Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material Awareness Training Course

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Course Administration

         Emergency procedures Facilities: first aid, prayers, refreshments, toilet Documentation; course roster, HSE passport Restrictions: smoking, telephones and pagers Introduction: name, company, position and expectations of the course Version One 2006 2

Course Aims

      Aims of the course are to provide knowledge and understanding of NORM: basic radiation theory where NORM can be found personal hygiene and health risks exposure control measures risk control measures and PPE Version One 2006 3

Course Objectives

    On completion of the course attendees will be able to: explain basic NORM theory describe where NORM can be found explain personal hygiene, health, environment and reputation risks  describe measures to counter NORM risks Version One 2006 4

Radiation Sources in E&P

Industrial radiography Well logging Radiation sources Installed gauges Radio tracers Version One 2006 Portable gauging equipment

NORM

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NORM

N aturally O ccurring R adioactive M aterials as opposed to man-made sources Version One 2006 6

Radiation

Radiation emitted by NORM    Alpha particles ( α) Beta particles ( β) Gamma rays (y) Version One 2006 7

Alpha Beta Gamma

Penetration

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Closed equipment

 Closed equipment:  Gamma rays penetrate steel and are measured where scale accumulates.

 Alpha/Beta particles cannot penetrate steel.

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Open equipment

 Scale may become dislodged and be inhaled when opening NORM contaminated equipment.  Ingested if poor hygiene.

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Health Risks

Health risks arise if you: • Inhale contaminated scales • Ingest contaminated sludge or debris • Absorb contaminated material through open cuts or wounds

Alpha & Beta particles have sufficient energy to damage cells and may lead to lung or bone cancer

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Where to Find NORM

• Fixed scales – e.g. pipes, pumps, tubulars • Sludge / Sands – tanks & separators • Waste – Pigging debris • Salts – Evaporation ponds, water leaks Version One 2006 12

Hard Scales: 1. ESP 2. Valve 3. Tubulars

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Sludge stored in pits Sludge mixed with sand and land farmed

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Evaporation Pond

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Separator outlet

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Leaks

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Job Types at Risk

     Job types:  production operators maintenance personnel tank & separator cleaning crews hoist/rig workover crews pigging crews  sludge farm operators Version One 2006 18

H.E.M.P.

 Supervisors responsibility • Identify potential NORM Jobs • Control exposures • Monitor and review controls • Record keeping Version One 2006 19

Identifying NORM

• • • Look for NORM signs on equipment Check PDO NORM maps If in doubt - Ask Production Operators Version One 2006 20

PDO Policy

• As a rule any equipment which has conveyed or stored production fluids should be treated as NORM contaminated until proven otherwise by monitoring Version One 2006 21

Controls

          Follow procedures plan the job organise PPE, plastic & containers set up supervised area conduct tool box talk prevent scale from becoming airborne prevent inhalation of scale – wear PPE dress cuts and abrasions contain debris in one area encapsulate equipment at open ends Version One 2006 22

NORM Specification

 SP 1170 Management of NORM  defines roles and responsibilities: PPE: monitoring, reporting and exposure limits; transportation and disposal of NORM Version One 2006 23

NORM Guidelines

NORM procedures for specific tasks: e.g.

• Tank or separator cleaning • Pigging • Transporting • Sampling • Well workovers Version One 2006 24

NORM PPE

        Appropriate PPE: one piece clothing impermeable rubber gloves steel toecap boots face piece respirator eye protection safety goggles or glasses clean and monitor after use dispose of contaminated PPE safely Version One 2006 25

NORM PPE

P3 Half-face respirator One piece slicker or Tyvek disposable suit Version One 2006 26

Personal Hygiene

     When working with NORM: do not eat, drink or smoke do not apply barrier creams or lip balm clean and dress cuts and abrasions after contact with NORM wash hands and face before eating, drinking or smoking Version One 2006 27

NORM Training

  NORM training:

Awareness

training for ALL personnel routinely or frequently working on NORM sites 

Supervisor

training for ALL personnel responsible for issue of permits to work or supervise workers exposed to NORM Version One 2006 28

Summary

        Summary: Treat equipment that conveys production fluids as NORM contaminated until monitored Use maps and surveys to identify NORM areas Follow the NORM Specification 1170 Implement the NORM Guidelines into work procedures Wear your designated PPE Maintain good personal hygiene Keep records Version One 2006 29