Safety Information

Commuter train lines like SkyTrain and Canada Line are very safe but there are always things we can do to make our trips safer.

Don’t Rush – Did you know… that the most reported incident on our Safe Rider survey is people getting hit by train doors because they were rushing to catch a train?

Slow down. On average trains arrive every 4 minutes.

Your safety is worth 4 minutes.

Respect the Edge – You’re not the only one that has seen someone leaning over the yellow line into the tracks to take a picture or see if the next train is coming. Did you know…that Canada Line trains travel at a maximum speed of 80km/hr and weigh 76 tonnes without any passengers? Don’t take chances. Stay well back from the yellow line until the train arrives and it is ready for boarding.

Hang On – Train rides are usually smooth and uneventful but did you know… that every rider has access to the emergency stop button? You just never know when the train will need to stop suddenly so be prepared and hold on for your safety.

No Wheels on Escalators – Escalators are fun and convenient. You know what’s also fun? Taking the elevator! Escalators are meant for foot traffic only and taking anything with wheels on them like wheel chairs, scooters, strollers, etc. can be extremely dangerous for you and others riding the escalator with you. So take the safe route and take your wheels on the elevator instead.

LEARN MORE about how to ride safely and report incidents at our Commuter Rail Safety.

Commuter train lines like SkyTrain and Canada Line are very safe but there are always things we can do to make our trips safer.

Don’t Rush

Respect the Edge

Hang On 

No Wheels on Escalators 

Learn more about our 4 safety messages at our Safe Rider Program webpage.

Are you a Safe Rider?

Take our survey for a chance to win a 3 zone monthly transit pass during the months of April, September and November.

Reporting an Incident

Incidents can be reported at anytime. If you are currently on a train or in a station and have been involved in or witnessed an injury or incident, report it in-person to:

• Skytrain or Canada Line customer service representatives
• Transit Police

You can also report incidents online to: www.translink.ca

And by phone: Transit Police Non-emergency Line (604-515-8300).

RV Propane Safety Checklist

• Purchasing and Maintaining Propane Equipment
• Use Propane Appliances Safely
• Immediately Seek Medical Attention if Anyone Shows Symptoms of CO Poisoning
• Know the Smell of Propane

Transport Propane Safely

DO:

 Transport cylinders upright and secured.

 Purchase a safety product that will help you secure your propane cylinder and keep it upright during transportation

 Ensure that the cylinder has proper ventilation – roll down the rear passenger side window if it is in the back seat or if being transported in the trunk of a vehicle, secure the trunk so that it’s partially open.

 Turn off the engine and all appliances and pilot lights before refueling your vehicle.

DO NOT:

 Use or transport damaged propane containers that show signs of corrosion have been exposed to fire or appear to be leaking.

 Use, store, or transport propane cylinders or liquid fuels in the passenger seat or living area of your RV. Place cylinders in a well ventilated area.

 Transport more than 5 cylinders at one time.

KNOW THE safety rules on transporting propane cylinders safely. 

Protect your Space – Leave it outside

In certain weather it can be temping to cook, bring heaters or portable generators into enclosed or partially enclosed camping spaces like tents, cars, campers or RVs.

However, camping equipment like heaters, stoves, barbeques and kerosene lamps are meant to be used outside because they emit deadly Carbon Monoxide [CO] Gas and require ventilation.

CO is a colourless, odorless and tasteless gas that blocks your body’s ability to absorb oxygen. It is produced when a fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, natural gas, wood or propane burns incompletely.

When outside appliances like barbeques or stoves are brought into enclosed spaces, CO can get trapped and create a toxic and potentially lethal environment.

DO NOT bring any camping appliance into an enclosed space. Leave them outside.

• Camping stoves
• Kerosene lamps
• Heaters
• Barbeques
• Portable generators

Immediately seek medical attention if anyone shows symptoms of CO poisoning:

 headaches
 nausea/flu like symptoms
 dizziness
 drowsiness
 confusion
 impaired judgment
 lack of physical coordination
 unconsciousness

Learn more about Propane/RV Safety.

Learn more about Carbon Monoxide.

The “Be in the know about CO” program is a multi-year initiative lead by the BC Safety Authority (BCSA), designed to raise awareness about the hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon Monoxide or CO is a colourless, odorless and tasteless gas that blocks your body’s ability to absorb oxygen. It is produced when a fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, natural gas, wood or propane burns incompletely.

Learn more about Carbon Monoxide safety.

Download the BCSA CO Safety Leaflet.

Protect your Space….Protect your Place

When outside appliances like barbeques or stoves are brought into enclosed spaces or appliances like fire places, stoves and furnaces are not maintained in your home, CO can get trapped and create a toxic environment that is extremely dangerous for your health.

Learn more about:

• Maintenance of Home Appliances 
• Camping Safety
• RV / Propane Safety

2011 Events and Activities

BCSA is coordinating a variety of events and activities from August to November 2011 to raise awareness about CO safety.

Contact

For more information on our events/activities in your area or to book your own event contact: erin.cardona@safetyauthority.ca.

Where does CO gas come from?
What is CO?
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
Are there any other things I should be looking for?
Where might CO come from in my home?
Where should I put the CO alarm in my home?
Are CO alarms required by law in BC?
What can I do to prevent CO poisoning?

Where does CO gas come from?

CO is produced when a fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, natural gas, wood or propane burns incompletely. When outside appliances like barbeques or stoves are brought into enclosed spaces or appliances like fire places, stoves and furnaces are not maintained, CO can get trapped and create a toxic environment.

This may happen if:

• Faulty or damaged heating appliances are being used
• Heating appliances are not maintained or serviced
• Rooms are not properly ventilated
• There are blocked chimneys or flues
• Barbecue grills or outdoor heaters are used indoors
• There is poor installation of heating appliances
• Heating appliances are used improperly
• There are property alterations or home improvements, which reduce ventilation
• Engines vehicles or lawnmowers are left running in garages
• Cooking appliances are used for heating purposes

What is CO?

CO is a colourless, odorless and tasteless gas that blocks your body’s ability to absorb oxygen.

What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?

• light headedness
• headaches
• nausea
• fatigue
• chest pains
• vomiting
• convulsions
• confusion
• dizziness
• unconsciousness

Are there any other things I should be looking for?

Condensation on windows, plants dying, and/or having an entire family sick at the same time can be indicators that there are toxic levels of CO in your home.

Where might CO come from in my home?

Carbon monoxide may come from several sources in your home including fireplaces, cars, furnaces, water heaters, gas ranges, or portable generators.

Download the Carbon Monoxide pamphlet in PDF format.

Where should I put the CO alarm in my home?

Ideally, there should be a CO alarm placed within 5 feet of every bedroom door and they should be placed beside or near a smoke alarm. This will help you hear the alarm(s) if you are sleeping and also remind you to test and replace the batteries of both alarms at the same time. Combination smoke and CO alarms are also available.

For more information on the best locations for your CO alarms visit www.safeathome.ca/alarm_placement.php.

Your CO alarm should be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Are CO alarms required by law in BC?

CO alarms are currently only mandatory in new homes but they can increase your ability to prevent CO poisoning. CO alarms can be hardwired to your home or battery operated. If battery operated, the batteries should be changed every 6 months. CO alarms should be replaced every 7 years.

When purchasing an alarm, look for one with a digital read out and a ‘Vocal Alarm’ if possible. Vocal alarms allow you to record an alert message with your own voice, which has been shown to be more effective especially when alerting children. Click here for more information on this study. http://eprints.vu.edu.au/447/1/kids_-_belfast.pdf.

What can I do to prevent CO poisoning?

Maintaining your appliances—have them serviced annually.

Even the newest appliances can malfunction and produce poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) gas.

Protect yourself and your family by booking maintenance appointments once a year for your appliances and fires places. You can find a licensed gas contractor by using the BC Safety Authority “Find a Contractor” tool and selecting "gas" next to "Type."

Protect your Space!

In certain weather it can be temping to cook or bring heaters into enclosed camping spaces like tents, cars, campers or RVs. However, camping equipment like heaters, stoves, barbeques and kerosene lamps are meant to be used outside because they emit CO and require ventilation.

DO NOT bring them into enclosed spaces. Leave them outside.

For more information about carbon monoxide, please visit our Be in the Know about CO.