Lone Worker Safety Course for Security Guards 2026
This course is for security guards who work alone, such as night guards, mobile patrol officers and concierge staff. It explains what working alone means, what provincial safety laws expect, how check-in systems work and how to stay safe during a shift.
Quick answer
This free course has about 15 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.
What you will learn
- Explain what working alone or in isolation means
- Describe what employers must do for lone workers in BC, Alberta and Ontario
- Use a check-in system correctly, including the end-of-shift check
- Follow the right steps when a check-in is missed
- Plan a safer shift, from arrival to handover
Score 80% or more to download your certificate.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: C. When help would not be readily available if you were injured, ill or faced an emergency
BC defines working alone by whether help is readily available in an emergency, not by how many people are on the property.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: B. Yes, if no one could see, hear or quickly help them
Working alone is about whether help would come quickly, not whether other people are somewhere in the building.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: D. Identify the hazards and remove or reduce them
BC requires the employer to identify hazards first, then eliminate them or reduce the risk as far as practicable.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: C. A check at the end of the shift
BC requires checks at set intervals plus a check at the end of the shift.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: A. No fixed number; it is set for the job, with shorter intervals for higher-risk work
BC rules do not set a single interval. It is developed for the job, and higher-risk work needs shorter intervals.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: A. The lone worker and the joint committee or worker representative
BC says intervals are developed with the joint health and safety committee or worker representative, and with the lone worker.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: C. At least once a year, and sooner if something changes
BC requires at least an annual review, and an earlier one if the work changes or the procedures are reported not to work.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: C. An effective way to communicate and regular contact suited to the hazards
Alberta requires a hazard assessment and an effective means of communication, with contact at regular intervals.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: C. Visit the worker or have the worker check in at set times
If electronic contact is not practical, Alberta allows visits or scheduled check-ins instead.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: B. Ways to summon immediate assistance
Ontario's OHSA requires the violence program to include measures for summoning immediate assistance.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: A. To signal you need help when you cannot speak freely
A code word lets you ask for help without alerting someone who may be listening.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: B. So someone still answers if the main contact is unavailable
If the main contact is busy or out of reach, a backup makes sure check-ins are still answered.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: A. Use a radio, satellite device or other backup that works there
Communication tools must work where you are; poor coverage calls for a backup device.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: B. When the worker does not reset the device in time
These devices raise an alarm if they are not reset within a set time, in case the worker cannot call.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: D. Test it and make sure it is charged
A device that is dead or broken cannot get you help, so test and charge it first.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: B. Stay back, report it and wait for police or backup
A lone guard should not enter a possible break-in alone; observe, report and wait for help.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: B. So no one can predict where the guard will be
Predictable patrols make it easier for someone to avoid you or target you.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: D. In a well-lit spot, facing out so you can leave quickly
Parking in light and facing out helps you see and leave quickly if needed.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: D. Keep your distance, leave if needed and call for help
Lone guards should not confront people alone; distance and calling for help keep you safe.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: B. Tell your supervisor
Fatigue slows reactions and judgment, so raise it with your supervisor.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: D. Try to reach the guard right away by radio and phone
The first step is to try to make contact at once, then follow the plan if there is no answer.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: C. Call 911 and send someone to the last known location
If the guard cannot be found or there are signs of danger, emergency help is needed without delay.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: C. Tell dispatch as soon as it is safe
Letting dispatch know prevents confusion and makes sure they know you are busy, not hurt.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: A. So the employer can update the hazard assessment and fix the gap
Hazard reports help improve the plan and protect every guard on the post.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: A. Each action taken and the time it was taken
A written record of each step and time shows what was done and helps improve the procedure.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- In BC, working alone or in isolation means working where help would not be readily available in an emergency, or if you are injured or ill.
- BC employers must have a written check-in procedure with set time intervals, a named person who makes contact, and a check at the end of the shift.
- BC regulations set no fixed check-in interval; higher-risk work needs shorter intervals, and procedures must be reviewed at least once a year.
- Alberta requires a hazard assessment for working alone and an effective way to communicate, with contact at regular intervals suited to the hazards.
- In Ontario, an employer's workplace violence program must include ways for workers to summon immediate assistance.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a lone security guard check in?
There is no single national number. The interval is set by the employer based on the risks of the post, and higher-risk work needs more frequent checks. In BC, the interval must be set with input from the worker and the safety committee or representative.
What happens if I miss a check-in?
The person monitoring you should try to reach you, then follow the written plan. That usually means sending someone to check on you and calling 911 if you still cannot be reached.
Do all provinces have working alone rules?
Not in the same way. BC and Alberta have specific working alone rules. Ontario covers the risk mainly through its workplace violence rules. Check the rules where you work.
Is a cell phone enough for a lone worker?
Only if it works reliably at your site and is part of a check-in system. In places with poor coverage, use a radio, satellite device or another backup.
Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?
No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace the security licence training required in your province or territory.