards verbally to other Employees, but they must follow that verbal report with a written report once it is practical to do so. If the hazard is severe, work must be stopped and the hazards reassessed. Reports of hazards submitted to the Country Pump Out must always be written. All workers must understand the requirement to report when a situation may have the potential to become an emergency. Once discussed and assessed the plan is then reviewed with all employees and changed as requirements and processes change. Using the hazard assessment process and this site-specific emergency response plan we feel that more emergencies can be averted.
Post Emergency Summary
In the event that any uncontrolled event (emergency) was to happen Country Pump Out is committed to understanding the root cause(s) of the incident and how the personnel on site including both workers and subcontractors handled the emergency. Any information gathered that might ensure a better response in the future will be shared with everyone involved.
It is often beneficial to ask everyone involved in emergency to seek medical attention or talk to his or her peers about the incident.
Dangerous Goods Incident
24 Hours (Toll-Free)
1-800-272-9600
Disaster Services Agency
24 Hours (Toll-Free)
1-800-272-9600
CANUTEC – Dangerous Goods Reporting (*666 from cell phone)
24 Hours (Toll-Free)
1-888-226-8832
Environmental Complaint / Emergency
24 Hours (Toll-Free)
1-800-222-6514
Forest Fires (Land & Forest Service)
24 Hours (Call Collect)
780-310-3473
Industrial Accidents (Notification of Fatality or Serious Injury)
Workplace Health & Safety – All areas
1-866-415-8690
Alberta Energy & Utilities Board - Grande Prairie
24 Hours
780-538-5138
Poison Centre
24 Hours (Toll-Free)
1-800-332-1414
Alberta One Call
24 Hours (Toll-Free)
1-800-242-3447
ATCO Gas (Emergency)
24 Hours (Toll-Free)
1-800-511-3447
ATCO Electric (Emergency)
24 Hours (Toll-Free)
1-800-668-5506
Stars Link Command
1-888-888-4567
Cellular *4567
