PISTA BLOG#08: HAZARDS IN OFFSHORE O&G INDUSTRY-CONFINED SPACE ENTRY

 

NEW BLOG SERIES: UNDERSTANDING HAZARDS IN OFFSHORE O&G INDUSTRY

The Offshore Oil & Gas industry is a Hazardous & Challenging work atmosphere. Here is a series of PISTA BLOGS discussing the Common Offshore Hazards. 

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY FOR OFFSHORE OIL & GAS WORKERS 

        Confined space entry presents itself as a dangerous Hazard in the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry. It is often required to enter such spaces for maintenance or inspections. The workers who enter these spaces expose themselves to some dangerous hazards. Before entering any confined space, an initial familiarization program is essential, which includes training, awareness of equipment, and related policies and procedures. This can drastically reduce the risk of injuries associated with confined space entry.

WHAT IS A CONFINED SPACE?

Globally, a clear definition of a confined space exists, however first, we need to know that there are two different kinds of confined spaces.

Non-Permitted Space: This type of confined space is a very basic, low-hazard area.

Permit-Required Space: A permit-required space includes all the characteristics of a Non-Permitted Space. But will also contain additional hazards.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A PERMIT-REQUIRED SPACE

An enclosed space that contains or has the potential to contain any one or combinations of a few hazardous atmospheres mentioned below:

• Material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant
• The configuration of the space is such that may lead to entrapment or asphyxia.
• A floor that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section
• Any other recognized serious safety or health hazard

Offshore oil and gas industry workers know that any of the above hazards are possible. Most works inside confined spaces often involve welding or the use of chemicals. Materials in pits and some storage tanks could engulf entrants. And many bins and spaces are oddly-shaped and often taper downward. Both the employer and the employee have responsibilities to fulfill. 

OBLIGATIONS OF THE EMPLOYER WITH REGARDS TO CONFINED SPACE ENTRY 

1. Implement measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry
2. Provide training to all involved and affected employees
3. Identify and evaluate hazards of spaces specific to their facility
4. Develop and maintain procedures for safe entry
5. Provide and maintain confined space entry equipment
6. Name an attendant to stand watch outside of the space before, during, and after entry
7. Develop and implement rescue plans and procedures
8. Maintain records of confined space entries

OBLIGATIONS OF THE EMPLOYEE WITH REGARDS TO CONFINED SPACE ENTRY

1. Never enter a space without training
2. Never enter a space without a permit to do so
3. Review, understand, and follow employer's procedures before entering; know how to exit
4. Before entry, identify any physical hazards
5. Test and monitor oxygen content, flammability, toxicity, or explosive hazards as necessary
6. Use employer's confined space equipment according to entry procedures
7. Maintain contact at all times with a trained attendant. Either visually, via phone, or by two-way radio 

WHAT ARE THE HAZARDS OF CONFINED SPACE ENTRY FOR OIL AND GAS WORKERS?

Permit-required spaces have extra safety precautions that must be followed. The hazards will depend on the size and configuration of the space and the nature of work being performed inside the space. Here are some examples of common confined space hazards: ATMOSPHERIC HAZARDS

Most deaths associated with confined space entry are due to atmospheric hazards. Because the spaces are so small, these atmospheres can quickly overcome an employee. These sudden and unexpected hazards can interfere with evacuation. The main atmospheric hazards are:

• Toxic gases and vapors
• Flammable gases and vapors
• Oxygen-rich or oxygen-deficient atmospheres

The four main gases in confined spaces are Oxygen, Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, and Explosive Materials. Excessive Noise is generated esp. when hammering, pounding, or during the use of certain powered equipment. Limited lighting can also be a character of some Confined spaces.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO WE NEED TO ENTER A CONFINED SPACE?

Apart from the appropriate PPE which include

• The employee's normal workwear
• A harness for emergency retrieval
• A Respirator or breathing apparatus(depending on the work and atmosphere), here are the other types of equipment used:

1. TESTING & MONITORING EQUIPMENT
2. VENTILATING EQUIPMENT
3. COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
4. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
5. EMERGENCY RESCUE EQUIPMENT
6. LIGHTING EQUIPMENT
7. BARRIERS & SHIELDS TO USE AROUND THE SPACE
8. ACCESS EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS LADDERS

However, not all this equipment is necessary for every confined space entry. It will depend on the specific space and the nature of the work in that space. 

CONCLUSION:

In general, the employer should always keep the relevant equipment accessible.

The greatest danger in confined space entry is when workers underestimate the hazards that might be present. Effective training and awareness amongst the employees on the risks of confined space entry is essential to over this hazard in our work area.