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5 Fire Protection Tips for Oil and Gas Worksites Blog Categories
February 11th, 2015 ◦ Gas Detection
◦ Turnaround & Shutdown
◦ Respiratory Protection
◦ Confined Space Safety
◦ In-Plant Service Center
With the flammable chemicals, gases and ◦ Specialized Safety
materials used in the oil and gas industry, Personnel
◦ Professional & Technical
employers are paying great attention to fire
Personnel
protection in the workplace. Controlling fire ◦ Fall Protection
hazards is a key part of ensuring worker ◦ Fire Protection
safety on extraction, refining and other ◦ Equipment Rental &
sites. Catalog
◦ Flare Services
◦ Emergency Response
In complying with rules established by the ◦ Training, Compliance, and
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Fire alarms and mass notification systems are important to allow Certification
workers to evacuate safely during a fire. ◦ Communication
Administration for the general industry, oil
◦ Medical Management
and gas companies should utilize fire ◦ New Technologies
prevention plans, which could include equipment and training for workers. ◦ Downstream
◦ Midstream
◦ Upstream

Keep fire extinguishers close to areas where workers may be at risk for fire hazards, such as
welding work stations.
Here are five ways to improve fire protection:

1. Assess initial fire safety workplace preparedness

While companies believe they are ready for fires or other incidents, a thorough inspection and
safety audit may reveal unknown vulnerabilities at worksites. Evaluate any particular areas and
workers at higher risk for flash fires or explosions. For example, workers performing hot work,
such as welding, may be exposed to combustible or flammable materials. Look for areas where
fire protection equipment is either old or malfunctioning and replace them with ones that are in
good, working condition. These can include sprinkler systems as well as fire extinguishers.

2. Keep equipment for emergency response onsite

For welders and other workers at risk for similar hazards, supply their work stations and areas
nearby with equipment such as fixed and portable fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers need to
be readily available for workers to use in an emergency and isolate the fire before it spreads to
other parts of the worksite.

3. Install alert systems employees to fire risk

In the event of a fire, workers need to be warned immediately so they can evacuate the building
or work area safely. Implement emergency alarm and mass notification systems that will alert
employees to the danger. Companies also have the option of using a mass notification system
that messages employees on their mobile devices warning of emergencies.
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4. Measure dangerous gases with detection equipment

"Monitor the With the risk of fires and explosions, there may be hazardous gases
presence of in the air that could endanger worker health and safety. Monitor the
presence of these gases and vapors using combustible and toxic gas
these gases and detection systems to avoid activities that may increase the chance of
vapors using fire. OSHA recommends discontinuing work if the detectors find that
a flammable or combustible gas surpasses 10 percent of the lower
combustible and
explosive level. Educate workers on what is considered an
toxic gas acceptable level of these gases to allow them to be proactive in
detection knowing when to stop work when it becomes unsafe.

systems to avoid
5. Train workers to use equipment for fire protection
activities that To reinforce your plan, be sure to train workers to operate fire
may increase protection equipment, including fire extinguishers. Give them
instructional materials for these tools as well as provide a
the chance of demonstration if necessary. Additionally, plan a fire drill to remind
fire." employees about safety procedures and educate them on how to
properly evacuate the workplace. Posting evacuation directions and
ways to exit the building near work stations may also help with
protecting workers from fire-related injuries and fatalities.

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