I have over 25 years’ experience in the inspection and investigation of hydrocarbon fuel incidents. This includes all hydrocarbon equipment related to residential commercial and industrial uses. I have extensive experience in equipment failure mechanisms and have an excellent understanding of the operation of all types of equipment related to hydrocarbon fuels. I have completed thousands of inspections and investigations involving residential, commercial and industrial hydrocarbon fuelled burners. I have an expert knowledge base on the CSA B149.1 Natural Gas and Propane installation code and have worked with the code in the inspection, investigation and enforcement of its requirements for over 25 years.
I am an inspector with over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas field. My areas of expertise include inspection and investigation of gas and oil pipeline installations. I have worked on and developed procedures and safety codes for the oil and gas industry and have been a senior investigator for all hydrocarbon fuels related incidents. For the last two and a half years, I have been involved with the Alberta Energy Regulator Pipeline Team, investigating and inspecting the construction, maintenance and operation of upstream oil and gas pipelines. I have developed a thorough understanding of all hydrocarbon pipeline systems and have completed the NACE advanced internal pipeline corrosion course. My excavation and damage prevention skills have been developed over 12 years with the Ontario Regulator TSSA.
I have a thorough knowledge of pipeline construction and all pipeline valves and components in the system. I have acquired a thorough understanding of regulations and codes for all hydrocarbon fuels and am proficient in the interpretation and understanding of the CSA Codes B149.1, 149.2, 149.3, 149.5, 149.6 Fuel Oil Code, Liquid Fuels code and Z662 Pipeline code. I have a working knowledge of A.S.M.E Welding codes and regulations pertaining to high-pressure piping. I understand and can interpret and explain the Alberta Pipeline Act and Rules. I have extensive experience in presenting and liaising with a variety of individuals, groups and organizations, as well as the public, to educate, inform and work together toward mutually agreeable solutions.
Fire Investigator/Fuels Specialist, OCI Group
St. Catherine’s, ON
2017 – Present
- Investigate all structural and vehicular fires
- Prepare technical reports outlining origin and cause of fires
- Provide technical expertise for hydrocarbon related fires and explosions to other investigators and outside principals requiring expert analysis
- Refine and upgrade my skills through various workshops and training seminars
- Provide training opportunities to the insurance industry through workshops and seminars through presentations and demonstrations of fire investigation related information
- Prepare technical evaluation reports about all hydrocarbon-based equipment failures including residential, commercial and industrial applications
Inspector Surveillance and Enforcement (Pipelines), Alberta Energy Regulator
Slave Lake, Alberta
2014 – 2017
- Inspected and investigated all pipeline related incidents and operations ofLicensees in the Slave Lake operational area
- Evaluated new pipeline construction projects with regard to environmental, regulatory and safety considerations
- Presented alternative recommendations for pipeline maintenance, operation and mitigation strategies to help the Licensees gain knowledge and work toward compliance
- Assisted non-technical AER staff with understanding of pipeline operations and components to increase knowledge and evaluation skills
- Acted as a resource for Licensees and assisted them in meeting the obligations, benchmarks and goals of the organization within the regulatory framework
- Developed effective relationships within the Slave Lake operational area withLicensees, from the President to the field operation staff
Provincial Offences Officer, Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Toronto, Ontario
2000 — 2014
- Inspected and investigated all aspects and incidents involving hydrocarbon fuels
- Monitored and audited the work of over 300 contractors in the geographical area, issuing reports and compliance orders when necessary
- Prepared cases for prosecution and legal action up to and including testifying in court
- Consulted with decision makers in large corporations, including the President of the company, relating to key safety or compliance areas which needed enhancing
- Liaison and train municipal fire and law enforcement agencies in the hydrocarbon field, both in-field and in the classroom
- Key resource to other enforcement agencies, including the Ontario FireMarshall, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of the Environment, and local Fire andPolice departments in the investigation of incidents, providing detailed reports on the findings
- Conducted daily data entry of reports, answering emails and managing schedules for upcoming weeks and months.
- Supervised a team of 8 other junior inspectors, acting as a resource and overseeing their work
Utility Services Rep, Union Gas
Cambridge, Ontario
1992 — 1999
- Performed all functions related to the gas distribution system
- Changed and set new meters
- Responded and assisted in making safe all emergency situations related to the gas distribution system
- Worked with all size of piping and pressures in the gas distribution system
- Selected the appropriate regulators and components in the gas distribution system for installation and repair
- Assisted in the repairs and maintenance of the gas distribution up to and including gate station responsibilities
- Repaired and maintained customer-owned equipment, including superior troubleshooting skills with regard to the electrical and mechanical operations of HVAC systems
- Conducted daily data entry of the service call into an in-truck data entry terminal
