Remote and Industrial Site Security: Lessons 2026

Lesson 1: What makes remote sites different

Remote and industrial sites include oil and gas facilities, pipelines, mines, work camps, wind farms and large construction projects far from town. Guards may control a gate, patrol a large area by vehicle, or watch over a shut-down site at night.

• Distance: police, fire and ambulance may take a long time to arrive.
• Communication: cell service may be weak or missing.
• Hazards: gases such as H2S, heavy equipment, power lines, cold and wildlife.
• Theft and trespass: fuel, copper, tools and equipment are common targets.

On your first shift, complete the site orientation. Learn the emergency response plan, muster points, gas detector rules, radio channels, and who to call for what.

Lesson 2: Working alone and staying in contact

Many remote guards work alone. Each province has rules. In Alberta, a worker is working alone when they are by themselves and help is not readily available. Help is readily available only if others will know you need help, are willing to help, and can arrive in reasonable time.

A good check-in plan

• A daily work plan showing where you will be and when.
• A main contact and a backup.
• Set check-in times and a written log.
• A code word that means you need help.
• A journey plan for driving: route, departure, expected arrival and what happens if you are overdue.
• A device that works where you are: two-way radio, satellite messenger or phone, or a duress alarm.

Lesson 3: Gate control and the law

At most remote sites, the gate is the main line of defence. Every person and vehicle should have a reason to be there.

1. Stop each vehicle at the gate.
2. Confirm the visit with the site contact, work order or visitor list.
3. Check that visitors have completed any required orientation.
4. Log the driver, company, vehicle, plate and times in and out.
5. Never let an unverified vehicle in. Keep the gate closed and call your supervisor.

Signs of theft or trespass

• Cut fences, broken locks or gates left open.
• Fresh tire tracks or footprints, especially in snow or mud, where no work is planned.
• Fuel levels that drop overnight, or missing tools, cable or copper.
• Vehicles parked on the access road with no clear reason to be there.
• Drones flying over the site.

When you find signs like these, do not follow tracks alone into the dark. Take photos if safe, note the time and location, report to your supervisor, and call police if a crime is happening or has just happened.

Alberta's Critical Infrastructure Defence Act

In Alberta, this Act makes it an offence to wilfully enter, damage or interfere with essential infrastructure without lawful right, justification or excuse. Essential infrastructure includes pipelines, oil and gas sites, oil sands sites, mines, power plants, railways, highways and similar facilities, and the land around them. A peace officer may arrest a person without a warrant for these offences. A guard's job is to observe, record details and call police.

Lesson 4: H2S, cold and wildlife

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)

• Smells like rotten eggs, but it can dull your sense of smell, so the smell may seem to go away while the gas is still there.
• Very toxic and can be fatal if breathed in. It is also extremely flammable.
• Collects in low-lying areas and confined spaces.
• Never rush in to help someone who has collapsed. Raise the alarm and let trained rescuers with proper equipment go in.

Cold stress

Dress in layers, stay dry and watch your co-workers. People with hypothermia often do not notice it themselves.

Bears and other wildlife

• Make noise near streams, thick brush and berry patches. Bear bells do not work well.
• Bears are most active at dawn and dusk.
• If you see a bear: stop, stay calm, do not run, speak firmly and back away slowly.
• Carry bear spray where required and know how to use it.
• Store food and garbage securely. Never burn or bury garbage.

Lesson 5: Emergencies far from help

1. Make sure you are safe first.
2. Call 911 or the site emergency number, following the emergency response plan.
3. Give an exact location: site name, GPS coordinates or legal land description, and the access road.
4. Send someone, or go yourself if safe, to meet responders at the gate or main road.
5. Keep the radio channel clear and update your contact.
6. Write notes as soon as you can.

Stay at least 10 metres from a downed power line, and keep others back. It can be live even if it is not sparking. For fires, follow the muster plan and never drive through smoke you cannot see through.