Ammonia

State of Safety 2025

Ammonia: Small Leaks, Big Consequences


Ammonia is used to cool ice rinks, cold storage facilities, and warehouses. But when it’s not managed safely, contact with the chemical can be deadly. Learn about a major incident we investigated and how we are responding to this safety risk.

For more information about the incident covered in this video, read the incident report.

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Top 5 Safety Risks in 2025

Carbon Monoxide Exposure: A Hidden Safety Risk

Carbon Monoxide (CO) gas is produced when burning fuels like propane, natural gas, oil, charcoal, or wood. You can’t see it or smell it, but it can make you seriously ill and can even be fatal. CO exposure remains our top safety risk in 2025 because of its severity, the number of incidents, and lack of awareness about this deadly risk.

Gas Line Strikes: Why Awareness Saves Lives

Damaging a gas line can lead to gas service outages in your community, as well as fires, explosions, property damage, or serious injury. Despite these risks, many British Columbians are unaware of the dangers of breaking ground without first doing proper research.

Electrical Shock: An Underreported Hazard

Electrical workers across British Columbia regularly follow safety procedures to keep job sites safe and reduce the risk of electrical shock. However, when these precautions are skipped, overlooked, or neglected, the likelihood of electrical shock increases significantly. Electrical shock can result in serious injury or even death.

Electrical Fire: New Technologies, New Hazards

Electrical fires are one of the most common types of fires in Canada. They can be caused by uncertified or faulty electrical equipment including wiring, components, or lithium-ion batteries which can overheat, malfunction, or become damaged over time. As new technologies like electric vehicle chargers become ubiquitous across the province, new electrical hazards present themselves.

Ammonia: Small Leaks, Big Consequences

Ammonia is used to cool ice rinks, cold storage facilities, and warehouses. But when it’s not managed safely, contact with the chemical can be deadly. Learn about a major incident we investigated and how we are responding to this safety risk.

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