Climate Change and Technical Safety BC
Climate change creates safety risks and hazards affecting the technologies we regulate. In 2020, the Climate Action and Sustainability team was formed to address these risks. As the probability of extreme weather events increases, our focus is to:
understand and manage safety risk associated with emerging and low-carbon technologies used to address climate change; and
understand and manage technical safety risk from extreme weather events.
Technical Safety BC’s climate action strategy is aligned with BC’s CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 and the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy. Learn more our climate action strategy.
Over the past four years, we have:
Identified the impacts of climate change, like floods, wildfires, heat waves, and water shortage, on technical equipment. We aim to proactively manage safety risks and hazards through integrating risk reduction strategies into codes, standards, and assessments.
Identified low-carbon technologies that are entering the market. We aim to understand associated safety risks, with a goal of enabling the safe adoption of low-carbon technologies in line with CleanBC’s Roadmap, through changes to administrative processes, codes, and regulation.
We have completed the following systematic assessment of climate hazards to technical equipment and systems.
Does the following align with what you’re seeing? We're asking our clients and safety partners to share your experiences and let us know what you’re seeing in the field using the Share your Thoughts box below.
EXTREME HEAT
Extreme heat includes daily temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. It can affect electrical systems and contribute to pressure vessel failures. The risk of carbon monoxide exposure also increases as more window-vented air conditioning units are used, potentially causing depressurization. Additionally:
Pressure vessels, like propane and compressed natural gas tanks, may experience high-pressure levels, leading to uncontrolled release or explosion.
Overloaded electrical panels may result in panel failure or fire.
Electrical panel capacity may not accommodate ongoing demands of an air conditioner.
Extreme heat can cause railway tracks to expand and potentially buckle. This misalignment weakens the track structure increasing the risk of derailments.
What to Do in Extreme Heat
Ensure that pressure vessels are properly maintained by a qualified individual.
Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector near fuel-burning appliances and regularly check if it’s working properly
If adding plug-in appliances, like portable air conditioners, have a licensed contractor assess the home's air pressure balance and adjust fuel-burning appliance exhaust settings as needed
Ask a qualified individual to confirm your electrical panels are the correct size when adding a significant load, like air conditioning, to the system
EXTREME COLD
Extreme cold includes daily temperatures below zero, ice, and freezing, including windstorms. Extreme cold, and freeze-and-thaw cycles can affect electrical systems, pressure vessels, and lead to risk of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure. Additionally:
- Electrical conductors’ insulated jackets may become brittle and crack, leading to electrical fire or shock.
Damaged overhead electrical lines may cause fire or shock, or cause power outages. Extended outages may lead to:
inaccessibility of elevators
portable generators being connected to a building’s circuit may cause back-feed to the utility grid, creating shock hazards for workers.
Pressure vessels have an increased chance of cracking and releasing flammable, toxic, or high-pressure contents.
Improper indoor use of propane stoves, barbeques, heaters and other outdoor gas appliances are more likely to occur during cold snaps, increasing risks of CO exposure, fire, or explosion.
Risk of CO exposure is heightened if:
ventilation becomes limited as windows are kept closed to keep out cold air.
accumulation of snow against air in-take of fuel-burning appliances impacts their combustion air balance.
accumulation of snow against exhaust outlet of fuel-burning appliances impacts the exhaust air flow.
Trees may fall over zipline guidewires, causing anchor movement, or ropeways, causing deropement.
Buildup of ice may cause train wheels to ride up over the track and result in derailment.
Snow or ice accumulation in ski lift and carrier seats may cause passengers to fall.
Windstorms and lightning can cause structural damage and impact passenger ropeways and ziplines.
What to Do in Extreme Cold
Monitor ice and snow accumulated on vents around your building and remove blockages.
Monitor for signs of equipment malfunction or failure even after the cold weather subsides, in case of delayed deterioration like frozen pipes leaking.
Have a qualified individual maintain fuel-burning appliances.
Install a functioning carbon monoxide detector near fuel burning appliances.
Leave outdoor equipment for outdoor use. Do not use propane stoves, outdoor heaters, or barbeques indoors.
Read more about solar panels damaged in a windstorm and see storm safety information.
See safety tips for cold weather.
FLOOD
Heavy rainfall or sudden snowmelt causing an overwhelming volume of waterflow. During and following a flood, the risk of electrical fires and gas-related hazards is increased. Additionally:
Pinched wiring from loosened electrical fittings may pose a fire or shock hazard.
Submerged gas equipment can lead to uncontrolled release and carbon monoxide exposure.
Gas fittings may become exposed or shallow from sediment movement and be vulnerable to damage and gas leaks.
Propane tanks may be lifted by flood waters, leading to potential release of content or fire if their connections break.
- Extreme flooding threatens railway safety by eroding the subgrade leading to instability and potential washouts. Flooding also increases the likelihood of landslides, heightening the risk of derailments.
What to Do During Flooding
Move electrical appliances and equipment sensitive to water above potential flood levels, if possible.
Move elevators to higher floors, if possible.
Monitor for signs of equipment malfunction even after flood, in case of delayed deterioration, like rusting of electrical wires.
Read more flood safety tips.
WILDFIRE
Wildfires are unplanned and uncontrolled fires in natural areas like forests and grasslands. Wildfires and smoke can disrupt electrical, gas, boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration systems and equipment, heightening their associated risks. Though communities may be evacuated during a wildfire, it is important to be aware of potential hazards when returning to businesses or homes.
Smoke may impact the quality of gas and boiler combustion air or create soot build-up in gas furnace heat exchangers with the risk of spilling flue gas.
Pressure relief devices may sustain fire damage or fail to relieve pressure fast enough, increasing the risk of explosion.
What to Do During a Wildfire
Follow evacuation procedures, if applicable
Read more about wildfire safety.
Check out BC's wildfire page and Firesmart's guide.