INDUSTRY OUTLOOK
Putting Safety First in the Oil & Gas Industry
Safety in the workplace in any industry is crucial . Preventative measures and adequate safety training are vital when it comes to preventing workplace accidents . With an emphasis on health and safety for employees and clients , companies should work to play their part in ensuring that safety remains a top priority for all industries .
Valve World Americas sat down with Shalon Carnahan from Shelton Services to discuss the importance of safety training in the workplace , and how the proper training and regulations can lead to a reduction of emissions in the environment .
By KCI Editorial
Shelton Services is an environmental and industrial services firm focused on emergency spill response , bulk liquid storage tank cleaning , industrial field services , and mobile degassing and vapor control . Headquartered in Houston , Shelton operates primarily in Texas , Louisiana , and Oklahoma . “ Our company was founded on spill response ,” said Carnahan , “ and from there , we have added service lines to help the energy industry comply with evolving environmental regulations . We prioritize safety and the environment in all aspects of our work .”
Carnahan recommends long term plans to prevent accidents and spills , especially in the oil & gas sector . “ Safety plans , drills , ongoing education , and the proper tools should be utilized to keep companies and their people safe .” With any spill on land or water , great care must
be taken to ensure there are no lingering dangers to people or the environment . After a cleaning , remediation and decontamination of equipment is necessary to ensure the safety of the location and its employees before work resumes .
Preventative Measures and Safety Training
“ The first priority is to prevent a spill from occurring ,” expressed Carnahan . This is where safety training is particularly important . While a certified oil spill response organization ( OSRO ), is crucial for when a spill occurs , it is important for a facility to have preventative measures and safety protocols .
“ One of the main struggles is what people are unaware of – in terms of safety – until training ,” continued Carnahan . The rules and regulations surrounding safety protocols change rapidly , companies and individuals may not be aware of these . “ Due to ongoing changes in policies , technology and procedures , it is helpful to create a standard operating procedure ( SOP ) within each company .” with regulations . The average frequency of returning to a facility due to changing regulations is twice a year .” Another important feature that may get overlooked in safety training programs is anti-drug and alcohol misuse training . “ Randomized testing to ensure that everyone is well and healthy is important ,” explained Carnahan , “ as this aspect of employeewell-being may be glossed over .”
Safe Reduction of Emissions – Mobile Degassing and Vapor Control
A variety of equipment is needed when it comes to mobile degassing and vapor control : Thermal Oxidizer Units ( TOU ), Internal Combustion Engines ( ICE ), Carbon Absorbers , and Trailer-Mounted Multi-Phase Scrubber Systems . The technology selected for use is based on the specific project and chemical compound make up to assure the safest most effective method is utilized .
“ Companies need an extensive training program – including ongoing training for all the operators . These programs are uniquely tailored to the industry and the company .” The kind of training that is required will change depending on the industry . “ Whether it is safety on barges , tugboats , at a tank farm , or a refinery , different safety training is required .”
As for the frequency of the training , it varies by industry . “ Many companies are so busy with their day-to-day operations that they prefer to have a safety company come in and train staff to keep up Shalon Carnahan .
12 Valve World Americas | March 2023 • www . valve-world-americas . net