Order RRW-002-2017 to Westcoast Energy Inc., carrying on business as Spectra Energy Transmission (Westcoast) pursuant to section 51.1 of the National Energy Board Act

Order RRW-002-2017 to Westcoast Energy Inc., carrying on business as Spectra Energy Transmission (Westcoast) pursuant to section 51.1 of the National Energy Board Act [PDF 492 KB]

INSPECTION OFFICER ORDER NO. RRW-002-2017

IN THE MATTER OF THE NATIONAL ENERGY BOARD ACT,
AN ORDER UNDER SECTION 51.1

Information not available

is employed by Westcoast Energy Inc., carrying on business as Spectra Energy Transmission (Westcoast), and/or is a person with senior management oversight responsibilities related to the High Pine Expansion Project.

On 12 September 2017, 14:47 (PT), the undersigned National Energy Board Inspection Officer conducted an inspection of the High Pine Expansion Project, South Loop, approximately KP 28.7, to which Inspection Officer Order RRW-001-2017 was issued on 13 September 2017 in response to an observed unsafe act related to pipe-handling and hauling procedures. A contract worker or worker employed by a contractor on the project was observed climbing onto a 42 inch section of pipe being transported by a side boom. The undersigned Inspector Officer notes this is a contravention of the Workers Compensation Act of British Columbia, specifically Part 23 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

Westcoast’s response to Inspection Officer Order RRW-001-2017 submitted to the Board on 26 September 2017 is deemed inadequate in identifying appropriate corrective actions and ensuring competent implementation to prevent a recurrence of the unsafe act. Specifically, work instructions/procedures/standards and proof of training specific to controlling large diameter pipe while being transported and handled were not adequate. In addition, there was no evidence of a process that ensures Westcoast Inspection staff have both an understanding of requirements and demonstrated competence with assigned environment, health and safety responsibilities.

The Inspection Officer has reasonable grounds to believe there exists a serious hazard and threat to the safety of project personnel as Westcoast and contractor(s) have not implemented appropriate corrective actions with respect to preventing a recurrence of unsafe pipe-handling and hauling activities.

Based on the above mentioned, the Inspection Officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a hazard to the safety or security of the public, or employees of a company or a detriment to property or the environment is being or will be caused by the construction, operation, maintenance or abandonment of the pipeline, or excavation activity or construction of a facility as per 49(2)(a).

Therefore, Information not available is HEREBY ORDERED,
pursuant to subsections 51.1(1) and 51.1(2) of the National Energy Board Act, to

 X take measures specified below for guarding the safety or security of the public or employees or protecting property or the environment
    Suspend work until the hazard or detrimental situation has been remedied to the satisfaction of the inspection officer; or the order is stayed or rescinded by the Board

Specified Measures:

All pipe handling, pipe hauling and pipe stringing activities on the High Pine Expansion Project are suspended until the following corrective actions are implemented to the satisfaction and approval of the undersigned Inspection Officer:

  • Develop and provide work instructions/procedures/standards for the safe handling of large diameter pipe
  • Provide proof of training on the developed work instructions/procedures/standards for the safe handling of large diameter pipe
  • Provide proof that Westcoast Inspectors with assigned environment, health and safety responsibilities are trained and competent.
Inspection Officer
Inspection Officer 2646


Information not available
__________________________________
Signature
IO Designation
29 September 2017
Date
210-517 10 Ave SW, Calgary AB  T2R 0A8
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