Emergency Response
Our emergency response employees in both the U.S. and Canada have adopted and fully implemented the Incident Command System (ICS) at all levels. ICS is a comprehensive and practical system widely used nationally and internationally by both government and industry sectors to manage emergencies. It is a standardized, on scene, management system used for all types of emergency and non-emergency events. Using ICS, Plains engages employees, first responders, regulators, response organizations and contractors in a significant number of emergency response training exercises annually to test the effectiveness of our plans and procedures. We work closely with first responders in the communities where we operate to share information about our pipelines, terminals, trucking and rail, and to enlist their assistance in reducing risks related to possible emergency situations.
Stakeholder Engagement and Continuing Education
Communication with the public, first responders, Indigenous Communities, local authorities and government agencies is a critical component of our Emergency Management Plan. We communicate with these stakeholders annually during the development and maintenance of our ERPs in order to confirm roles and responsibilities, and to ensure key contact information is up-to-date in the event of an emergency. Consultation and public outreach also allows us an opportunity to provide information surrounding our operations and take area-specific considerations into account when developing and maintaining ERPs.
Continuing education is critical to ensuring everyone who is potentially involved in an emergency understands the various safety procedures that are in place. In order to ensure first responders can respond to emergency situations safely and effectively, the following information through continuing education sessions:
- Company operations and specific area operations information applicable to the audience.
- Details surrounding our emergency management program including ERPs, equipment, training and exercises, spill control points (if applicable) and the public consultation program.
- Product hazard awareness information associated with an emergency related to our operating assets.
- Practices and procedures to be followed in event of an emergency including details for roles, responsibilities and capabilities as well as communications protocols.