The Bear Deterrent and Safe Use Guideline enables Cenovus staff and contractors to understand:

Bear Deterrent and Safe Use Issued date: 2015-03-17 Version: 1.0 Creator: Susan Patey LeDrew Guideline Custodian: H&S Programs & Projects 1.0 Bear Deterrent and Safe Use Guideline objectives The Bear Deterrent and Safe Use Guideline enables Cenovus staff and contractors to understand: 2.0 Scope The deterrent tools that may be available and approved for use on Cenovus sites The benefits and limitations of each deterrent When, where and how each deterrent can and should be used The Bear Deterrent and Safe Use Guideline applies to all stages of Cenovus operations and activities in which an encounter with a bear may occur. Site-specific conditions may limit which deterrents may be used. For example, bear bangers contain explosives and therefore may not be available for use in some areas, and should not be used during dry conditions due to their fire-starting potential. In addition, there are different regulatory requirements around the use of deterrents which may affect their availability and use. 3.0 Accountabilities All Cenovus staff and contractors involved in all works conducted in bear country are responsible for knowing the appropriate conditions of use for each deterrent, as well as being properly trained in their use prior to deployment. All staff and contractors must be familiar with any site-specific conditions or limitations on their use. 4.0 Principles The Bear Deterrent and Safe Use Guideline aligns with the Cenovus Operations Management System (COMS) through the establishment of practices and procedure which assist staff in minimizing potential impacts to wildlife while promoting safe work practices. These practices also ensure staff are aware of the importance of safety in day-to-day operations. The information included in this Guideline represents a combination of information provided by internal expertise as well as Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development s (AESRD) Alberta BearSmart program. 5.0 Proximity deterrents Proximity deterrents are tools that can be used to protect a worksite or crew as a whole, whether as a preventative measure or in response to the presence of a bear or other potentially dangerous wildlife on site. 5.1 Passive proximity deterrent: Electric fencing and alarms Fencing can be an effective physical barrier to prevent bears from accessing camps and work sites. However, they do not work as intended if attractants are not minimized or eliminated. Waste management is the first line of defence, with fencing considered second line. There are some inherent limitations to the effectiveness of fencing. Considerations like how permanent the site will be, history of bear activity, and site activities may determine if it is an appropriate mitigation option. CEN-ENV10187 Bear Deterrent and Safe Use Guideline Ver 1.0 March 2015 Page 1 of 8

It is recommended that the need for installation or maintenance of fencing be incorporated into annual inspections. While Environmental Advisors are responsible for completing the inspection, they will pass recommendations on to appropriate responsible parties. Multiple departments may need to be included in any decision regarding maintenance, and in particular installation, of fencing. Fences can be an effective tool to keep bears out of areas, but they must be complemented with electrified fencing and gates or bear mats. Bears can climb chain-link fences. Electrified fences must be monitored frequently to ensure they are working properly and that there is no fire risk from vegetation or malfunctioning equipment Bears can dig under a fence, often deep enough to go under an electrified strand. Ensure the bottom portion of the fence is buried. Keep in mind that once fences are installed, any wildlife can be trapped inside a fence, which can create a high-risk situation It is highly recommended that any fencing have multiple gates or man doors, regardless of the size of the fenced area, to provide alternate exits for humans or trapped wildlife Temporary electrified fences can be used in remote sites like OSE wells, but these should be treated as an early-warning system and not the sole line of defence. Motion-sensor lights can also function as an early-warning system. Fences will never completely protect workers if a bear perceives that the reward within the protected area is worth the risk When there are fences around attractants, like a bear-proof garbage bin, it is especially important to monitor and maintain the fence and gates. Refer to suggestions in Section 5.2 to minimize the attraction garbage bins create for bears. Working, cooking and sleeping areas and garbage and wastewater sites could be contained within the fence Motion-sensor lights and commercially-available proximity alarms can be used on the perimeter of work and camp sites as an early warning system that must be accompanied by someone assigned to respond to an alarm. A high frequency of false alarms, dependent upon the sensitivity of the alarm and intensity of activity in the area, may cause complacency in response and counter the purpose of the proximity deterrent. 5.2 Active proximity deterrent: Bear monitors In this Guideline, bear monitor is a generic term to refer to someone designated to oversee safety with respect to bears. This may be a bear watch, who is assigned primary responsibility for watching out for bears while others work, or a specially trained bear warden, who uses bear aversion techniques as described in the following section to haze or shepherd a bear away from high-risk areas (such as camp or a pad site where activity is planned). Bear watch A bear watch can be any individual who has been trained in bear awareness and hands-on deterrent deployment who is assigned the task of being a lookout for a work crew. A bear watch is recommended when working outside operating areas, when handling food or food waste, or when there is high bear activity in an area. These individuals may be: A member of a work crew who is assigned the task of oversight, is not engaged in the daily work, and meets the training criteria CEN-ENV10187 Bear Deterrent and Safe Use Guideline Ver 1.0 March 2015 Page 2 of 8

A third-party individual (typically a consultant) who meets training requirements and escorts a work crew in remote areas or in appropriate situations. This could be a bear warden as described below (if available), or some other consultant. Environmental Advisors trained in bear awareness and hands-on deterrent deployment, based upon availability Bear warden A bear warden, as described in this Guideline, will refer to anyone who has been specially trained in aversion techniques, with or without a specially-trained and permitted dog, that will respond to a bear encounter as defined in the Wildlife Awareness and Reporting Practice (CEN-ENV10190) that is, a situation that is perceived as posing a threat to human life or property. Bear aversion should only be attempted by trained professionals. Improperly done, negative conditioning can compromise human safety and/or increase the likelihood and severity of problem behaviour by habituated or food-conditioned bears, especially if hazing is not consistently applied. Anyone acting as a bear warden must have the training and experience to appropriately use non-lethal aversion techniques. An Environmental Advisor can recommend training and/or consultants, or review the qualifications of potential consultants to fulfil this role. Cenovus currently employs bear dog handlers (Bear Dog Security) at Foster Creek, Christina Lake and Narrows Lake as proximity bear deterrents. When a bear is located near a high-use area (such as camps or plant site), or is behaving in a way that indicates it may be a threat to life or property, bear dogs may be used to shepherd the bears out of the area. Once the bear has been reported to Emergency Dispatch, as per the Wildlife Awareness and Reporting Practice (CEN-ENV10190), bear dogs may be dispatched. Bear dogs are an effective tool but require specially-trained dogs and handlers, special permitting and may require specific housing to accommodate the dogs. All employees and staff not assigned to responding to a bear incident must follow the direction of the bear incident responders. This may mean staying inside vehicles, leaving the site, or temporarily stopping work. Idea lly, if attractants are managed appropriately, there will be limited need for a bear warden. 6.0 Personal deterrents When conducting a pre-job task-based risk assessment, as per Section 6.2, Wildlife Awareness and Reporting Practice (CEN-ENV10190), it may be determined that personal deterrents would be effective in mitigating the potential safety risk of a human-bear encounter. These personal deterrents are intended to be carried on an individual s person or housed at an agreed-upon location at a work site to protect an individual. All deterrents have benefits and limitations to their usage. The three considered here are bear spray, noisemakers and bear bangers. Read carefully and choose the option most suited to the tasks to be undertaken. Those who work with food or food waste, or who work outside of operating areas, may benefit from the availability of personal deterrents. Note: Not all personal deterrents are available or allowed at each site. Confirm their status with supervisory staff prior to bringing them on site. CEN-ENV10187 Bear Deterrent and Safe Use Guideline Ver 1.0 March 2015 Page 3 of 8

Keep in mind that all deterrents have limitations and the selection of deterrent must also take into account the behaviour of the bear. For example, noisemakers may actually agitate a defensive bear more. Training and bear wardens can help with this determination. Bear spray Bear spray is a handheld compressed chemical pepper spray which creates a total, yet temporary, loss of sight and restriction of breathing. Bear spray is the most effective tool in deterring a bear. Bear spray use must be included in the Safe Work Permit and approved for the work task by the permit issuer. It should also be included in the Field Level Hazard Assessment (FLHA) Choosing bear spray The Alberta BearSmart program has some very good advice on choosing an appropriate bear spray, but here are some highlights for consideration: Look for a minimum size can of 225 g and a minimum concentration of 0.85% capsaicin Make sure the can says deterrent and not repellent Be sure the canister is labelled "for deterring bear attacks" Benefits and intended users Bear spray is the most effective deterrent when encountering a bear at close range (less than 12 m or 40 approximately the length of a bus). University of Calgary researchers found it to have a very high success rate (between 94% and 100%) in stopping the threatening behaviour of bears during an encounter Bear spray is ideally suited to those working with food or food waste, those working outside of operating areas, or those completing a task that has been determined during the pre-job task based risk assessment to be at a higher risk At long-term active sites, at a centralized area near the kitchen, or in areas where deterrent carried on one s person poses a hazard, consider having easily-accessible boxes that contain publicly-available bear spray, whistles or air horns. Consider placing small containers of dish soap or baby shampoo for immediate first aid at the bear deterrent station or in the location s first aid kit. Be sure the bear deterrent station is in a shaded area and if the station is inside a building, ensure the bear spray canister is in an airtight container. Deterrent stations are intended for emergency situations on an operating site. Those who carry bear spray on their person and are at a higher risk of a bear encounter must complete the Bear Spray elearning. Limitations and risks The active ingredient in bear spray is capsaicin, which is a strong irritant which can cause mild to intense burning, stinging or pain if it comes in contact with human skin, eyes or lungs. Therefore, it is imperative to take steps to avoid accidental discharge and be properly trained in the use of bear spray. CEN-ENV10187 Bear Deterrent and Safe Use Guideline Ver 1.0 March 2015 Page 4 of 8

Cenovus requires any staff carrying bear spray on their person to have complete wildlife awareness e-learning module and the bear spray component in the course before arriving on-site. It is strongly recommended that contractors take the same training or a course deemed equivalent by their employer. When using bear spray, especially in close range, you may be exposed to it as well. Be prepared for situations requiring first aid treatment. While it can be very effective, using bear spray does not ensure the bear will leave you alone or leave the area. Bear spray does not make you bear-proof. You must still take precautions to avoid encounters. Cenovus requires that bear spray be stored in an air tight container when in an enclosed space such as a building or vehicle. Specialty boxes are available. Alternatively, a small piece of PVC pipe with screw caps on either end is an economical alternative. Bears can be attracted to the smell of discharged bear spray. Bear spray is not permitted on commercial or charter airplanes. Always advise helicopter pilot if you are bringing bear spray on board in order to secure proper storage. Securing bear spray in an airtight, hard case container may assist in these situations. First aid treatment As highlighted above, there is a real risk of being exposed to bear spray when deploying it as a deterrent. Anyone who has been accidentally sprayed should be moved from the contaminated area to fresh air as quickly as possible Bear spray is oil-based. Only flush skin or eyes with cold water if there is an ample supply; otherwise, remove the affected person to an area where a constant supply is available. Dawn dish soap or baby shampoo may be effective on skin. Do not rub exposed areas. Pat dry with a towel. Do not apply lotions or creams to the exposed areas If the effects of the spray do not dissipate in 30 to 45 minutes, seek medical attention immediately Planning Keep the spray accessible. Carry it in a hip or chest holster, never in the pocket of coveralls as there may be accidental discharge. When travelling by ATV, the best option is to keep bear spray in a chest holster. Belt holsters are available to wear over fire-resistant coveralls. Do not carry bear spray in a pocket; this may lead to accidental discharge, particularly when bending or sitting. Before heading out, practice reaching for your spray until you can retrieve it quickly. Be familiar with the safety cap and how to remove and replace it. Check the canister s expiry date and replace it when necessary. Ensure there is no damage to the can and that it is full. Expired canisters may have an ineffective (i.e., much shorter) range. Obtain appropriate training in the use of bear spray. Inert bear spray is commercially available to test deployment. CEN-ENV10187 Bear Deterrent and Safe Use Guideline Ver 1.0 March 2015 Page 5 of 8

Use Those who carry bear spray on their person are required to receive hands-on inert bear spray training. Use the information below as a reminder. 1. If the bear is within 12 m (40 ), release a short burst of one second or less in a cloud pattern. Spray again if that doesn t immediately stop the bear. If there is a strong wind, wait until the bear is even closer before spraying. Remember that a 225 g canister has the capacity to spray for only six seconds, sometimes less. 2. If the bear is within 3 to 4.5 m (10 to 15 ), aim in front of the bear to create a cloud of bear spray between you and the animal 3. If the bear is very close, aim the bear spray directly into its eyes and nose 4. After spraying the bear, back away, keeping the bear in sight if possible 5. Bears may be attracted to bear spray residue, so do not apply it as a repellent Storage Note: View the Alberta Bear Smart YouTube video How to Properly Use Bear Spray The safety clip should always be in place when the spray is not in use. Keep the canister away from items that could crush or puncture the can When in transport, whether in a vehicle, airplane or helicopter, keep the canister in an airtight container Never leave the canister in direct sunlight or anywhere temperatures can become very hot or very cold. Do not store the bear spray in the cab of your vehicle; in extreme temperatures, it can explode. Don t use bear spray that you suspect has been frozen. Noisemakers (air horns or whistles) Whistles or air horns, which are handheld compressed air canisters that create a loud, piercing sound (more than 120 decibels), can be used to scare away bears that are aware of your presence but do not leave the area. If a bear has been reported in an area, but is not observable when you arrive on site, you could deliver a blast from a whistle or an air horn when you first arrive onsite. Be aware that noisemakers are the least effective device in areas of noisy industrial activity, because bears become used to loud noises. Benefits Easily carried in bear country Less risk of harm to the user and the bear Limitations and risks Noisemakers are better suited to aversion techniques and should be used by bear wardens Making noise could escalate an agitated bear s reaction They may not immediately deter the bear, especially if the bear has had previous experience with noisemakers They may not prevent the bear from returning to the area They may startle others in the area, which may be dangerous depending on their work activity They should be used in combination with other deterrents (such as shouting or bear spray carried by an individual or a bear monitor) CEN-ENV10187 Bear Deterrent and Safe Use Guideline Ver 1.0 March 2015 Page 6 of 8

Use Before using noisemakers, assess the situation. Make sure the surroundings are clear of people and the bear has an obvious way out. A bear that has been startled by a noisemaker may not be able to avoid groups of people as it flees the area. You may be driving the bear to an area where it will be a safety hazard to others, or you may cause it to escalate a defensive response. Bear bangers Bear bangers are small explosives fired from a special-purpose gun or pen-launcher that makes a loud gunshot-like noise after travelling 20 to 100 m (66 to 328 ). Pen launchers are being phased out by most government agencies. Bear bangers are not as easy to use as bear spray and have an inherent safety risks related to the use of an explosive. It is strongly recommended that bear bangers not be used some sites have banned bear bangers. If they are the preferred tool of a bear warden, their use should be strictly limited to remote area work, away from any live facilities or high-traffic areas and used only when there is a low forest fire risk. Benefits The loud noise will often scare off the bear They can be used at a longer range than bear spray Limitations and risks Loud noise may intensify a bear s reaction to a situation or cause bear to flee towards you Bear bangers are not as easy to use as bear spray They pose a real fire hazard as they contain explosives and cannot be used in all areas They need to be handled with care to prevent accidental discharge There are many ineffective bear bangers on the market. If used, be sure to buy the best available. Due to the fire risk and difficulty of use, bear bangers are not recommended. Use If possible, avoid using bangers in dry forest conditions. They may cause a fire. Use caution when firing the bear banger. A banger that explodes behind the bear may cause the bear to run in your direction. Do not shoot noise deterrents directly at the bear; ensure bangers explode between you and the bear. Always store and carry bear bangers unloaded Always be aware of the line of fire. Always be aware of the potential for a ricochet To avoid personal injury or death, never point or fire a bear banger at a person Remember: deterrents are the last line of defence. They can be dangerous to both you and the bear. The first deterrent is always to ensure every effort is taken to limit attractants for bears. Consult the Wildlife Awareness and Reporting Practice (CEN-ENV10190) and Site Maintenance and Bear Safety Inspection Guideline (CEN-ENV10189) for further discussion on limiting attractants. 7.0 A note on firearms Firearms are sometimes used for non-lethal and lethal response to habituated bears. The possession and use of firearms on Cenovus premises or in vehicles or aircraft by Cenovus employees or contractor staff is prohibited unless it is vetted through Divisional or Corporate Security and written approval is received by the Divisional Business Unit VP or designate in consultation with VP Admin Services. CEN-ENV10187 Bear Deterrent and Safe Use Guideline Ver 1.0 March 2015 Page 7 of 8

Non-lethal aversion techniques used by bear wardens are Cenovus s preferred response to a bear encounter. Should a bear warden determine that lethal methods should be considered, they will engage provincial Fish and Wildlife Conservation Officers. Any use of firearms in association with bears (either rubber bullets or live munitions) on Cenovus property must have approval from the provincial Fish and Wildlife Conservation department and meet Cenovus s firearms policy. 8.0 Internal references CEN-ENV10190, Cenovus Wildlife Awareness and Reporting Practice CEN-ENV10189, Cenovus Site Maintenance and Bear Safety Inspection Guideline 9.0 External references Herrero, S. and Higgins, A. 1998. Field use of Capsicum Spray as a Bear Deterrent. Ursus 10: 533-537. CEN-ENV10187 Bear Deterrent and Safe Use Guideline Ver 1.0 March 2015 Page 8 of 8