Pipeline safety is our number one priority. During more than 65 years of operations, we’ve developed a mature suite of programs that maximize pipeline safety.

We focus on preventing pipeline incidents through our Pipeline Integrity Management Program. This program identifies all of the hazards affecting the safety of the pipeline system and ensures we implement control measures to prevent or mitigate each hazard.

If you live or work near a pipeline, it’s important to know how to help prevent damage to the pipeline system and to know what to do in the rare event of an emergency.

Always Click or Call Before You Dig

Before you begin any ground disturbance work, contact your local One Call centre at least three business days in Canada (two in Washington state). If your proposed work is near our pipeline, a Trans Mountain representative will call you back within three business days in Canada (two in Washington state) to discuss your proposed work and if required, meet with you on-site to identify the exact location of the pipeline. This service is provided at no cost to you.

You can complete a One Call notification online by visiting clickbeforeyoudig.com.

How to Recognize a Potential Emergency

Although rare, pipeline incidents require immediate action and caution. If you notice any of the following, or suspect a pipeline emergency, please immediately call 911 and the Trans Mountain Emergency line at 1.888.876.6711. Emergency information is also noted on all our pipeline markers located along the pipeline right-of-way.


If you notice any of the above or suspect a pipeline emergency:

LEAVE AREA immediately, on foot and upwind

  • Abandon any mechanized equipment being used in or near the area
  • Call Trans Mountain’s 24-hour emergency line 1.888.876.6711
  • Warn others away
  • Eliminate ignition sources (keyless door entry, cell phone or flashlight)
  • Turn off vehicle engines

DO NOT:

  • Re-enter the area
  • Ring door bells or metal knockers; instead knock with your hand to avoid sparks
  • Operate pipeline valves
  • Touch any liquid or vapour
  • Start your vehicle or drive into the release location or vapour clouds while leaving the area
  • Try to extinguish any fires associated with the release; wait for trained professionals

In the unlikely event of an emergency, we ensure all affected stakeholders are notified promptly. We work with local first responders to provide appropriate emergency communications and make sure that public protection measures are being taken.

The most common immediate response actions for pipeline emergencies are shelter-in-place or evacuation. The decision to take either action is based upon multiple factors, including location of the emergency, potential exposure during evacuation, anticipated duration of the emergency and advice from emergency responders and/or Trans Mountain representatives.

Potential Hazards

Although rare, pipeline spills require immediate action and caution. The Trans Mountain Pipeline ships a variety of potentially hazardous crude oil products and a number of potential hazards are associated with an unintended release from the pipeline. Products may be flammable and explosive under certain conditions and may also pose serious risks to health through inhalation, absorption, physical contact and/or ingestion. Exposure may lead to irritation of the upper respiratory tracts, headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, vomiting, loss of consciousness or even death.

To learn more about our Emergency Management program click here.