FAQ

Thanks to FMAC’s members, we know what companies are operating in which areas and have the best means to coordinate a response. Each member has an Emergency Preparedness Plan (EMP) in order to contact local authorities and government agencies to engage first responders to assist in public protection measures, including evacuation and shelter in place guidelines. Maintaining open lines of communication in these times is incredibly important, whether it is with the individual or group who reported the incident or with a government agency.

While each EMP is individual to the worksite in question, the same parties are contacted in an emergency. An EMP includes the applicable regulator(s) and local authorities, including First Nations and Indigenous groups, first responders, and other government agencies. Further contact with those in neighbouring areas is coordinated by the local authorities. This contact will include how a stakeholder can reach the correct representative for the incident for further information.

Markers signs are placed at the approximate location of a pipeline and includes a pipeline right-of-way (ROW) corridor. These corridors are clear of trees, buildings, and other structures to allow for work-site employees and contractors to access the pipeline. This corridor is also used in the events of emergencies by the local authorities.

With regulations in place, certain activities near the ROW are restricted as they could pose a threat to public safety and to the safe operation of the pipeline. Contact FMAC using the General Inquiries Form if you think your activities may require consent from an FMAC member.

As there may be underground utilities on your property, contact your local Once-Call Centre before starting any projects. You can also visit ClickBeforeYouDig.com three business days before starting your job or contact Utility Safety at 1-800-242-3447.

Shelter in Place is to seek out a safe location indoors rather than evacuating an area completely.

The goal of Shelter in Place is to reduce the movement of air in and out of a building until either the hazard has passed or other appropriate emergency actions can be safely taken.

Shelter in Place has been demonstrated to be the most effective response during the first few hours of a substance release. It creates an indoor buffer to protect you from higher and more toxic gas concentrations that may exist outdoors.

1. Go indoors.
2. Close all windows and doors.
3. Turn off the furnace, stove fans, and bathroom fans.
4. Chose a room to seal off. Seal around doorways, windows and vents with tape or towels.
5. Listen to the local radio or local TV news station for further instructions. Keep the phone line free
   with the receiver nearby should you be contacted.

Evacuation is the primary public protection measure during the release of sour gas if the public can be safely removed from the area. If evacuation is not possible, then sheltering in place can be used to protect members of the public under certain conditions.

1. Listen to the company’s representative for evacuation instructions.
2. Follow the instructions. If you are asked to evacuate, do so promptly.
3. Use the exact routes that have been identified as safe routes.

Go to the identified reception centre, where you will be asked to check-in.

Evacuation is the primary public protection measure during the release of sour gas if the public can be safely removed from the area. If evacuation is not possible, then sheltering in place can be used to protect members of the public under certain conditions.

A common way to dispel sour gas is to ignite it. The combustion from the sudden heat converts H₂S into water vapour and sulphur dioxide (SO₂). Though SO₂ is not flammable and less likely to be encountered at dangerous concentrations, it is still toxic and less odourous than H₂S, meaning danger still persists. For this reason, a trained company is required to ignite a H₂S release when there is a potential risk to public safety, to both dispel the H₂S and mitigate risk caused by SO₂.