Safety Management

The safety properties of liquefied natural gas

 

LNG is neither explosive nor toxic

LNG has long been recognized for its safety properties because it is neither explosive nor toxic and is never transported under pressure.

  • It has been used for decades all over the world, including in Quebec.
  • It is colourless, odorless, and its vapors are not toxic
  • It is easy to store and is stored at atmospheric pressure with relevant containment
  • It does not mix with the soil and will evaporate
  • In its liquid form, it does not burn
  • It ignites only if it accumulates in an enclosed space, reaches between 5 and 10% concentration in the air, and is in the presence of a significant source of ignition

 

To learn more about the characteristics that make LNG a safe source of energy:


Safe infrastructures

There are over 60 years of safe practices in the industry

There have only been a low number of incidents in natural gas liquefaction plants worldwide, mostly due to the industry’s prioritization of infrastructure safety, plant design, and the diligent construction of natural gas liquefaction facilities, which have been in operation around the world for decades. A small-scale LNG liquefaction, storage and regasification terminal has operated safely in Montreal for more than 45 years.

 

LNG IS STORED AT ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE

The LNG will be stored using tertiary containiment at atmospheric pressure.  In the unlikely event of a leak, the LNG would spill in specially designed sumps before rapidly evaporating, leaving no trace.

 

 

 


Marine transport for the Énergie Saguenay project

 

State-of-the-art vessels are used to transport liquefied natural gas

The ships used to transport LNG are among the strongest and most technologically advanced.

There are more than 550 such vessels worldwide and more than 100 are currently under construction.

To prevent leaks and ensure increased safety, vessels must be equipped with:

  • A double hull
  • Insulated tanks to keep liquefied natural gas at -162 ° C
  • A continuously monitored isolation space
  • Sophisticated and efficient positioning system
  • Crews specially trained and qualified to navigate on an LNG carrier, subject to frequent requalification.

In more than 40 years and 100,000 LNG deliveries, including thousands in some of the busiest ports in the world, no incident related to a fire or a major LNG leak has been reported, nor any harm to the public or the environment.

To learn more about the ships that will come to the Énergie Saguenay plant, it's here

 

LNG is lighter than water

In the highly unlikely event of an incident, liquefied natural gas would float on the surface of the water before evaporating. Unlike gasoline or petroleum, LNG will not pollute the marine environment or mix with water.

 

 

The highest standards will be respected at the Énergie Saguenay facility

  • The health and safety of employees, suppliers, partners and citizens is our priority
  • A health and safety policy offering a work environment free of incident and injury will be established and respected by all.
  • The teams will use the most innovative equipment, protocols and procedures in terms of health and safety
  • The Port of Saguenay industrial zone was chosen due to its ability to provide a safe construction and operation for workers, citizens and the environment and a harmonious cohabitation with the environment and the community
  • GNL Québec will provide transparent communication with the community regarding the potential risks and the implementation of associated protection measures, as part of the rigourous and transparent approach adopted since 2014.