PAPER TITLE

Health Safety and Environment in Oil Field

AUTHORS
JUNIAD-UZ-ZAMAN
10-ME-137
KH.AHMED SALMAN
10-ME-144

UNIVERSITY

MIRPUR UNIVERSITY OF SCEINCES AND TECHNOLOGY

CITY
MIRPUR

STATE
AZAD KASHMIR

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

1. INTRODUCTION
1.2. HEALTH SAFETY ENVIRMENT (H.S.E) DEPARTMENT
Safety sense is a common sense
Safety is defined as to perform safe acts to stop accidents before they happen. The concept of safety is
shown in the following Fig.01

Safety of
Others

Safety

Safety of
Yourself

Safety of
Equipments
Fig.01
Prevention is better than cure
HSE (health safety environment) department is present in every industry and is very important. It
provides safety and health to every person in the industry.
Oil field has a long-standing HSE commitment to the highest standards for the health and safety of our
employees, customers, and contractors as well as to the protection of the environment in the communities
in which we live and work.oil fields (H.S.E) Management System defines the principles by which we
conduct our operations worldwide.

1.3. OIL FIELDS HSE POLICY

Oil fields are fully committed to ensure and promote the highest degree of safe and healthy working
environment in the entire organization. Our employees are our most important asset and we consider them
the critical element for the success of our safety program. Oil Fields recognizes that safe operations
depend not only on technically sound plant and equipment but also on competent people and an active
HSE culture, and that no activity is so important that it cannot be done safely.

1.4. OBJECTIVES
Ensure that all relevant health, safety and environment procedures/work instructions are
developed and implemented.
Strive to prevent injuries, ill health and property loss through hazards identification, risk
assessments of all activities and processes.
Ensure that all safety rules and regulations are obeyed and protective equipment is used wherever
it is necessary and specified.
Manage our operations in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Manage hazardous gas emissions, effluents and waste materials through the latest equipment and
technologies to ensure a conductive environment for our employees and the local inhabitants
including flora and fauna.

2. Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E)

HSE is also responsible for proving the equipment for the safety of the workers. The safety equipments
vary with the requirement of the job but the general safety equipments are as follows;
Helmet

Shoes

Coverall

Gloves
Goggles

 Ear Plugs(for noisy areas)

Ear Muffs
3. Permit to Work System (P.T.W)
The Permit to Work System is very necessary for controlling the hazards to take place. For that purpose
proper communication & co-ordination between the all departments is important. The permit is between
the issuer (Operation Department), the acceptor (Maintenance Department) & HSE Department.
3.1. Types of Work Permits
To carry out any work on the field HSE is responsible for issuing permits for different types of jobs on
the oil field. There are total of 8 permits. Following is the list of such permits.
Cold Work Permit
Hot Work Permit
Electrical Work Permit
Excavation and Civil Work Permit
Vessel/tank Entry Work Permit
Radiography Work Permit
Crude Pipeline Work Permit
Vehicle Entry Work Permit
3.1.1. Cold Work Permit
This work permit is required when jobs to be conducted are not covered by the other work permits. This
normally is the most common type of the work permit that is used for the machinery and equipment
routine maintenance jobs.
3.1.2. Hot Work Permit
This permit will always be used whenever cutting, welding, open flare jobs are to be carried out on the
pipes, vessels, area, locations where flammable /combustibles exists and are likely to lead a fire. Areas
such as workshops or safe fabrication spots are exempted.

3.1.3. Electrical Work Permit

This permit is always required before starting the job on any electrical circuit / system including motors
and generators except greasing of motor & Generators.
3.1.4. Excavation & Civil Works
This work permit must always be obtained before the excavation and civil works. The purpose of this
permit is to ensure that the underground electrical, telephone cable etc. and Oil & Gas, Water, other lines
are not punctured and the dangers of further serious accidents are averted. This will be issued by the
concerned Engineer after consultation with other Engineer who deals with electrical /telephone cables and
pipelines.
3.1.5. Tank / Vessel Entry Permit
A tank / vessel entry permit must always be taken whenever a person enters it for whatever reason. This
permit only permits entry in the vessel. It does not authorize him to do any job therein. The following
areas are exempted.
Entry into the tanks and cellars which are permanently open and are frequently seen into or entered into
and do not contain any hazardous substance. Such as cooling towers, open water tanks
3.1.6. Radiography Work Permit
This permit is required whenever radiography of a section of pipe, vessel, joints etc is to be conducted. Its
purpose is to control the exposure of the people from the effects of hazardous radiations radiation emitted
during the process of radiography
3.1.7. Crude Oil/Product Pipeline Work Permit
Crude oil/product pipeline work permit is issued for three purposes before work on pipeline i.e.,
Excavation, Clamping, Hot Job

3.1.8. Vehicle Entry Permit

Entry into Vehicles into certain areas at times may lead to accidents and fires. Their entry into plants and
producing wells area where flammable gases may exist are likely to cause an explosion by providing a hot
exhaust or spark. Their unauthorized entry in the sensitive area must be checked.
4. Main Hazards at Oil Field and Emergency Response Plan
In order to understand the emergency response plan of any field, first we have to know about the main
hazards of that field. The emergency response plan varies according to the condition of the hazard present
at the field.
4.1. Main Hazards at Oil field
In the Oil field there are two main hazards:
Fire Hazard
Gas (H2S)Leakage Hazard
4.1.1. Fire Hazard
Fire is a chemical reaction. Fire is the product of three reactants namely heat, fuel and oxygen

.
FIG 4.1.1

4.1.2. Main Causes of Fire

Human Error (Carelessness)
Sky lightening
Smoking

 Friction
Static Charge
Leakage
4.1.3. Methods to put out Fire
Cooling
This methods involves the removal of the ignition source (in the case of continuous ignition)
Starvation
If the fire is extinguished by cutting off the supply of the fuel, then this method is called starvation.
For example if the oil takes fire somewhere in the oil pipeline the safety valve is operated in order
to cut the supply of the fuel off.
Smothering:
This is the most commonly used method to extinguish the fire. It involves cutting off the supply
of oxygen to the fire.
4.1.4. CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE
US Standard Classification of fire

CLASS

TYPE OF
FIRE

COMMENT

Class A

Solid fire

Fire of solid material like wood, trash, paper etc.

Class B

Liquid Fire

Fire of flammable liquid fuel

Class C

Gas Fire

Fire of gases LPG

Class D

Metal Fire

Fire of metals and Electric appliances

Table 1
British Standard classification of fire

CLASS

TYPE OF
FIRE

COMMENT

CLASS B

Liquid Fire

Fire of gasses and liquid fuel.

CLASS C

Gas Fire

Fire of gasses

CLASS D

Metal Fire

Fire of metal like sodium catches fire when put on water.

CLASS E

Electric fire

Fire of electrical appliances.

4.1.5. Fire Fighting Methods

There are three approaches to putting out a fire:
Starvation -

cutting off the fuel supply

Smothering -

separating the fuel from the oxidant

Cooling

- lower the temperature, usually with water

5. Fire Fighting Equipments

When there is any fire on the field then there are certain equipments available for the fire fighting. These
equipments are used according to the condition of the fire and the type of the fire. For certain type of fire
proper selection of the equipment is very necessary, otherwise we can lose the control on the fire and the
fire can be expanded.
5.1. Fire Fighting Equipment at Oil field
Fire Extinguishers
Fire Water Network
Foam
Fire Truck/Vehicle
Hose Pipe
Fire Hydrants
Fire Monitor
Fire Sheets

5.1.1. Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers play a very important role in emergencies cases in any Institute, Industries Oilfields
etc. Its function is clear from its name that it extinguishes the Fires. Its size is found different in different
places. Fire extinguishers are available in all departments and all the work places where the chances of the
fire exist. There are three types of fire extinguisher are available at Oil field.

5.1.2. Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) Fire Extinguisher

This type of fire extinguisher is used in fires of A, B, & C class. It is more of a general purpose fire
extinguisher. This type of fire extinguisher cut off the supply of the oxygen from the fuel. It is not
recommended for use on sensitive machinery like telephone exchanges, computers etc.
5.1.2.1 Types of D.C.P
DCP with Internal CO2 Cartridge
DCP with External CO2 Cartridge

5.1.3. CO2 Fire Extinguishers

CO2 fire extinguisher is used against B, C & E classes of fire; especially these fire extinguishers are used
for electric fire.
Carbon dioxide is 1.5 times heavier than air. It settles down and reduced the oxygen
concentration.
It changes its shapes i.e. become liquid under certain pressure.
It is non-supporter of combustion; it is also called cold gas.
At ordinary temperature CO2 is a gas, but in cylinder it is filled in liquid form. The cylinder is usually
filled to approximately 2/3 rd.

5.1.4. Aqueous Film Forming Foam (A.F.F.F) Fire Extinguisher

It is a form type fire extinguisher. This essentially blankets the fuel thus cutting off the fuel from the
oxygen/air. Such fire extinguishers are used for liquids on fire. These liquids can be gasoline, petrol,
crude oil, etc.
The foam chemically is Flouro-Protein 70 or FP70. This is mixed in water with water being 97% and 3%
of foam. If fire is very intense the ratio can be altered to 94% of water and 6% of foam.

5.1.5. Use of Fire Extinguisher

it works on the word P.A.S.S
P. Pull the pin

A. Aim at the base of fire

S. Squeeze the handle

S. Sweep side by side

5.1.6. Self Control Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

Used for rescue purpose. Used in areas which are on fire and low oxygen concentration? It can only be
used for 30 minutes (25 minutes for rescuing and 5 minutes for leaving the area). It contains the following
parts:

6 liter cylinder
200 bar air pressure
Demand and control valve
Isolating valve
Air mash
Full-body harness
Pressure gauge

5.2. Fire Water Network

The fire water network is present at the Oil field. Fire water network covers almost the whole field of Oil.
For proper working of the fire water network, two pumps are installed at the field.
5.2.1. Main Fire Water Pumps
There are two pumps installed at the Oil field. One is in the working condition and the other one is in the
stand-by condition. Pump A is manually operated. When the line pressure drops below the 60 psi, low
pressure alarm starts. At this condition, the operator starts the pump to maintain the line pressure about
100 psi. The pump B is automatically operated. When the line pressure drops below the 50 psi, the pump
starts automatically to maintain the pressure about 100 psi. For continuous supply of the water, fire water
pond is also present at the Oil field. In case of emergency, if the water in pond finished then the water
from the utility pond can be used.
Pump A Specifications
Flow rate (Q) = 1500 GPM
RPM= 2100
Operation = Manual
Pump B Specifications
Flow Rate (Q) = 1800 GPM
RPM= 2200
Operation = Automatic
Jockey Pumps
No. of Jockey Pumps = 02

Specifications
Flow Rate (Q) = 60GPM
Fire Water Line
Pressure = 80 to 100 psi
Diameter = 6
5.3. Fire Tanker:At Oil field, the fire vehicle is also available in the HSE department. This fire vehicle is used in such
places where the fire water network is not available. Fire vehicle has all necessary equipment for
controlling any type of situation. The equipment in fire vehicle is as follows;
Fire water portable pump
Water tank (2000 liter)
Two fire extinguisher (50 kg)
Four small fire extinguishers (12 kg)
Foam tank (455 liters)
Fire hoses
Complete fire suit

20 ft Ladder

Shower
Fog/jet nozzles
Two SCBA
First aid box
Monitor with jet nozzle
Chemical suit
5.4. Hose Pipe
Hose pipe has two connections, one is male connection and other is female connection. Male connection
is connected to hydrant and female connection is connected to nozzle. The standard length of hose pipe is
100 feet and its diameter is 2.5 inches. Test pressure is 300psi.
5.5. Fog/Jet Nozzle
This is connected with female connection of hose pipe. It makes fog and jet.

5.6. Fire Hydrant

Hydrant is used to pressurize and depressurize the water in the hose pipe. The male connection of hose
pipe is connected with the hydrant.
5.7. Fire Monitors
Fire monitors are also used in the fire fighting. They are easy to use and easy to control. They are fixed at
GPP & SRU with hydrants.
5.8. Foam & Foam Making Equipment
Fire chemical foam is used for class B fire, i.e. crude oil, petrol etc. Four elements are used for making
chemical foam. These are foam making branch Foam indicator, 100psi water and foam chemical.

6. Emergency Response Plan for Fire

The emergency response plan in case of fire at field follows the steps below as;
The people who see fire at the field press the siren button. The siren must be discontinuous.
After the siren, the person immediately informs the head of the department.
The head of the department informs to the operator, HSE department and hospital.
The fire fighting team put out fire by using required equipment.
In case of any injury, the concerned person is sent to hospital through ambulance.
The head of the department count their staff. If someone is missing, the team will search out that
person.
After clearing the situation another siren is rung. This siren is for the peace.

7. Hydrogen Sulphide Gas Hazard (H2S)

Hydrogen sulfide gas is one of the most viscous and deadly hazards. It is known by names as sour gas,
killer gas, sulphonated hydrogen, hydro sulfuric acid.
7.1 Physical Properties of Sulpher
Highly toxic, corrosive & explosive gas
It has rotten egg like smell
It gives blue flame on burning
Colorless

 Its boiling point is -76 deg F

Its fire point is 500 deg F and Auto ignition at 500 degree F (225 C)
LEL 4.3 % and UEL 46%
Powerful & unpleasant smell of rotten eggs
Specific gravity 1.189, heavier than air.
Burns in air with bright blue flame producing SO2.

7.2. Occurrence and Source

Produced by decomposition of animal or vegetable matter containing sulfur
Found in oil & gas reservoirs, coal seams, sulfur mines, sewers & stagnant water
Produced in variety of biological and industrial processes like blasting with black powder in
water, artificial manufacturing of silk, manufacturing of chemicals etc.
Gas plant and refineries
Petrochemical plants
Sulfur recovery plants
7.3. Measurements
Parts per million (ppm)
Percentage - %
% is often used but it can be confusing
0.1 % H2S = 0.1 % of 1 million or 1000 ppm
1 % H2S = 10,000 ppm, 2 % = 20,000 ppm

7.4. Exposure Limit

Here are the Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) exposure limits:
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) : 10 PPM for an 8-hr period avg. (TWA)
Short Term Exposure Limit(STEL) : 15 PPM for a 15-minute avg.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) : 100 PPM
Concentration of sulpher and health effects

Concentration

Health Effects

10 PPM

Beginning eye irritation

50-100PPM

Slight respiratory tract irritation after 1 hour exposure.

Coughing, eye irritation, loss of sense of smell after 2-15 minutes. Altered
respiration, pain in the eyes, and drowsiness after 15-30 minutes followed by

100 PPM

throat irritation after 1 hour. Several hours exposure results in gradual

increase in severity of these symptoms and death may occur within the next
48 hours

200-300 PPM

Severe respiratory tract irritation after 1 hour of exposure. Possible

pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).

500-700 PPM

Loss of consciousness and possibly death in 30 minutes to 1 hour.

700-1,000 PPM

Rapid unconsciousness, loss of respiration, and death after 1-3 minutes.

1,000-2,000 PPM

Unconsciousness at once, loss of respiration and death in a few minutes.

Death may occur even if individual is removed to fresh air at once.

7.5. Monitoring
As mentioned, hydrogen sulphide is most commonly found in oil reservoirs so as a result the gas
extracted from OIL FIELDS reservoirs contains huge concentration of H2S and as one of Hydrogen
Sulfide's effects on the body is it deadens the sense of smell at fairly low concentrations. This can cause a
false sense of security and therefore a proper monitoring of H2S is done in the HSE Department.
Usually for monitoring H2S a variety of equipment can be used to perform this function:
Fixed monitors can be located where contamination is possible.
Alarms to alert personnel when H2S levels exceed permissible exposure limits.
Portable monitors that can be hand held or attached to you.
7.6. Detection of H2S Gas
By Smell
Prolonged exposure at low concentrations or at 100 PPM 3-15 min will dull the sense of smellNEVER RELY ON SMELL
By using detectors

Detector of

7.8. Breathing Air Trolley

This air trolley is used for any type of operation at the place where the exposure limit of the H2S gas is
more than the allowable rate of the H2S gas. Two persons can use this trolley at a time for operations. The
working time of this trolley is 3 hour for single person and 1.5 hours for two persons. The equipments of
the trolley are as follows

Oxygen cylinders
SCBA
Trolley with wheels

8. Internal & External Correspondence

For Oil and Gas Company, the internal & external correspondence is very important. Pakistan Oilfield
Limited has a strong internal and external correspondence for all the concerned departments and
institutions.
8.1. External Correspondence
The external correspondence is strongly managed by the HSE department at oil fields. The institutions
with which the HSE department corresponds are as follows;
Chief Inspector of Mines (Mines Act 1923)
OGRA (Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority)
Civil Defense
8.2. Internal Correspondence
The internal correspondence is also very important for the better working of any institution. HSE
department has strong correspondence with the entire department at the oil field. These departments are:
Admin Department
Process Department
Engineering Department

Conclusion
This strategy is designed to help achieve the vision of healthy and safe Ontario workplaces. It is a
catalyst to transform the way the system works.
Over the next five years, all organizations will need to align their efforts to focus on the six strategic
priorities and to achieve the two strategic goals: target the areas of greatest need and enhance service
delivery.
The Ministry of Labour is calling on all workplaces to recognize the importance of occupational health
and safety, and to act through their own programs, policies and initiatives to support the goals and six
priorities.