PISTA BLOG#37 (2024): THE SILENT THREAT: PINCH POINT HAZARDS IN THE OIL & GAS INDUSTRY

 THE SILENT THREAT: PINCH POINT HAZARDS IN THE OIL & GAS INDUSTRY

Pinch point hazards, often lurking unseen, pose a significant risk to workers in the offshore oil and gas industry. These insidious dangers arise from moving machinery and equipment, capable of inflicting severe injuries, including crushed fingers, amputations, and even fatalities. This PISTA BLOG discusses in detail the causes, consequences and control measures in place to overcome this Motion related hazard in our Industry.

What are Pinch Points?

Pinch points occur when two or more moving parts come together, creating a potential trapping zone for body parts. These hazardous areas can be found in various places on board a Platform especial around equipment, including:

• Pumps and Compressors: Rotating shafts and impellers can pose severe risks.
• Conveyors and Belt Drives: Moving belts and pulleys can trap fingers and limbs.
• Hydraulic and Pneumatic Equipment: High-pressure systems can cause rapid movement, leading to severe injuries.
• Valve Operations: Improper handling of valves can result in pinched fingers or hands.
• Maintenance and Repair Activities: Working on or around machinery increases exposure to pinch point hazards.

The Devastating Consequences

The consequences of pinch point accidents can be catastrophic, both physically and emotionally. Injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe amputations and even death. In addition to the immediate physical trauma, victims may suffer from long-term pain, disability, and psychological distress.

Prevention is Key

To mitigate the risks associated with pinch point hazards, it is essential to implement comprehensive safety measures. Here are some key preventive strategies already in use in our O&G Industry:

Recognizing Pinch Points:

• Identify Hazard Zones: Clearly identify areas where pinch points exist.
• Understand Equipment: Know the specific hazards associated with each machine.
• Visual Inspection: Regularly inspect equipment for potential pinch points.

Training and Awareness:

• Employee Training: Provide comprehensive training on recognizing, avoiding, and reporting pinch point hazards.
• Safe Work Practices: Emphasize the importance of following safe work procedures.
• Emergency Response: Train employees on emergency procedures in case of accidents.

Engineering Controls:

• Machine Guarding: Install effective guards to prevent access to hazardous areas.
• Lockout/Tagout Procedures: Implement strict procedures to isolate equipment before maintenance or repair.
• Remote Operation: Use remote controls to operate machinery from a safe distance.

Administrative Controls:

• Work Permits: Require work permits for hazardous tasks.
• Supervision: Ensure adequate supervision to monitor worker behavior.
• Regular Safety Inspections: Conduct regular inspections to identify and rectify hazards.
  

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Gloves: Wear appropriate gloves to protect hands.
• Safety Glasses: Use safety glasses to protect eyes from flying debris.
• Protective Clothing: Wear protective clothing to minimize the risk of injury.

Continuous Improvement:

• Incident Investigations: Thoroughly investigate accidents to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences.
• Regular Reviews: Conduct regular safety reviews to assess the effectiveness of control measures.
• Stay Updated: Keep up-to-date with the latest safety standards and best practices.

Conclusion

By prioritizing safety and adopting effective measures, we can significantly reduce the incidence of pinch point accidents in the oil and gas industry.

Want to learn more about safety in the oil and gas industry?                       

PISTA's OPITO BOSIET course covers crucial topics like pinch point hazards and other safety measures. Since 2018, PISTA is the premier OPITO Approved International Safety Training centre in Southern India Region. Easily accessible (by road or air)for Southern Indian Corporate/Industrial hub cities like Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, the Centre is a preferred Training Service provider to a host of National and Multi National Oil and gas Companies. Delegates enrolling in this highly sought after course, gain the Basic knowledge and skills needed to work safely in offshore environments.

Stay tuned for more insightful blogs from PISTA Blog team as we continue to explore safety-related aspects of the oil and gas industry.

Please share this blog with your colleagues and friends to promote safety awareness in our industry.