 | | | Safety, health, environmental & security management systems |
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Major operating incidents
A primary focus of OIMS is to address operating risks to protect people, communities, facilities and the environment. One of the measures to manage these risks is tracking the number of major operating incidents – events that result in adverse impact on the environment or significant cost (involving direct costs of US$50,000 or greater). For each incident, we conduct formal investigations to understand the root causes, assess the impact on our operation, the environment, workers and neighbouring communities, and take corrective action.
In 2006, there were 14 major operating incidents, compared with five in the previous year. These included a fire at Sarnia refinery and a spill of crude oil from the Rainbow Pipeline (see spill prevention for more information).
There are a number of actions underway to address these incidents. Recognition and mitigation of potential operating risks continue to be important parts of leadership and worker training to reduce tolerance for risk. We are also further strengthening risk assessment tools and processes that identify and address hazards in a timely manner. As part of OIMS, we have adopted a global management practice that has enhanced risk assessments, and is being supported by communication and education of operating staff.
Emergency response preparedness
Emergency response preparedness at Imperial starts with clearly developed plans and a well-established organizational structure. Emergency response plans are in place at all our facilities, including production facilities, refineries, distribution terminals and pipelines. Should an emergency occur, local trained personnel are deployed, supported by regional emergency response teams and senior management.
| | | | Training exercises
Imperial employees and management regularly participate in hands-on exercises to ensure they are well prepared to deal with potential operating incidents and know what to do during an emergency. In 2006, we carried out nearly 550 emergency response exercises, including three major exercises involving other response agencies.
In the Downstream business, we conducted an exercise simulating a pipeline leak at our Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, terminal. The event successfully tested communications and coordination between our response team and several external agencies, including regulators, city fire and police departments, and Canadian and U.S. coast guard organizations.
The level of emergency response planning in the Upstream business was audited by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board. As part of the assessment, the regulator observed an emergency response exercise at our Quirk Creek, Alberta, gas plant. All audit requirements were successfully met.
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