As we look back on 2023, it would be a shame if we did not tell you about our trip to Carol Harbour, Nunavut.

Acute Safety was asked to conduct 40-hour HAZWOPER training for the local contractors that would be decommissioning the remains of a military base just outside of Coral Harbour, Nunavut. We trained 16 local workers from Coral Harbour who are going to be working on the clean-up project.

This military base was originally used by Canadian and American Forces during the construction of the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line in Northern Canada during the Second World War and was active from the 1940s until the 1970s.

To learn more, click on each corresponding link:

1. Project Background
2. The HAZWOPER Training
3. The Carol Harbour Experience
4. Future Considerations

Acute Safety is your go-to resource for all things safety training. Simply contact us today to set up your 40-hour HAZWOPER training!

HAZWOPER Training With Acute Safety 

Continue reading to learn more about 40-hour HAZWOPER training with Acute Safety.

1. Project Background

The Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line was a system of radar stations located in the Arctic region of North America. It was established during the Cold War to provide early detection and warning of a potential Soviet air attack on North America, particularly over the North Polar region. The DEW Line played a crucial role in the defence strategies of the United States and Canada during this period.

The DEW Line represented a significant technological advancement in early warning systems, utilizing radar technology to provide critical surveillance capabilities over the Arctic.

The DEW Line extended across the northernmost regions of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. It spanned approximately 3,600 miles (5,800 kilometres) from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to Baffin Island in Canada.

This particular site, in Carol Harbour, included the following:

• An airstrip
• A hospital
• Military personnel housing

Most buildings were decommissioned when the site was decommissioned in the 1970s, however, large volumes of equipment and debris remain present on site.

2. The HAZWOPER Training

At Acute Safety, we were approached by Milestone Environmental to provide Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training. Milestone managed and provided oversight on this unique project.

HAZWOPER training is crucial when conducting a remediation project, especially when dealing with the cleanup of sites that may have been contaminated with hazardous substances.

Given the HAZWOPER training, the 16 local workers from Coral Harbour, who are going to work on the clean-up project, are now able to:

A) Identify Hazardous Substances

With proper HAZWOPER training, the 16 local workers from Coral Harbour are equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify hazardous substances. This includes understanding the characteristics of pollutants, chemicals, and other dangerous materials that may be present at the decommissioned military base site. Training allows them to recognize potential hazards and take appropriate precautions to mitigate risks during the cleanup project.

B) Properly Use Their Protective Equipment

HAZWOPER training ensures that the local workers understand the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and how to use it effectively. This includes:

• Selecting the right type of PPE for specific tasks
• Proper donning and doffing procedures
• The maintenance of protective gear

The workers are now well-prepared to minimize their exposure to hazardous substances by using the appropriate PPE during remediation activities.

C) Understand Site-Specific Hazards

The HAZWOPER training emphasizes the significance of site-specific hazard assessments.

According to the CCSA, “Site-specific hazard assessments (also called field-level hazard assessments) are in fact an administrative control used to address hazards that show up as a result of changing circumstances at a work site.”

The 16 workers are now capable of understanding the unique risks associated with the decommissioned military base in Coral Harbour.

This understanding enables them to tailor their approach to the specific challenges of the site, addressing potential dangers and implementing appropriate safety measures based on the characteristics of the contaminants and the site’s conditions.

D) Respond to Emergencies Properly

HAZWOPER training includes comprehensive instruction on emergency response procedures. The local workers are now well-prepared to respond effectively to unforeseen events or emergencies that may occur during the cleanup project. This includes:

• Knowing how to initiate emergency communication
• Evacuate the area if necessary
• Take immediate action to protect themselves and others in the event of spills, leaks, or other unexpected incidents

This training on emergency response procedures is critical and extremely valuable.

E) Control Contaminants

With HAZWOPER training, the workers have gained knowledge about controlling contaminants during the cleanup process. This involves:

• Implementing measures to prevent the spread of hazardous substances
• Using proper containment methods
• Ensuring that pollutants are managed by environmental regulations

The trained workers are now equipped to contribute to a safe and controlled remediation process, minimizing the potential for further environmental impact.

Our HAZWOPER training has empowered the local workers from Coral Harbour with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the challenges of the cleanup project at the decommissioned military base. It is our goal that this training ensures a heightened level of safety and compliance, fostering an environment where workers can confidently identify, respond to, and control hazardous substances while protecting themselves and their surrounding environment.

3. The Coral Harbour Experience

Here is what Jon Wright, our Training Services Manager, had to say about this awesome adventure:

“It was an incredible experience getting to see a part of Canada few people ever get to experience. The people of Coral Harbour were very welcoming. As an instructor, I had to adapt to their learning style, but found the participants to be very enthusiastic once we found common ground.” 

4. Future Considerations

Looking forward into 2024, there may be future projects in the North, as more sites are identified for clean-up/remediation efforts. At Acute Safety, we look forward to exploring different parts of Canada and indulging ourselves into Canadas rich history.

Need HAZWOPER Training? Rely on Acute Safety

ACUTE can transform your workplace to be more safety compliant.

If you are in charge of supervising health and safety in the workplace or you are concerned that your workplace is not safety complaint, or you need HAZWOPER training, book a course with ACUTE. Here are some of the benefits of working with ACUTE:

• Open Door Instructor-Student Partnership – ACUTE’s training services emphasize client participation, staff foster relationships with clients and serve as a touchstone for advice anytime moving forward.
• Serving Your Team and Industry – With a vast array of clients in manufacturing, construction, health, academic, and government sectors, ACUTE brings the best safety practices from across the spectrum to your workplace.
• 100 Years Combined Experience – ACUTE provides comprehensive health and safety training, on-site safety services, and consulting services. With over 100 years of combined experience, our company staff offers more than theoretical or abstract ideas. ACUTE offers solutions!
• Track Record of Success – ACUTE is rated 4.9/5 stars on Google reviews, demonstrating our commitment to our clients, our quality, and our passion for training.

It is one thing to understand what HSE is and another to know how to conduct an HSE presentation. Contact Acute Safety today to learn more about health, safety, and the environment.

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