Sphere No.44 (Mar 2018)

a long stick with a heavy duty scraper on one end and a brush on the other as part of their collection of tools in their car. “In the UK, we would just use a credit card to clear snow and ice from our windshields, so I have taken many a long-handled snow scraper back as a Christmas stocking stuffer.” Like the toque, Canadians don’t even know that this is a national quirk, probably shared by Swedes. The staff at Husky Energy, 3 Sweden and Park’N Fly wouldn’t consider themselves cold savvy – it’s just daily life. But the lifetime of chilly education they get is buttressed by a huge range of research, systems, equipment and expertise that is designed to protect CKHH staff and the environment, serve their customers and help get the job done. For CKHH’s sub-zero heroes, that’s pretty cool. the north. For example, petroleum workers in the oil-rich Middle East have probably never considered the difference between dealing with a potential oil spill in cold versus warm weather, or in transitional seasons like spring. Husky Energy is hyper-aware of these considerations. Cold conditions retard response time, and equipment can be more brittle and prone to breakage if not treated carefully. In springtime, a leak would see oil move quickly into major lakes and rivers as snow melt means lots of water is moving quickly, creating temporary tributaries and small streams that don’t exist in winter or autumn. Should a release happen in winter, contaminated snow is carried directly to containment units for separation of oil and water. Summertime emergency response may see water flow diverted directly into the containment areas. Husky Energy professionals understand how oil behaves differently in colder water and have plans for recovering oil that is trapped under ice. Icebergs aren’t the only growlers Husky Energy staff working in the north have one more thing that poses risk to life and limb: grizzly bears. These massive beasts compete with polar bears for the ‘biggest bear’ title. While they normally avoid humans, if bears are especially hungry or under other environmental pressures, they can kill. All outdoor working staff are trained on bear awareness and how to scare bears away. This can include bangers (a noise-making projectile) and pepper spray. For those who think the danger exaggerated, 2014 saw a (non-Husky Energy) technician killed in a bear attack in broad daylight in front of staff unable to prevent it. However, the last attack in Canada before that was in 1991 so it is not a frequent occurrence. Still, Husky Energy makes sure staff are prepared. On the lighter side, non-Canadian employee Trevor Pritchard was asked what would surprise people from non- northern climes. Canadians normally have << Sphere #44 2018 19 One more thing that poses risk to life and limb: grizzly bears. Special clothing and an understanding of oil behaviour at sub-zero temperatures are all part of the job.