Training for What We Hope Never Happens

Practice ensures we are always prepared

While safety-related incidents on our systems are rare, being prepared for when something does occur is part of our commitment to safety. Getting it right is more important than ever when it comes to emergency response, so we are prepared to act quickly and efficiently when the times comes.

Safety is our first priority

Our first priority is always the safety of the public, landowners, first responders, employees and contractors, and the environment.

As part of TransCanada’s robust Emergency Management System, we conducted more than 125 emergency drills and exercises across our network of assets in 2015. These simulations allow company personnel and external agencies to collaborate and practice the skills and communication protocols required in the event of an incident involving a pipeline or facility.

"We take the exercise and we use it to improve our plans, and we use it to improve our training, and we use it to improve our outreach and collaboration and coordination with our partners, explains Jeremy Dangel, Sr. Manager, Emergency Management, TransCanada

TransCanada staff are highly trained to respond and work proactively with local first responders and regulatory agencies so we can act quickly and minimize the impact of any potential incident.

Preparing to respond to a pipeline leak

TransCanada’s most recent corporate emergency training exercise took place near Moose Jaw, Sask., along the Canadian section of the Keystone Pipeline. The exercise saw approximately 100 TransCanada personnel, first responders, government officials and regulatory agencies participate in a simulated third-party strike on the pipeline. The simulation was meant to test TransCanada’s ability to respond and recover an oil leak on water that was covered by ice.

“I really appreciate what TransCanada is doing here. In our business we train lots. We hope we never see a lot of these types of scenarios come to fruition but you have to be prepared,” explains Rod Montgomery, Fire Chief, Moose Jaw Fire Department.

The public expects us to take safety seriously, and our actions show we do. Safety is incorporated every step of the way, beginning  with proper planning and construction practices; while great training and practice help us respond accordingly if something does occur.

“Nobody wants an emergency. It’s these types of things that go the extra mile that show we are looking out for the best interest of the public. We’re continuously looking at ways to make ourselves better,” adds Montgomery.

Watch what happens when months of planning are combined with two long winter days in Saskatchewan and a very difficult oil spill scenario. The results may surprise you.