Employee Hydrogen Sulfide Instruction
Employees present at all medium and high hazard wells should be instructed in the use of the safety equipment provided onsite. Hydrogen sulfide instruction should be given by a qualified person. The instruction of personnel should include, as a minimum, the following elements:
- the characteristics of hydrogen sulfide and its hazards
- proper first-aid procedures to be used in a hydrogen sulfide knockdown (rapid unconsciousness)
- knockdown
- use of personal protective equipment
- use and operation of all hydrogen sulfide monitoring systems
- corrective action and shutdown procedures
Other Health Hazards on the Drilling Site
Other suspected health hazards, that have not yet been quantified, may include exposure to:
- Noise: Oil and gas workers can be exposed to harmful noise levels during equipment operation. Loud noise can also create physical and psychological stress, reduce productivity, interfere with communication and concentration, and contribute to workplace accidents and injuries by making it difficult to hear warning signals.
- Diesel Particulate Matter: Diesel engines power a variety of machinery, vehicles, and equipment on a drilling site. Workers might be exposed to harmful levels of diesel particulate matter during the operation of these engines.
- Hazardous Chemicals: Workers, who use hazardous chemicals during work processes, especially during hydraulic fracturing, might be exposed to hazardous byproducts of oil and gas drilling. The degree of potential hazard depends on individual chemical properties and toxicity, but possible hazards include chemical burns from caustic substances and inhalation of toxic vapors. All drilling rig employers with hazardous chemicals on site must have labels and safety data sheets (SDS) for their exposed workers, and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately. Establishing effective engineering controls and work practices can reduce potential worker overexposures.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
7-9. Which of the following is NOT required when hazardous chemicals are used on site?
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