On Feb 10, a sulphur spill took place after unloading at a Northern BC plant, causing a thorough
clean up to be required over a few kilometers on the road. Due to the potential environmental
impact and the costly cleanup, this incident has been deemed preventable and has reset the
incident counter for NBC.
Incident Overview:
The incident involved a leak from a truck’s unload pipe after leaving the plant. The cam lock was
left off of the pipe and while the truck was in transit, the remaining sulphur in the tank drained
out, causing a spill over several kilometers.
Root Causes:
The investigation into the spill revealed possible contributing factors:
1. Mechanical Challenges – The driver had been experiencing issues with the unloading
valves, which had been clogged by solidified sulphur.
2. Inadequate assessment of Hazards – The driver did not replace the camlock as his
intention was to remove the valve when he reached Chetwynd in order to thoroughly clean
it. His assumption was since no more sulfur was draining from the tank, and the pipe was
cool there was no more product to leak out. Unfortunately, this was not the case.
Key Takeaways and Safety Reminders:
This incident serves as a reminder to all drivers of the importance of maintaining focus on safety
procedures, regardless of the circumstances. Mechanical issues, distractions, and procedural
oversights can affect any of us. However, we must all ensure we are following critical safety
protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Please keep the following safety points in mind:
● Thorough Inspection: Always conduct a complete post-unloading inspection of your
truck and unloading system. Verify that all valves, camlocks, and hoses are securely
closed and intact before leaving the plant.
● Address Mechanical Issues Promptly: If you encounter ongoing mechanical problems
with your trailers (such as clogged valves or other malfunctions), report them immediately
to maintenance. Don’t hesitate to stop and address any issues that could compromise
safety.
Your Role:
As a driver, you play a critical role in maintaining the safety and integrity of the operation. By
following these procedures, we can continue to ensure the safety of our team, the public, and the
environment. Let’s all remain vigilant and committed to upholding the highest safety standards.
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this incident or our safety procedures, please
feel free to reach out to your field safety supervisor.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.