Abstract
Chemicals are extensively used throughout the oil and gas industry. The ability to manage the hazards associated with these is vital. Effective management of chemicals requires a plan (Douglas, 1985: 11). Suppliers, operators, contractors, and workers are all responsible for some part of the chemical management plan. The chemical management plan addresses how chemicals are selected, purchased, mixed, used, handled and transported at the oil and gas work site. Regardless of how the chemicals are being used, basic information on chemical hazards, including MSDSs, and how these hazards should be controlled need to be considered and included in the plan. The hazard assessment process for chemicals is the foundation for determining the types of controls that are needed as well as the requirements for work procedures and worker training (Stuhlmacher, 2001: 261). A step-by-step guide to chemical hazard assessments, worker exposures, and control measures applicable to oil and gas worksites is included in this document.
Background information
Disulfide is among the materials produced under the OSHA safety regulations. Its chemical and physical properties define the risk that it poses to the environment. To further understand the risks it poses, it is vital to address the issues posed by its reactivity which include conditions that make it unstable, substances to which it is incompatible, products that contribute to its hazardous decomposition as well the safety precautions attached to it.
Di-sulphide oil comes in the form of a brown or amber-colored liquid. It bears an odor similar to gasoline and is insoluble in water in addition to being less denser than water. Its flash point is below 0°F Spilled vapors can travel over a considerably lengthy distance to an ignition source/stimulator (Stuhlmacher, 2001: 261). This substance presents a number of risks to the environment and more specifically the workplace. Its hazards are classified based n the following categories: Reactivity of the chemical, air and water reaction-related risks, fire hazards, and risks to health.
Faulty valves pose an increased risk of losing control of disulfide oil from tank and transport pipes. Often, it is vital to ensure a mechanism that protects such valves from damage as their occurrences could result into damages minor to severe damages. When pressurized the risk is even more as the failure possibility of the valve due to large pressures, is increased.
Fire hazards
It is highly flammable. Additionally, its vapor can result in explosives when mixed with air. Additionally, its vapors have the capability of moving away from its production point to an ignition source and result in flashback. Its vapor is, however, heavier than air. Its vapor, therefore, extends at ground level. When the vapor runs off into sewers, fire and explosion are increasingly likely to occur. Additionally, heated containers may explode.
Given the transportation of the substance in molten form, there is the likelihood of violent reaction with other substances like water and hence result in explosions in addition to producing gases that are flammable (Tourrette et al., 2008: 54). Such may ignite combustible substances like wood, paper, and oil among others. Additionally, its contact with oxidizers can result in heavy explosions. For instance, heat, sparks, and frictional forces may result in explosions/fire. Incompatibilities on the other hand may result from its reaction on contact to rust, strong oxidizing substances, and materials that are chemically active among others (Gunningham & Johnston, 1999: 87). Hazardous decomposition may also occur as a result of the release of gases that are toxic.
Health Hazard
Inhaling the material or making contact with it may result in skin and eye irritations. Fire from it may also result in corrosive and toxic gases which are harmful to human and environmental health. The effects of its vapor include dizziness and even suffocation. Additionally, its runoffs may result in pollution of water and ultimately health.
Reactivity
The substance experiences incompatibility with acids and other substances including azo and diazo’s, halocarbons, aldehydes, nitrides and some reducing agents among others.
Exposure risks
Often the major exposure risks of disulfide oil occur through the following routes. These include inhalation, ingestion into the body, contact with the eye and skin and absorption via the skin.
In case of risk occurrence, various approaches can be employed to counter the risks posed by the occurring risks. When a fire occurs from this substance, various approaches can be employed. These include the use of flooding quantities of water in form of fog, sing foam, dry chemicals, as well as carbon dioxide. As a precaution, run-off waters should be kept away from sewer lines and sources of water. Often it is advisable not to distinguish such fires unless the flow of the substance cannot be terminated. The affected containers need to be cooled using flooded water quantities which should be applied from a distance as far away as possible.
Additionally, sparks, flames and ignition sources should be concealed away from any exposures from the tank containing the chemical (Johnson, 1992: 107). Fly ashes are useful in absorbing the liquid in case of spillage just like any other commercial sorbents. Natural barriers are additionally useful in spillage limitation. Protective clothing is also useful as they help minimize the effect on personnel in case of spillage. It is advisable, that in case of spillage fires, personnel should fight it from the upwind side and breathing of vapors should be avoided. Personnel should also be provided with gloves which are chemically protective, protection boots, and protective gloves (Viscusi, 1998: 87). First aid facilities and equipment should be availed in addition to availing of property ventilation to minimize the effects in case of spillage. Water sources should be availed at places near the tank to ensure accessibility in case of spillage of the chemical to the personnel. In case of contamination, there should be designated isolation points for contaminated materials including clothing, shoes, and other substances in order to minimize effects.
Based on the NFPA ratings on a scale of 0-4 in increasing severity, disulfide compounds’ impact is classified. Effects often depend on whether they are on long term or short-term basis.
First Aid Measures
Measures for fighting a fire in case of outbreak
Medias for extinguishing: foam resistant to alcohol, carbon dioxide gas, dry regular chemicals. For cases of large fires, foams are applicable as well as flooding with water from fine water sprays (Kate, 1983: 49).
Fire Fighting: flammable containers should be moved away from the affecting scene. Material affected should not be scattered and containers around the spillage area should be cooled using water from fire sprays (Kate, 1983: 63). The personnel should stay away from the area around the tank and in case of rising sound from venting devices, personnel should immediately move away. Provision should therefore be made for orderly movement in case of such (Hopwood, D., &Thompson, S. 2006: 98).
Controlling Exposure and Protection of Personnel
Emergency Procedures
Before the commencement of the task of replacing the faulty valve, it is important to put in place measures that may come in handy in case of an emergency. These include emergency rescue operations and pre-work communication of possible hazards to the involved personnel.
Effective methods necessary to control the exposure of workers to substances are often dependent on the implementation feasibility. These include Process enclosure, ventilation of the exhaust locals (Gregory & Mendelssohn, 1993: 261), general dilution ventilation and availing of protective materials and equipment.
Task risk assessment plan
Isolation plan
Isolation plans are vital in ensuring the spread of contamination in case of hazardous conditions. Isolation involves keeping away the contaminated materials to avoid further spread. The following steps are applicable in the isolation of contaminated materials.
- Removal of affected persons from the affected site.
- Identification of an isolation point/place.
- Identification of contaminated materials
- Confining contaminated material to the identified point for decontamination.
Management of workplace
- Provides less toxic cleaning products when possible. See a list of janitorial cleaning products certified by Green Seal at www.greenseal.org.
- Make sure all containers are properly labeled. When chemicals are transferred into a different container, the new container must be labeled, according to law.
- Train employees about hazardous chemicals and how to safely use them. Employers are also required by law to train workers on how to read labels, how to read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and where the MSDSs are kept.
- Check with the building owner about keeping the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system on during cleaning hours to keep air moving.
Employees and workplace safety
- Use mild cleaners for regular cleaning. Save stronger chemicals for stubborn stains.
- Specialized chemicals (such as metal or window cleaners) are often the most toxic.
- Dilute chemicals (such as disinfectants) with as much water as possible while still getting the job done. Follow the manufacturer’s directions.
- Open windows and doors, if possible, when using chemicals.
- Do not mix chemicals unless instructed to by the manufacturer.
- Close all containers especially spray bottles, when not in use.
- Pour chemicals (such as toilet bowl cleaner) from a low height to avoid splashing
Chemical management responsibilities vary throughout the plan. There are distinct responsibilities for each of the participants as well as shared responsibilities, all needed to achieve success with the chemical management plan. For example, the planner needs to consider what chemicals will be used for the job, the implementer needs to ensure that all policies and procedures are in place and during the execution phase the worker needs to ensure that they are aware of what they are working with and follow the safety procedures put in place. One responsibility that is constant throughout the process is the responsibility of chemical hazard assessments. Although the level of hazard assessment changes, the need to ensure they are done at every phase is crucial.
Legislative Requirements
There are legislative requirements for managing hazardous materials at the worksite. Requirements include, but are not limited to, hazard assessment, and development of procedures, information sharing, training, and documentation (Moran, R. 2010: 74).
Workers
Workers directly work with, handle, use, mix, store, and transport chemicals. It is vital that they are knowledgeable on the chemicals and chemical mixtures they may be exposed to and what work procedures they must follow to control their exposure.
Supervisor
When it comes to managing chemical hazards the employer must ensure that workers have the training, information, and knowledge regarding the chemicals being used in the workplace.
Legislative Responsibilities
Employers are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of all workers at the worksite under OHS legislation. There are also specific requirements of employers depending on the hazards and the work that is to be done.
Under OHS legislation suppliers must ensure that tools, appliances, or equipment that they provide is in safe operating condition. As well, they must ensure that any hazardous substance that they supply complies with the requirements in the OHS legislation. Under federal Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) legislation, a supplier must provide an MSDS and appropriate labeling to the purchaser whenever they sell a “controlled product” to a workplace (Moran, R. 2010: 67).
Conducting the Hazard Assessment
Hazard Assessment
The hazard assessment process for chemicals in many ways is similar to a health and safety risk assessment for any workplace hazard. However, Chemical Hazard Management also presents some unique challenges if it is going to be effective in protecting workers.
First and foremost is the fact that hazard assessment cannot be limited to the field. In the upstream petroleum industry, chemical hazard assessment has to start in the planning phase, and then be repeated in the implementation and the execution phase. All participants have an important role to play in hazard assessment because chemical hazard controls can often only be applied at specific phases of the project or process. All participants must stop and ask, “What are the chemical hazards I am introducing, managing, being exposed to, passing on to the next phase or other participants, etc.?”
Second, chemical hazards are not as easily spotted or understood as traditional “slips, trips, and falls” hazards presented by field-level health and safety hazard assessments. It takes additional information and training for all participants to gain the expertise they need to identify the hazards presented by the chemicals they choose, transport, and use.
Hazard Control
Identifying and assessing the hazard is the first step. Once the nature of the hazard is identified, the next question is, “How can we control this hazard?” In all chemical hazard management systems, there are four basic hazard control approaches elimination/substitution; engineering controls; administrative controls; and personal protective equipment (PPE) (Sjoberg, 2000: 26).
Elimination and substitution control the chemical hazard by outright removing the chemical from the worksite. Processes may be avoided or adjusted to eliminate the need for the chemical or a safer alternative is substituted in place of a more hazardous chemical. If elimination or substitution is not possible, engineering controls are the next possible choice (Slovic, Baruch, &Sarah, 2006: 84).
Engineering controls control the hazard at its source. These include measures such as substitution, ventilation, and enclosure. The use of engineering controls should always be considered first. Where engineering controls are not appropriate or not enough, administrative controls are considered next (Tversky& Daniel, 2009: 24) Administrative controls involve the work process/worker. These include safe work procedures, training and work rotation. Finally, if the hazard cannot be sufficiently reduced by engineering or administrative controls, personal protective equipment (PPE) is used. PPE includes protective clothing and respiratory protective equipment.
As you can see, as you move through each level of control, each offers less assurance than the previous that the worker will not be at risk of chemical exposure. For that reason, we talk about these as a “hierarchy of hazard controls.”
The reason all participants must be involved in chemical hazard identification, assessment, and control is that at a given point in a project or process, only some of these hazard controls can be introduced. Eliminating or substituting chemical hazards on most upstream projects is usually only possible in the planning phase. By the time one gets to front-line workers in the execution phase, they can only carry responsibility for the last two levels of defense within the Hierarchy of Controls (Wildavsky & Karl, 1990: 54). Company policies and procedures (administrative controls) regarding chemical management must be known and followed. And, it is the worker’s responsibility to use personal protective equipment and clothing as directed by the employer for the hazards in the work.
From a worker’s perspective, the worker needs to be aware of the controls that have been put in place
- Workers should be aware of the control band.
- Workers must be aware of the identified hazards and the required controls that have been established.
- They need to bring any unidentified hazard or unaddressed hazards to the attention of their supervisor.
Routine maintenance including preventive service procedures should be established, specifying:
- Which control measures require servicing?
- The servicing needed;
- The frequency of servicing;
- Who is responsible for servicing?
- How any defects will be corrected?
- Performance testing and evaluation; and,
- Record of servicing.
Control Approach Responsibilities
Chemical hazard management requires getting all the participants with enough knowledge about chemical hazards and their role in the overall process. And they need to take seriously their responsibility to assess and control the chemical risks they introduce or are exposed to.
References
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