Inspection Officer Order No. DWL-001-2026

Inspection Officer Order No. DWL-001-2026 [PDF 230 KB]

INSPECTION OFFICER ORDER NO. DWL-001-2026

IN THE MATTER OF THE CANADIAN ENERGY REGULATOR ACT,
AN ORDER UNDER SECTION 109

Enbridge Pipelines Inc. (Enbridge) is a Company conducting work located near Regina, Saskatchewan.

On or about 11 February 2026 the undersigned Canada Energy Regulator (CER) Inspection Officer conducted a compliance verification activity (CV2526-062) at Enbridge’s Ice Slotting Exercise in Regina, Saskatchewan.

A verbal Order was made on 19 March 2026 at 2:10pm MST by the undersigned CER Inspection Officer.

RELEVANT FACTS

The following are the relevant facts relating to the issuance of this Order:

During the exercise, CER Inspection Officers observed near-miss occurrences where a rotating blade nearly came into contact with the lower extremities of operators in training. Enbridge had deployed an early-model chainsaw sled unit with a Honda-Stihl GX390 configuration (GX390 unit or ice cutting sled unit) that presented multiple design deficiencies and operational hazards. The near-misses and these deficiencies were observed directly onsite by CER Inspection Officers and confirmed through subsequent review of materials submitted following the event in Enbridge’s responses to Information Requests 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3.

1. Handle configuration creating increased operator exposure

   The GX390 unit incorporates a low, fixed rear handle that positions the operator’s feet close to the chainsaw bar. This configuration induces a risk if the unit tips forward causing the blade to lift backward toward the operator, especially if the unit is elevated through the movement of the blade. This design differs from more recent models and makes, which include longer, angled rear handles that increase operator distance and dimensions that promote stability, and control, along with other protections and fail safes.

2. Lack of automatic shut-off safety feature

   The GX390 unit relies on a traditional chainsaw throttle without an integrated automatic shut-off mechanism in the event a worker slips, loses control, or the unit tips. This presents an unacceptable risk during ice operations, where slipping hazards are inherent. Newer models have a safety release handle that stops rotation when the handle is released.

3. Absence or inadequacy of locking mechanism for control arm

   Although Enbridge indicated a locking pin had been installed on the arm controlling the blade, the modification has not demonstrated it will prevent forward tipping or backward blade travel and correct the identified hazards to the satisfaction of Inspection Officers.

4. Lack of protective guards equivalent to newer equipment

   The GX390 unit used at the exercise lacks full-height front and rear protective guards. The exposed portion of the chainsaw bar extends beyond the sled’s protective structure, creating a foreseeable risk of worker contact during an activity that already has a high probability of a slip, trip or fall. Newer units in Enbridge’s inventory contain the saw bar within the unit and have front and rear guards that reduce the potential for a worker’s foot or hand to contact rotating blades.

5. Outdated equipment without safety documentation

   Enbridge confirmed that no intended use operation manual or engineered safety documentation exists for these older sled units and did not provide Job Hazard Assessments (JHAs) which were cited as the primary control measure. In IR response 1.3, Enbridge confirmed two (2) GX390 units are in its inventory which also includes several updated saw sled models that do have user manuals and appropriate safety features.

   Based on the above, the continued use of the 2 GX390 ice cutting sled units Enbridge has confirmed are in its inventory, presents a hazard to the safety of workers and constitutes an unsafe condition.

MEASURES TO BE TAKEN

Based on the facts referenced herein, where the Inspection Officer has reasonable grounds to believe that there is or is likely to be a contravention of Parts 2 to 5 or section 335 of the CER Act, or for a purpose referred to in subsection 102(2) CER Act, the Inspection Officer may, by Order, direct a person to

1. stop doing something that is in contravention of Parts 2 to 5 or section 335 or cause it to be stopped;
2. take any measure that is necessary in order to comply with Parts 2 to 5 or section 335 or mitigate the effects of non-compliance;
3. stop doing something that may cause a hazard to the safety or security of persons, or damage to property or the environment or cause it to be stopped; or
4. take any measure that is necessary to prevent or mitigate the hazard to the safety or security of persons or damage to property or the environment.

Enbridge is ORDERED pursuant to subsections 109(1) and 109(2) of the CER Act to:

SPECIFIED MEASURES

1. 1.1 Cease Using the GX 390 chainsaw sleds:
   1. Effective immediately, Enbridge shall cease all use, deployment, or training involving this type of sled saw unit; and
   2. Provide confirmation to Inspection Officers within five days of receipt of this Order that the units have been tagged ‘out of service’.
2. 1.2 Long Term Use:
   1. By 30 April 2026, Enbridge shall provide written confirmation to Inspection Officers that the GX 390 chainsaw sleds will be permanently removed from Enbridge’s spill response equipment inventory.

   2. Alternatively, if Enbridge cannot confirm permanent removal of the GX 390 chainsaw sleds, Enbridge must, by 30 April 2026, submit the following for approval of CER Inspection Officers:

      • Documentation showing the units have been replaced or upgraded in a way that ensures equal to or increased safety of workers as is provided in newer models of sled saws.
      • Documentation must demonstrate safe operation instructions have been developed, to ensure operator safety and any modifications and instructions have been reviewed and approved by a Designated Professional Engineer to have met Federal and Provincial Occupational Health and Safety requirements and good engineering practices.
      • Safe operation instruction must include a list of personal protective equipment adequate for the hazards of operating high-risk machinery with rotating blades.
   3. Enbridge may not return the GX 390 chainsaw sleds to service without receiving written approval to do so from CER Inspection Officers after submitting the documents required by Specified Measure 1.2).

EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE ORDER

This Inspection Officer Order takes effect immediately on 19 March 2026 at the time of delivery of this Order to the Company to whom it is directed. Nothing in this Order shall be construed as reducing, increasing, or otherwise affecting what may be required of the Company to whom it is directed to comply with all applicable legislative or legal requirements.

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS INSPECTION OFFICER ORDER IS MANDATORY

Failure to comply with an Inspection Officer Order issued under section 109 of the CER Act is an offence under section 112 of the CER Act.

Please note that:

1. In compliance with the CER’s Enforcement Policy, this Order will be posted on the CER’s website.
2. All submissions to the CER in response to the Order are to be provided within the CER Operations Regulatory Compliance Application (ORCA) quoting the associated CVA #, Inspection Officer Order #, and any specific measure with which the submission is associated. In addition, the Company is requested to send a copy of any response provided in the ORCA to the Inspection Officer via email.

CVA or incident #: [CV2526-062]

Date modified:

2026-04-01