The people behind every course
Our Experts
What we mean by competent
Every Gardril course is written, narrated and reviewed by competent subject matter experts. We consider a person competent in a subject when they have the right mix of education or credentials, training, and real operational experience to do that work safely and well without close supervision. Where a regulator requires a specific qualification, the expert holds it.
For each course below we list who contributed, what they did, and the experience and education that make them competent in that subject.
Security and door staff training
Covers all Gardril security and door staff courses.
Tom McWilliams
Course author and reviewer
Wrote the course script and narration text, and reviewed and approved the finished course.
Operational experience
- Formerly held a licence as a private investigator.
- Worked on workplace security programs, including drug and alcohol detection and interdiction programs.
- Took part in international high risk security operations, including the protection of oil and gas facilities and emergency evacuation planning for expatriate staff.
- Worked with host nation security forces, with a focus on intercultural relations and preventing the use of force.
- Helped oversee security programs involving contract security guards and military personnel.
Education and credentials
- Occupational Health and Safety Certificate (one year program), University of Alberta, including training in the Criminal Code of Canada as it relates to the use of force.
- Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science, University of Alberta, including coursework in the Criminal Code of Canada and environmental law.
Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Road
Canada.
Robert Day
Course author and reviewer
Wrote course content, and reviewed and approved the finished course.
Operational experience
- Military firefighter with the Canadian Armed Forces, responding directly to dangerous goods incidents.
- Director of a hazardous materials response company providing emergency services across Canada.
- Managing Director responsible for regulatory aligned training assessments and competency verification programs, including for the transportation of dangerous goods.
Education and credentials
- Canadian Armed Forces training in Fire Engineering Technology and Hazardous Materials response.
- Formerly held the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation.
- Formerly held the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation, United States.
Industry involvement
- Organizational voting representative and contributing author in Transport Canada working groups on the training and competency requirements for the transportation of dangerous goods.
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) General Education
Canada.
Tom McWilliams
Course author and reviewer
Wrote the course script and narration text, and reviewed and approved the finished course.
Operational experience
- WHMIS classroom trainer, delivering WHMIS training to workers.
- Lead hazardous materials consultant on multiple hospital renovations and power plant refurbishments.
- Oversaw the management of, and worker exposure to, asbestos, lead, PCBs, mercury, solvents, hydrocarbons and hydrogen sulphide.
- Reviewed hazardous materials for contractors before plant turnarounds, and validated hazard controls in the field.
- Trained personnel in asbestos abatement, disposal and transport.
- Trained in mould abatement and mould management (biohazards).
Education and credentials
- Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science, University of Alberta.
- Occupational Health and Safety Certificate (one year program), University of Alberta, including the legal requirements of occupational health and safety law that apply to WHMIS.
- Formerly held the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation for many years.