Transcript Slide 1

Occupational Hygiene in the
Oil & Gas Industry
Day 4 – Section 14
Specific Issues
1.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Topics
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2.
Intrinsic Safety of Equipment
Explosimeters
Mercury
Inorganic Lead
Managing Maintenance Activities
Turnaround Hazards
Benzene
Hydrogen Sulphide
Some Case Studies
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
INTRINSIC SAFETY OF EQUIPMENT
• International Electrotechnical Commission Scheme
for standards relating equipment for use in explosive
atmospheres is known as IECEx.
• Across the world there has been a general move
towards the adoption of IECEx Standards and in
particular the 60079 Series for Gases and Vapours
and the 61241 Series for dusts - Europe, United
Kingdom, South Africa, USA, Canada, Asia and
Australia and New Zealand.
3.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Explosive Limits
• An explosion can only take place if the following
three factors are present:
– A flammable substance
– Oxygen
– An ignition source
• An explosion only occurs if the substance-air mixture
lies within a certain concentration range – the
explosive limits. Lower Explosive Limit = LEL, Upper
Explosive Limit = UEL
For petrol 1.4% LEL, 7.6%UEL, but hydrogen 4% LEL, 75%UEL
4.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Explosion Protection
The hierarchy for explosion protection is:
• Reduce or avoid the use of flammable substances
• Do not allow any releases of flammable substances
to form potentially explosive atmospheres
• Remove sources of ignition from the potentially
explosive atmosphere
• Use adequately designed equipment that reduces the
probability of causing an explosion
• Provide measure to reduce the effects of explosions
Guidance is provided in the IECEx Standards to enable
the choice of suitable equipment based on the
following processes.
5.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Classifications of Zones
Gases, Vapours, Mists
Dusts
Explosive Atmosphere is Present
Zone 0
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 20
Zone 21
Zone 22
Most of the time
Some time
Seldom or short term
6.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Explosion Groups
For zone classification, the explosive materials are examined and the
explosion protected electrical equipment is divided into two groups
depending on where it is used:
• I
equipment used in underground mining – explosive materials
being mainly methane and coal dust
• II equipment used in other hazardous areas i.e.: other
industries with additional subgroups for Group II according to
the nature of the explosive gas atmosphere for which is
intended:
• IIA – least readily ignited gases such as propane and benzene
• IIB – more readily ignited gases such as ethylene and diethyl
ether
• IIC – most readily ignited gases such as hydrogen and
acetylene
7.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Temperature Class
Temp Class Maximum Permissible Surface Temp (°C)
T1
450
T2
300
T3
200
T4
135
T5
100
T6
85
8.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Ex marking label
Only appropriate certified and marked electrical equipment may
be used in hazardous areas.
Users of electrical equipment must ensure that the equipment
complies with the relevant regulations and local standards.
The information of the name of the manufacturer, model number,
Ex code and certificate number is attached to the equipment.
Smith Electronics, Model TRE, Ex ia IIC T4
Cert 098X, Serial No 8765
• “ia”equipment is suitable for zone 0 application
• IIC the equipment is suitable for Groups IIA, IIB, IIC
• T4 the equipment is suitable for gases with auto ignition
temperature greater than 135°C
9.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Intrinsic Safety of Equipment Petroleum Industry
• Petroleum industry requires all equipment used in the field
must be intrinsically safe
• Most IH equipment is intrinsically safe
– Not battery powered e.g. colourmetric tubes
– Meets intrinsic safety requirements Ex ia IIC T4
• Some equipment no intrinsically safe models,
– Sound level meters (Dosimeters usually are OK)
– Mercury meters
– Radiation meters
For these, use Hot Work Permit+Explosimeter (continuous mode)
• Special cases - Hydrogen rich atmospheres – Reformer
recycle gas 80% H2 require higher standard of intrinsic safety
10.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Hazardous Zones
11.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Explosimeters
• “Nitrogen Blankets”
– vessels purged with nitrogen gas (‘nitrogen blanket’) to
minimise the flammability of the product contained in the
vessel.
– insufficient oxygen to support life,
– explosive limits measured in this nitrogen blanket with an
explosimeter (LEL or Lower Explosive Limit) a false low
reading can be obtained underestimating the risk
• Lead Alkyl Interference
– Lead alkyls causes rapid poisoning of catalyst material in
the meter. This could result in a false reading and indicate a
safe condition where a potential hazard exists.
– Vapours containing sufficient lead alkyl to seriously affect
the operation of an explosimeter may be found in:
• Tanks that contain or have contained leaded gasoline
• Sewers, service tunnels and other enclosed spaces
where spilled leaded gasoline could collect
• Places where leaded gasoline sludge has been buried
12.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
MERCURY
• Mercury can be found in trace amounts in some
crudes and gas streams
• Because it can form a vapour, it can be transferred
from the field through the production process into
the refinery.
• Amalgamates with aluminium components in heat
exchangers and may cause catastrophic failures in
cryogenic units.
13.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Mercury
• Mercury found in exchangers and vessels during shutdowns
• Exchangers and vessels are steamed out prior to entry.
Usually steaming is done into a closed process
• Mercury vapour monitors can been used to “sniff” for mercury
in and around steam plumes bled off from vessels and
equipment
• Mercury can condense to free liquid and be trapped in the
steel walls of the vessels and piping, even after cleaning
• Some mercury is likely to remain in walls of vessels and may
leach out during hot work
• Mercury vapour measurements should be done prior to any
Confined Space Entry to vessels, which are suspected of
containing mercury.
14.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Exposure Standards - Mercury
• Exposure standard for elemental mercury vapour in
air is Time Weighted Average (TWA) 0.025
milligrams/cubic metre (0.025 mg/m3) or 25
micrograms/cubic metre (25 μg/m3). [Australia,
ACGIH TLV]
• No STEL for Mercury
• When evaluating 12 hour shifts this equates to 0.012
mg/m3 (12 μg/m3)
15.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Atmospheric Testing & Monitoring
• Most likely locations for mercury deposits are:
– exchangers,
– towers,
– knockout pots
– accumulators.
• In general, the air around refinery does not contain
mercury. Most mercury will be removed following
steaming/cleaning.
16.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Mercury
Free Mercury Leading From a Partly Opened Exchanger Flange
17.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Mercury Vapour Analyser
Jerome 431X Mercury Vapor Analyzer
sensitivity range of 0.003 to 0.999 mg/m3 Hg
Other makes are:
EMP-1A Mercury Meter
OhioLumex Co. RA-915+ Portable
Mercury Vapor Analyzer
18.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Mercury Testing - Other
•
•
•
•
•
•
Colorimetric detector tubes available - Kitigawa or Dräger,
Only give a spot reading
Less accurate.
Dräger tube + or – 20% of the actual concentration
Kitigawa + or - 15%.
Dräger/Kitigawa tubes are used if the mercury meter cannot be
used for testing in a hazardous area (the mercury meters are
not intrinsically safe), or if readings are above 1.0 mg/m3 (1000
ug/m3) as this exceeds the mercury meter range.
• High standards of personal hygiene must always be
maintained to avoid contamination.
19.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Cold Work?
Hot Work?
20.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Cold Work & Hot Work Permits
• COLD WORK – does not involve use of powered
equipment, no possibility of sparks, ignition sources.
– Examples – digging trench, inspections, use of intrinsically safe
equipment.
– Identifies work to be undertaken, safety precautions, gas testing
(explosimeter), other activities in the area. JSA, Sign in/Sign out
• HOT WORK –involves use of powered equipment,
flame, sparks, and possibility of ignition sources.
– Examples – welding, grinding, cameras, use of non-intrinsically safe
equipment.
– Identifies work to be undertaken, safety precautions, gas testing
(explosimeter) other activities in the area. JSA, Sign in/Sign out
21.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Other Permits
• Confined Spaces
– Identifies work in a confined space, safety
precautions, gas testing (explosimeter), other
activities in the area. Sign in/Sign out, Standbyperson, radio communications. Examples – tank
cleaning, turnarounds
• Special (Asbestos Removal)
– Identifies work to be done, safety precautions, gas
testing (explosimeter), other activities in the area.
Sign in/Sign out, isolation of area. Standby-person,
radio communications
22.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Cold Work in a Confined Space
• Confined Space Entry Permit
• Test atmosphere inside vessel and results entered on
permit under ‘Other Tests’, or as an additional the
mercury vapour concentration < 0.012 mg/m3, then no
respiratory protection is required.
• If the mercury vapour concentration > 0.012 mg/m3,
< 0.6 mg/m3, wear a full face respirator with a
canister/cartridge type Hg filter.
• If mercury vapour concentration > 0.6 mg/m3, then the
vessel should be further cleaned and/or ventilated
prior to entry, and retested until levels are acceptable.
• Why these limits?
23.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Hot Work in a Confined Space
• Job Safety Analysis (JSA) - appropriate Respiratory
Protection and other PPE necessary.
• Heating of vessel or enclosure where mercury may be
present, even after the vessel or enclosure has been
decontaminated mercury may still be liberated in high
concentrations from below the immediate metal
surface of the vessel.
• Mercury is absorbed into, as well as adsorbed onto
metal surfaces when it is cooled, however mercury is
released when the surface is heated.
24.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Tips From Experience
• Mercury inside vessels and exchangers can be best
seen at night using a torch, the inside walls of the
vessel will ‘sparkle’.
• In some instances, hygienist have noted there is an
odour of foul air (not H2S/RSH) when significant
levels of mercury are present.
25.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Mercury Saturated Vapour Pressure
26.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Mercury in Refineries
1.Determine if mercury has been detected in
crude or gas processed at the facility
Review mercury content of crude or condensates.
Crude containing >30 ppb mercury may result in
accumulation within equipment. [Some oil
companies use >8 ppb].
Typical high mercury crudes - Southeast Asia,
South America Andes, North American ‘overthrust
belt’ [Rocky Mountains], North Sea Gas
27.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Mercury in Refineries
2. Conduct assessment for potential worker
exposure to mercury when selected equipment
is opened for maintenance or repair.
• Desalter, crude towers, light end towers (Gas plants)
and associated heat exchangers.
• Elemental mercury tends to eventually accumulate in
C3 and C4 fraction.
• Perform several measurements, and average the
result
• Protect personnel from exposure to mercury, or other
gases H2S
• Use PPE as appropriate.
28.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Mercury in Refineries
3. Implement exposure controls where mercury
exposure may exceed the TLV.
• Include mercury monitoring on entry permits
• Require the use respirators where mercury in air
exceeds the TLV or where mercury vapour may be
generated from work activities
• Require PPE to prevent skin contact with mercury
4. Communicate results and recommendations to
management/employees
29.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Inorganic LEAD
• Lead-based paints & removal during
maintenance activities.
• Lead paint removal jobs usually done by
specialised contractors
• Other source of lead exposure - fumes
generated during soldering; usually managed
with good work practices (good personal
hygiene) and local extraction ventilation and/
or respiratory protection
30.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Risk Assessment for Lead Paint Management
Project







Methodology
Assessing Risk to Environment
Assessing Risk to Public
Assessing Risk to Adjacent Workers
Project Emission Control Level
Containment Criteria
Monitoring Requirements
- Instrumental Air Monitoring for TSP Dust and TSP Lead for air quality
(Environmental)
- Monitoring Visual Emissions of dust from containment
- Worker Exposure monitoring
- Soil Monitoring, Ground surveys, soil samples analysed for lead
content
 Establishing Boundaries of Regulated Area
31.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Lead based paint
• Lead Based Paint = Lead content in excess of 1%
(weight). [Some companies use >0.5%]
• Small Project - Removal of less than 10 m2 area may
be excluded from requirements for project
• Exposure Standard for atmospheric monitoring:
ACGIH (2009) TLV Exposure Standard of 0.05 mg/m3
which is 1/3 of the Safe Work Australia Standard of
0.15 mg/m3.
32.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Steps – Lead Based Paint Project
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Determination of the presence of lead
Selection of painting strategy
Assess risks to public, environment and other workers
Establishment of site-specific limitations on emissions
Selection of appropriate paint removal/containment system
Selection of appropriate monitoring systems to verify
emissions are controlled
7. Establishment of worker protection requirements
8. Establishment of waste management requirements
9. Determination of project completion requirements
10.Preparation of project cost estimates
11. Preparation of a comprehensive specification to address
above steps
33.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Step 1 - Determination of lead
1. Do initial tests using "Lead-Check Swab" test Kit on
all (continuous) surfaces.
For example: on an exchanger 10 m long - test the outer shell
in two places, test each end.
2. Take bulk sample of paint (scrapping) and submit to
an approved laboratory with sample Identification
34.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Lead Paint Removal Guideline
• Scope -Removal of leaded paint - potential for
excessive exposure to lead dust or fumes.
– Abrasive Blasting Burning
– Sanding
Welding
– Chipping
Cutting
• Identification of Lead in Paint
• Containment and Restrictions
WARNING
LEAD WORK AREA
NO SMOKING OR EATING
WEAR PROPER PROTECTION
35.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Lead Paint Removal Guideline
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Work Practices Safeguards
– Use of mechanical methods such as chipping, sanding,
grinding or buffing prior to welding, cutting, or burning
leaded painted surfaces,
– Do not wear street clothes under coveralls during removal
operations
– No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted in the work area
– HEPA vacuum coveralls after use, or dispose as
contaminated clothing
– Do not use compressed air to clean coveralls or work areas;
These should be wet clean or HEPA vacuum
– Wash hands before eating, drinking or smoking and at the
end of the shift
– Do not exit the work area wearing contaminated clothing
36.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Lead Paint Removal Guideline
• Decontamination and Disposal
– Place lead contaminated debris, including protective
clothing, and used respirator filters in sealed containers
– Label all containers as ‘hazardous lead’
– Dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations
– Remove respirator only when all cleanup and safe
containment of contaminated clothing is accomplished
– Wash respirator facepiece immediately
• Repainting
• Monitoring – Supervision
• Clearance Testing -Visual inspection, Lead Check
test
37.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Managing Maintenance Activities
Maintenance activities - three categories:
• Preventative (scheduled) maintenance,
includes daily/weekly inspections to determine
status of equipment and need for repairs
• Emergency (non-scheduled) maintenance,
repairs of failed equipment (sometimes
associated with fire and explosion)
• “Turnarounds” – shutdown, major overhaul
and inspections (taking 5 to 40 days).
In addition - Workshops and Service Shops
38.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Hygienist’s Role -2
• Deciding on ventilation/extraction equipment
requirements for confined spaces Conducting hazard
awareness training, confined spaces training
• Ensuring appropriate procedures for radiation source
removal/storage/re-installation
• Review lighting needs
• Establishing procedures for special jobs (such as
abrasive blasting, asbestos removal, two pack epoxy
resins/paint applications)
• Ensuring appropriate emergency equipment is
available (deluge shower/eye wash facilities)
• Reviewing previous turnaround experience
39.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Occupational Hygiene Resources during Turnaround
• Depends on nature & size turnaround.
• From advisory, on-site availability, day shift
coverage, or through to 24 hours/day 7 days/week
presence with several occupational hygienists.
• Occupational hygienist should visit the worksite at
least once per day, and more frequently if possible.
• Provide advice/support/monitoring to supervisors,
• Address worker concerns as they arise and observe
the work in progress
• Where appropriate assess exposure risks and/or
recommend control measures to minimise exposure.
40.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Tank repairs
Tank Issues
• Confined space
• Lead-based paints
• Alkyl Lead sludge
• Metal fumes
• Flammable vapours
• Congested area
41.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Oxy cutting gasoline tank floor
Issues
• Confined space
• Lead-based paints
• Alkyl Lead sludge
• Asbestos
• Metal fumes
• Flammable vapours
42.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Tank Repairs
Improved access – hole cut in
tank wall, ramp for bob-cat,
scaffolding
Air driven extraction fan
43.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Cutting top strake of naphtha tank
Issues
•Working at height
•Lead-based paints
•Metal fumes
•Flammable vapours
44.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Some of the Issues -1
• Spent Catalyst - potential hazards catalyst dust,
oxygen depleted atmosphere
• Vessel Entry – Confined Spaces (build-up of toxic vapours,
oxygen depletion, obstructions, alkyl lead sludge) Oxygen
Limits - > 19.5% < 23.5%. Flammability limits
• Inspection Test Hazards - include instrumental and
manual measurements of wall thickness, hammer tests, hydro
or air pressure tests and visual observations. X-ray and
Gamma ray testing of welds, wall thickness. Fluorescent salt
in oil painted on the surface of vessels or pipes detected by
illumination ultra-violet light source.
45.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Some of the Issues - 2
• Pyrophoric Materials
"Pyrophoric material" means“ any material igniting
spontaneously or burning spontaneously in air when rubbed,
scratched, or struck, e.g.: finely divided metals". One example
is Iron Sulphide
• Iron sulphide oxidizes exothermically when exposed to air will
ignite. Rapid exothermic oxidation with incandescence is
known as ‘pyrophoric oxidation’ and it can ignite nearby
flammable hydrocarbon-air mixtures.
• Found in solid iron sulphide scales in refinery units (reformers
where the process operates in a pressurised hydrogen
atmosphere, demister pads in reformers).
• Found in vessels which have contained sour hydrocarbon
streams or product streams with sulphur compounds (H2S,
SRU units)
46.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Some of the Issues - 3
• Vanadium in Heater Ash
Refinery fuel oil or heavy bottoms products can contain traces of
Vanadium (refer to crude assay). This Vanadium is oxidised in
the combustion process to Vanadium Pentoxide (V2O5) deposited on the heater walls, floor, tubes with ash, carbon/soot
and other combustion deposits.
• Mercury in Exchangers, Pipework
• Removal of Insulation Materials
47.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Start-up Hazards
After the turnaround maintenance activity is completed,
the process units go through a start-up procedure.
This can include:
– Steam purging,
– Nitrogen purging or (hydrogen purging such as
reformers).
– Open vents and drain lines are progressively
closed as the unit returns to normal operations;
– Flushing of the unit to blowdown systems and to
the atmosphere occurs.
The ‘Start-up’ of a process unit is perhaps
the most dangerous operation of all.
48.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Taking an acid sample
49.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Taking a spent caustic sample
After redesign of sample point
Before
50.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Flares - ‘Safety valve’ of rig, gas plant or refinery
• Located well away from
process units
• Burns unwanted gas to
protect over pressurising
during upsets
• Steam used to reduce
smoke
• Hazards – Noise, smokes,
odours
51.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Benzene
•
•
•
•
•
Crude can contain (0.01 to 3.04%) Benzene
Catalytic Reformer streams (8%)
Some petrochemical streams (naphthas) up to 13%
Other sources – Coke ovens in steel works (BTX)
Exposure Standards
– (ACGIH 2012) 0.5 ppm TWA, no STEL (ACGIH 2012)
– Australia (Safework Australia) 1 ppm TWA, 3.2 ppm STEL
Hazard
• Benzene - human carcinogen – leukemia
• Flammable LEL 1.3%, UEL 7.9%, flash point -11C (12F)
52.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Benzene Program
• Identify process streams and worker groups with potential
exposure
• Identify tasks with benzene exposure
• Assessment procedures for open process work with streams
that may emit benzene
• Control systems for open process work involving benzene
exposure, including temporary local exhaust ventilation,
respiratory protection, gloves, and protective clothing
• Policies and procedures for biological monitoring and medical
assessments for benzene exposure.
• Training of workers in the hazards of benzene exposure,
procedures and controls for open process work
53.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Hydrogen Sulphide – Toxic Gas
• Common contaminant in crude, natural gas and
present in oil and gas streams.
• Deadly asphyxiant, affect olfactory senses.
• Corrosive to steel process equipment.
• Flammable Limits LEL 4%, UEL 44%
• Exposure Standards
– (ACGIH 2012) 1 ppm TWA, 5 ppm STEL
– Australia (Safework Australia) 10 ppm TWA, 15 ppm STEL
54.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Hydrogen Sulphide Program
• Identify systems, equipment, or locations where H2S is
present
• Occupational exposure limits ― ceiling, short term, and full
shift.
• Procedures for monitoring H2S in process streams
• Policies for installation and maintenance of fixed H2S area
monitors and alarms
• Policies and procedures for worker use of personal H2S
monitors
• Emergency response equipment and procedures for H2S
releases
• Worker training on hazards, characteristics of H2S, locations
of hazardous process streams, use of personal H2S monitors,
and what to do if there is a release in their facility
55.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Some case studies
• Asphyxiation on LNG Construction Site
• Asphyxiation of Chinese Welder on LNG Construction
Site
• Argon/TIG Welding Incidents from 2002 – 2009
• Inert Gases (What You Need To Know)
• Confined Spaces
• Safety Awards
• Shell Service Station Video
56.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Asphyxiation of Welder on LNG Construction
Site
Refer to separate presentation
57.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Asphyxiation of Chinese Welder on LNG
Construction Site
• Refer to separate presentation
58.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Argon/TIG Welding Incidents from 2002 - 2009
• Refer to separate presentation
59.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Inert Gases - What You Need To Know
• Refer to separate presentation
60.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
NORM & H2S Canada
• Ponnachan Joseph AIHce 2010 Roundtable presentation
• Refer to separate presentation
61.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Confined Spaces
• Refer to separate presentation
62.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Crazy things people do
• Refer to separate presentation ‘Safety Awards!!”
63.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
Shell Service Station
• Refer to separate video presentation
64.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry
End of Section 14
Specific Issues
65.
© 2013 Petroch Services Pty Ltd
BP Version J11002– Occupational Hygiene in the Oil & Gas Industry