Site preparation for an oil and gas well usually looks like any other construction site. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) uses Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (29 CFR 1926) to assess safety compliance during this phase of the development of a drilling site.
Process: Leveling Site
The site is leveled (if necessary) with a bulldozer or a grader.
Hazards:
- Damaging buried pipelines and cables
- Unpredictable weather changes that create unexpected hazards
- Irritant and toxic plants, pollens and other entrained materials
- Uneven ground that could cause bulldozers to roll over
Solutions:
- Perform a site-line location survey.
- Plan for hazards due to unpredictable changing weather.
- After weather changes, conduct inspections for new hazards.
- Protect workers engaged in site clearing from hazards of irritant and toxic plants. Teach workers about available first-aid treatments.
- Provide rollover guards on all equipment used in site-clearing operations.
- Provide overhead and rear canopy guards on rider-operated equipment.
Process: Excavating and Trenching
The scale and duration of excavating and trenching are minor and site-specific. On some drilling sites, a below-ground-level cellar may be excavated. This is where the main borehole will be drilled. A reserve pit and settling pits may be excavated and used for water or drilling fluid discharges.
Hazards:
- Dust and other airborne contaminants can cause respiratory problems or allergic reactions
- Damaging buried pipelines and cables
Solutions:
- Wear appropriate respiratory protection.
- Perform a site-line location survey.
For more risk management solutions, contact INSURICA today.
Source: Occupational Safety & Health Administration
© 2012, 2015, 2017 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Share This Story
Related Blogs
5 Common Cybersecurity Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
All organizations, regardless of their size or industry, are at risk of being targeted by cybercriminals. These malicious actors can conduct cyberattacks, leading to significant financial, operational and reputational damage that can be difficult or impossible to recover from. Fortunately, solid cyber hygiene practices can reduce the likelihood of data breaches and other cyber incidents from occurring, and many of these practices are relatively low-cost and easy to implement.
Insurance Coverage Basics For Boatowners
A small boat, such as a canoe or other un-motorized boat, is typically covered under the personal property portion of your homeowners insurance policy. If you own a larger, faster boat, you'll need a separate boatowners insurance policy. A typical boatowners insurance policy is designed to protect your boat, motor, equipment, and passengers. It affords similar coverages to those you typically have for your car including:
Summer Swimming Pool Safety
Though owning a pool can allow you, your family and your friends to cool off in the summer heat, it also comes with serious responsibilities. After all, swimming pools can present significant safety hazards and potential liability risks. As such, consider these precautions to make sure your friends and family can enjoy your pool safely.