Remote and Industrial Site Security Course 2026
This course is for security guards who work at remote and industrial sites such as oil and gas facilities, mines, work camps, wind farms and large construction projects. It covers working-alone rules, check-ins and communication, gate and access control, Alberta's Critical Infrastructure Defence Act, and site hazards like H2S, cold, wildlife and power lines.
Quick answer
This free course has about 30 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 when a guard is working alone and what check-in system is needed
- Choose a reliable way to stay in contact where there is no cell service
- Control a remote gate and log every vehicle and visitor
- Recognize the dangers of H2S, cold stress, wildlife and downed power lines
- Call for help with a precise location and guide responders to the site
Score 80% or more to download your certificate.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: D. When they work by themselves and help is not readily available
Alberta's guidance says both conditions must be met: the worker is alone and assistance is not readily available.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: A. Awareness, willingness and timeliness
Help is readily available only if others will know you need help, will reasonably help, and can arrive in a reasonable time.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: D. Visit the worker or have the worker check in at suitable intervals
If an effective electronic means of communication is not practicable, the employer must visit the worker or make sure the worker checks in at intervals suited to the hazards.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: D. At the end of the shift
Section 4.21 requires checks at set intervals and a check at the end of the work shift, with the results recorded.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: A. Shorter intervals than for low-risk work
The regulation notes that higher-risk work needs shorter intervals between checks.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: C. An agreed code word that signals the worker needs help
CCOHS suggests a daily work plan, a main and backup contact, set check-in times, a written log, and a code word that means help is needed.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: B. A satellite device or two-way radio
CCOHS lists two-way radios, satellite technology, GPS and automated duress devices as options where cell service is unreliable.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: A. Oil and gas production sites and pipelines
The Act lists pipelines, oil and gas sites, oil sands sites, mines, power plants, railways, highways and other facilities as essential infrastructure.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: C. Wilfully entering essential infrastructure without lawful right, justification or excuse
The Act makes it an offence to wilfully enter, damage or interfere with essential infrastructure without lawful right, justification or excuse.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: B. A peace officer
Section 4 gives the power to arrest without a warrant to a peace officer. A guard's role is to observe, record and call police.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: D. Keep the gate closed, confirm with the site contact and log the vehicle
Access control at remote sites means verifying every visit with the site contact and recording the vehicle, driver and time.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: C. Rotten eggs
CCOHS describes the smell of H2S as rotten eggs. At high levels it can smell sickly sweet.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: B. H2S can dull your sense of smell, so the odour may seem to disappear
H2S can dull the sense of smell, so a strong odour can fade while the gas is still there. Use detectors and follow site rules.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: D. In low-lying areas and confined spaces
CCOHS warns that H2S can collect in hazardous amounts in low-lying areas, especially confined spaces.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: A. Stay out, raise the alarm and call trained rescuers
CCOHS says rescuers must protect themselves first. H2S can also come off a victim's clothes and breath, so only trained people with proper equipment should go in.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: C. Numbness
CCOHS says numbness is usually the first symptom. Skin may look waxy and feel cold and hard.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: A. Warm them gently, for example in the armpits, and do not rub them
CCOHS advises gentle warming, no rubbing, no snow, no direct heat and no alcohol. Get medical help.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: C. Mild hypothermia
CCOHS lists shivering, poor judgement, slurred speech and loss of coordination as signs of mild hypothermia. People often do not notice it in themselves.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: B. Gently, focusing on the chest, armpits and groin, and keep them lying down
CCOHS says to move the person out of the cold, keep them lying down, handle them gently and warm the upper body slowly.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: D. Stay calm, speak firmly, and back away slowly
Parks Canada advises not to run, since running can prompt a chase. Speak calmly and firmly, back away slowly and have bear spray ready.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: D. Make noise, especially near streams, thick brush and berry patches
Parks Canada advises making noise such as talking or clapping, and says bear bells do not work well. Bears are most active at dawn and dusk.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: A. Store it in bear-resistant containers or designated storage, away from sleeping areas
Parks Canada advises storing food, scented items and garbage securely and never burning or burying garbage, which attracts bears.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: B. At least 10 metres
Utilities advise staying at least 10 metres back, about the length of a school bus. A line can be live even if it is not sparking.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: D. An exact location, such as the site name, GPS coordinates or legal land description, and someone to meet them
Remote sites can be hard to find. Give precise location details and send someone to the gate or road to guide responders in.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: B. Route, departure time, expected arrival and a plan if you are overdue
CCOHS suggests sharing destination, route, estimated arrival, return time, contact details and alternate plans for weather.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- In Alberta, a worker is working alone when they work by themselves and help is not readily available; employers must provide an effective way to communicate or regular visits and check-ins.
- B.C. requires a written check-in procedure for lone workers, with checks at set intervals and at the end of the shift.
- Alberta's Critical Infrastructure Defence Act makes it an offence to wilfully enter, damage or interfere with essential infrastructure, such as pipelines and oil and gas sites, without lawful right.
- H2S smells like rotten eggs but can dull your sense of smell, and it collects in low-lying areas and confined spaces.
- Stay at least 10 metres from a downed power line; it can be live even if it is not sparking.
Frequently asked questions
Are working-alone rules the same in every province?
No. Each province sets its own occupational health and safety rules. This course uses Alberta and British Columbia as examples; check the rules where you work and follow your employer's procedure.
Can a security guard arrest someone under Alberta's Critical Infrastructure Defence Act?
The Act gives the power to arrest without a warrant to peace officers. A guard should observe, record details and call police. Other laws, like the Criminal Code and trespass laws, set out any arrest powers a guard has.
Do I need H2S training to work at an oil and gas site?
Many sites require specific H2S training before you start. This course only gives awareness. Follow your site's orientation and training rules.
What should I carry on a remote patrol?
Follow your post orders. Common items are a charged radio or satellite device, a flashlight, a first aid kit, warm layers, water, and bear spray where wildlife is a risk.
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.
Sources
- Alberta OHS: explanation for working alone
- WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation, Part 4 (working alone)
- CCOHS: working alone
- Government of Alberta: protecting critical infrastructure
- Alberta Bill 1 (2020), Critical Infrastructure Defence Act
- CCOHS: hydrogen sulfide
- CCOHS: cold environments, health effects and first aid
- Parks Canada: safe travel in bear country
- EPCOR: downed power lines