Other Health Hazards on the Drilling Site
- Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM): NORM might be released from oil and gas formations. Workers at risk of exposure include those who handle pipes and equipment that might have been contaminated with NORM. Sludge, drilling mud, and pipe scales, for example, often contain elevated levels of NORM, and the radioactive materials might be moved from site to site as equipment and materials are reused. Disposal, reuse, and recycling of NORM might cause worker exposures.
Temperature extremes are hazardous.
- Temperature Extremes: Well-site workers are exposed to extreme temperatures and should take precautions to stay safe. Any worker exposed to hot and humid conditions is at risk of heat illness, especially those doing heavy work tasks or using bulky protective clothing and equipment. Anyone working in a cold environment may be at risk of cold stress. Oil and gas workers may be required to work outdoors in cold environments and for extended periods.
- Fatigue: Workers might experience fatigue due to long shifts and when working multiple days in a row. Fatigue is a message to the body to rest. It is not a problem if the person can and does rest. However, if rest is not possible, fatigue can increase until it becomes distressing and eventually debilitating. The symptoms of fatigue, both mental and physical, vary and depend on the person and his or her degree of overexertion.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
7-10. According to the text, which of the following may have been contaminated with naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM)?
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