1) Petroleum Gases

Petroleum gases and vapors consist of harmful toxins like benzene, butane, and methane. In the oil and gas industry, petroleum gases are often referred to as “sweet gas” or hydrocarbon gas.

Employees that work with oil storage tanks have the highest risk of exposure. OSHA records show that there were 9 deaths from exposure to petroleum gases since 2010. 

 These deaths occurred while employees were gauging and thieving oil storage tanks. They experienced sudden exposure to high levels of gases. Most were killed instantly.

Some of these gases, including benzene, are carcinogens. Petroleum gases can cause both short-term and long-term health effects. If employees are exposed to high concentrations, they can experience acute toxicity to the nervous system, liver, and kidneys.  

The best way to control exposure to petroleum gases is to wear a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (or SCBA). Wearing SCBA’s is now a common and recommended practice for these employees.

2) Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide, or H₂S, can be one of the deadliest hazards in the oil and gas industry. It’s formed in the decay process of organic material. In the oilfields, it’s commonly found in formations that are being drilled for oil.

Oilfield workers, service workers, and contractors are all at risk for exposure.

H₂S is sometimes referred to as “sour gas” because of its unmistakable odor of rotten eggs. However, in high concentrations of H₂S, the gas becomes odorless as it deadens the sense of smell. So, employees should not rely on their sense of smell for detecting this type of gas.

H₂S is a toxic gas that can cause both short-term and long-term health effects. Here’s a list of symptoms associated with H₂S exposure:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Irritation to the eyes and nose
• Loss of consciousness

Sudden, high concentrations of H₂S can cause immediate death. OSHA classifies the cause of death as poison.

Hydrogen sulfide is also considered to be a flammable gas, and is explosive under extreme conditions. Do not allow smoking or hot work in areas where H₂S may be present.

There are many ways to reduce the risk of exposure to H₂S. Below is a list of controls you can put into place to protect your employees.

• Monitoring Equipment: Employees should wear personal monitors, such as a 4-Gas monitor, when working in high risk area. These monitors detect the levels of H₂S in the surrounding area. Pair drilling equipment with electronic H₂S monitors that have audible and visual alarms.

• Respiratory Protection: Employees must wear appropriate respiratory protection in areas that have concentrations above OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). SCBA’s are the best option.

• Engineering Controls: Use wind socks in outdoor areas where there is potential for hydrogen sulfide exposure. If monitoring equipment detects H₂S, employees should move upwind and away from the hazard.

• Training: Train employees on the hazards of H₂S exposure. They should be able to recognize symptoms of exposure, and know how to respond in an emergency.

3) Diesel Exhaust

Much of the equipment used in the oil and gas industry is powered by diesel engines. Diesel exhaust is a mixture of gases and particulates produced during combustion of the diesel fuel.

Workers exposed to diesel exhaust are at risk of developing a wide range of health effects, including:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Irritation to eyes and nose
• Respiratory disease
• Lung cancer

OSHA does not have any specific standards or PEL’s for diesel exhaust. But, there are a number of ways you can reduce the risk of exposure.

• Use low emission engines and low sulfur fuel
• Use appropriate exhaust after treatment devices, such as filters and oxidation catalysts
• Beware of black smoke, which is a result of improper fuel-to-air ratio. Black smoke indicates engine is in need of maintenance.
• Use monitoring equipment, such as CO detectors, when working in areas concentrated with diesel exhaust.
• Always make sure mobile equipment is in open air. If that’s not possible, usein a large, well-ventilated room when engine is running.

4) Mercury Vapor

Liquid mercury has hazards of its own. But, in the oil and gas industry, mercury vapor is a major concern.

Mercury is a natural component in oil and gas. During drilling operations, it can accumulate on steel pipes and other processing equipment. As processing fluids are cooled, the liquid mercury condenses within heat exchangers, separators, valves, and piping.

When this equipment is later handled, taken apart for repair, or maintained, workers can become exposed to mercury vapor.

Over time, workers can experience health issues in their central nervous system. Such issues include tremor, nervousness, and changes to their personality.

Other known health effects from mercury include damage to the kidneys and loss of vision or hearing. Women exposed to mercury are at risk of passing on the poison to unborn fetuses and any future children.

Owners should conduct a risk assessment for mercury at their job site.

Avoid equipment that has potential for absorbing or accumulating mercury.. There are certain sampling components that can be heated and/or coated with a material that does not react with mercury.

5) All Flammable Gases

Most of the deadly gases discussed in this article are not only toxic, but also flammable. There are several other flammable gases used in this industry. Examples include:

• Compressed gases used in maintenance and production operations
• Various chemicals used for maintenance, production, and everyday use
• Natural gases found during the drilling and production stages of operation
• Diesel fuel and gasoline used by mobile equipment operators

The oil and gas industry is at high risk for fires and explosions. Fires can be devastating to your organization. Employees could lose their lives, property destroyed, and your company’s reputation ruined. A small fire could lead to severe and lasting repercussions.

Control the risk of fire by having an adequate safety program in place. The safety program should cover these fire-related topics:

• Training
• Hot Works
• Fire Risk Assessments
• Emergency Response

Engineering controls will also help reduce the risk of fires and explosions. Equip your worksite with alarms and monitoring equipment that detects fires and alerts employees.

The use of engineering controls and monitoring equipment will go a long way in protecting your employees. But just like any other safety equipment, you must maintain them.

Calibrate personal monitors on a regular basis. For the most part, this means at least once every 30 days. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your particular monitor. You also need to make sure that the monitors are fully charged before putting them into use. Check the integrity and accuracy of your monitors by performing “bump tests” every day, or before each use.

Keeping your employees safe involves more than just providing them with PPE. Train them on the specific hazards of your industry. Teach them how to recognize high risk situations. Prepare them as best as you can for the dangers that come with the job. And don’t forget to review the dangers of these invisible, deadly gases often.

Source: https://blog.rmiwyoming.com