ERAC Update – January 27, 2025

President's Corner

I met Leo Sichewski shortly after joining ERAC in 2013. At the time, we were known as LPG Emergency Response Corp. and our relatively small organization consisted of a couple of staff members and a handful of contracted Flammable Liquids Technical Specialists. During my early days with ERAC, Leo took me under his wing and shared his vast emergency response knowledge and experience, coaching and mentoring me so I could better understand both our Plan members and the responder community.

Over his 24-year tenure with ERAC, Leo responded to multiple incidents in several capacities, including as a Flammable Liquids Technical Specialist, Remedial Measures Advisor, Home Base Coordinator and Technical Advisor. He brought wisdom and experience to our growing organization and had the ability to share information with others in a clear and understandable way.

Sadly, Leo passed away in July 2016. Shortly after his passing, I committed to his family that, in recognition of Leo’s valuable contribution to our organization, we would establish the ERAC Leo Sichewski Memorial Bursary fund. (See bursary details and criteria below.)

Leo made an impact on myself and so many people over the years. Our hope is that his legacy through the Leo Sichewski Memorial Bursary helps future safety, emergency management and response professionals advance in their careers and ultimately carry on his commitment to safety and excellence.

Spencer Buckland
President


ERAC’s Commitment to Safety

At ERAC, safety is our top priority. Whether driving to or from work, participating in a training exercise, or responding to a dangerous goods incident, our responders must be vigilant in keeping themselves safe while ensuring people, property and the environment are protected. To that end, we strongly encourage our response team members to review our Health, Safety and Environment policy statement and embrace safety in every aspect of their daily lives.


ERAC Operations Team Hydrogen Training In Calgary

ERAC is committed to continuous learning and improvement.

Recently, our Operations team gathered in Calgary, Alberta to take part in a training session on hydrogen (H2) fittings. Training included:

  • Learning how to correctly select the fittings used in H2 systems
  • Carrying out leak tests and installing high-pressure fittings in H2 transport systems
  • And, learning how to identify, repair (if necessary) and safely purge H2 transport systems using high-pressure fittings and tubing

ERAC thanks Bryan Laker of Swagelok, for providing this specialized hydrogen training.

The movement of hydrogen is set to grow over time and ERAC will be well placed to provide its members with a one-stop shop for all their emergency preparedness and response services.