bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hazard Assessment Modeling – A Multi-Purpose HSE Tool
Authors: Hawker L. P. , Lee W. W. , Fontaine D. J.
Published: December 2007

Hazard assessment models are used to address a wide variety of health, safety, and environmental issues for oil and gas facilities worldwide. These models are capable of predicting the hazards of hypothetical releases of oil and gas from production equipment. Many different types of sources can be modeled ranging from controlled releases such as flares and vents, to unplanned releases including fires, spills and blowouts. These tools are capable of addressing many types of hazards from these events including the size of flammable gas clouds, radiant heat from fires and flares, blast overpressures, and toxic cloud dispersion. Modeling results are used to minimize hazards and manage risk during the design, construction, and operation of both onshore and offshore facilities. Regulatory agencies increasingly require accidental release modeling results in facility permit applications. Hazard assessment models provide key information for the emergency detection and response planning processes. Occasionally the models are used during an actual event to help determine the best course of action for response or repairs. Lastly, it is possible to use these tools to assist in the post-incident investigation process or potential litigation.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss and illustrate with examples the wide variety of uses for hazard assessment modeling in the exploration and production industry.
Occupational Health; An International Response to an International Problem
Authors: Spiller Roger
Published: December 2007

Long gestation disease where cause and effect are remote in time or space, are difficult to assess in static industries. The peripatetic workforce of exploration and production companies makes epidemiological studies difficult. When allied to an industry utilizing large numbers of casual and contract workers, epidemiological methods are put to the test. Difficulties include the departure of older workers well before normal retirement and thus before the diseases of long exposure periods may have become apparent.

An employee tracking system that follows from first employment to death, no matter how long after leaving the industry, is needed. The international nature of operators and contractors demands an international industry initiative.

In particular there is a need to address the issue of work related stress. At best stress management and counseling place responsibility on the employee. Responsibility lies with the employer, particularly because the major stressors are generated by the employer, the client or the contractor. Wherever generated, they impact on all those involved.

An industry initiative to establish a tracking system will require close working between operators, contractors and trade unions and should also develop the linkage to stress resolution.

The author is responsible health and safety issues covering the 420,000 members of the skilled and professional union MSF in the UK and Ireland. prior to this he was responsible for organising offshore workers in the UK.
Implementation of an EHS Management System at Multiple Facilities through Utilization of Networked Processes and Tools - A Case Study
Authors: Vidmar Dennis M. , Ramos Juan M.
Published: December 2007

Cornerstone to Mobil Corporation's commitment to its neighbors, employees, and shareholders is the implementation of the Mobil Environmental, Health, & Safety Management System (EHSMS). The Mobil system details fifty-six EHSMS Expectations that describe business conduct necessary to achieve a desired level of Environmental, Health, & Safety (EHS) performance. However, efficient and cost-effective execution of such a system requires resource dedication, process planning, and tools. Mobil's North American Marketing & Refining (NAM&R) Lubes EHSMS Network has utilized and developed such processes and tools to create an anticipated cost avoidance expected to reach greater than $350M.

EHSMS implementation began at five separate lube plants in the United States in November 1996. In a joint effort to reduce costs and facilitate implementation, the plants established an informal, minimally staffed, Lubes EHSMS Network. This Network developed an implementation process that applied a staggered approach, based upon the criteria of relative importance, existing status, and potential liability of Mobil's EHSMS Expectations. This prioritization increased speed and reduced cycle time in capturing or developing the EHSMS Procedures that satisfied the EHSMS Expectations. The completed EHSMS implementation will entail fully functional EHSMS Procedures occurring within all five facilities by year-end 1998.

Tools allowing capture, analysis and sharing of existing or new EHSMS Procedures across the Lubes EHSMS Network and Mobil Corporation were also deemed critical for success. The Network obtained structures, informative handouts, creative communications, and auditing guides from other Mobil companies and networks. The Network also developed tools, including a database for capture of the EHSMS Procedures. Mobil organizations consider some of these tools Best Practice.
The Effects of Chronic Oil Inputs to Marine Ecosystems
Authors: Kingston E. , Smith R. , Harrison P. , Holmes N.
Published: December 2007

The ecological effects of acute oil releases into marine systems, such as occurs in major oil spill incidents, have been well documented. Less information has been collected together on the effects of chronic oil inputs, such as produced formation water discharges or municipal/industrial run-off into oceans, which are of greater frequency and total quantity. A review of existing field and laboratory knowledge has been conducted and the results analysed with respect to oil type and source, habitats at risk and species impacted.

The results are discussed under key themes including habitats/ecosystems and the basis for assessing ecological risk. Some gaps in knowledge have been identified and suggestions made for future work to address scientific and regulatory needs.
Approaches to Minimizing the Environmental and Social Impacts of Oil Development in the Tropics
Authors: Rosenfeld Amy B. , Bowles Ian A. , Thomsen Jorgen B.
Published: December 2007

Oil exploration and development in the humid tropics presents significant environmental and social challenges to operators unfamiliar with these sensitive rainforest ecosystems. This paper considers the potential impacts of such operations as well as a range of environmental, social and financial mechanisms that can be used to minimize these impacts. The final section offers a series of general recommendations for improving the environmental and social sustainability of oil development in tropical ecosystems.
The Oil Industry: Operating in Sensitive Environments
Authors: Depraz S. , Feil R. , Gossen R. , Kearns J. , Marvillet J. , Scupholme P. , Sonnenberg S. , Szydlowski N. , Tramier B. , Ungerleider G.
Published: December 2007

The oil and gas industry has been operating in some of the world's most sensitive environments for more than 100 years. These range from deserts, mangroves, wetlands, coral reefs, tropical rainforests and frozen tundra to heavily populated urban environments. Although the industry's environmental record has not been perfect, it has been a pioneer in developing and using new technologies and in implementing management systems to minimise the impact of its operations. The industry's continuous efforts to improve have intensified in recent years, reflecting heightened public awareness and interest regarding the way that industry manages its interface with the environment, local communities and the public at large. Its efforts also reflect a rapidly involving policy framework including international initiatives such as the UN Convention on Biodiversity.

Developed by the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA) in partnership with the Oil Industry International Exploration and Production Forum (E&P Forum), this publication has three key objectives: To demonstrate that minimal impact operations are achievable in a diverse range of environmental and social settings;To actively encourage good practices, high standards and continuous improvement; andTo provide a basis for discussion with groups outside the industry with a view to promoting ongoing improvement of industry environmental performance.

The publication uses a series of case studies to describe some of the oil industry's experience of operating responsibly in sensitive environments. It includes ‘best practice’ examples across the Ml range of oil industry activities. Some cases relate to operations near conservation sites of global importance; others describe sites that are of special value to local people. The list of case studies available as of April 1997 is given in table 1.
Measuring Safety Climate on UK Offshore Oil and Gas Installations
Authors: Flin R. , Mearns K. , Gordon R. , Fleming M.
Published: December 2007

Recent developments in the UK offshore oil and gas industry have focused on leading rather than lagging indicators for safety. One method of assessing the state of safety on a given installation is to assess the prevailing safety climate, by asking the workforce about their attitudes to risk, safety management, supervision, procedural compliance etc. This paper reports the final results of a safety climate survey on the UKCS supported by the UK HSE Offshore Safety Division and BP, British Gas, Conoco, Coflexip Stena, Elf, Texaco, Total and the Offshore Contractors Association. Analysis of 722 responses to the "Offshore Safety Questionnaire" (OSQ) indicates key factors in safety management which should be addressed in a programme of human factors initiatives. The OSQ can be used as part of an installation's safety condition monitoring and opportunities to include this as part of an offshore safety benchmarking project will be discussed.
None But Ourselves: Medical Management of Major Incidents in the Oil and Gas Industry in Remote Areas
Authors: Mark Bob
Published: December 2007

The exploration and production industries, particularly in remote areas, are fraught with the potential for accidents that could cause multiple casualties. The medical management of such disasters must address the issues of communication, command and control, prioritisation (triage) of casualties, effective treatment and patient evacuation decisions.
Environmental Response and Recovery at Drilling Platforms in the Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Kelly J. R. , Kropp R. K. , Uhler A. D. , Zielinski M. B. , Tawatchai S.
Published: December 2007

An extensive environmental assessment study was conducted in 1990 around six drilling and production platforms in the mid-Gulf of Thailand to assess the impacts of petroleum hydrocarbons arising from the discharge of low toxicity oil-based drilling muds. Studies focused on chemical contamination from the discharge of drilling mud and cuttings, and the effects on the biological community structure of the local bottom sediments. Sampling was performed to assess chemical and biological conditions in bottom sediments surrounding these platforms, measurements of physical oceanography and currents aided interpretation of distributional patterns. The main findings of the studies included: (1) Surface sediments surrounding wellhead (drilling) platforms were enriched by the discharge of bariteladen drilling mud/cuttings containing Mentor 26, a low-toxicity oil used in Gulf of Thailand drilling operations. Components of discharge materials were noted to 1,000 m, but the primary area of influence was restricted to within 100–250 m, where elevated levels of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC) and barium (Ba) were detected along with enrichment by coarse-grained sediment. Spatial patterns of mud/cuttings components were consistent with physical oceanography, in particular, at each platform investigated, PHC/solids were further dispersed in the direction of dominant currents, (2) Biological response, as indicated by the benthic macrofaunal community, was strongly related to PHC concentration and the response was similar at platforms where drilling muds and cuttings were discharged, (3) Further from platforms (250–1,000 m), more subtle biological changes were noted that seem related to low-level enrichment in PHC, Ba, and fine-grained particles, (4) From the detailed comparisons of two platforms drilled over a 5-year period, biological differences were statistically demonstrable and the changes implied over time were in the direction of recovery.
Subcontractor Management in Today's 3D Environment in Louisiana
Authors: Dillane Tony
Published: December 2007

The size and complexity of today's 3D seismic crews means that subcontractors are used to do a variety of tasks, including, Conventional survey, GPS survey, Drilling, Ramming, Airboat and Small boat rental, Catering, Bridging and Recording.

Depending on the terrain and the environmental concerns, the personnel required can be 100 to 300.

Seismic crews have a high turnover of personnel. Therefore the issue is how to manage subcontractors and ensure that they complete their contract requirements with consideration for the environment.

High turnover and so many personnel on a crew, (with many cultural and language differences), from several different subcontractors presents problems for the crew management in controlling large numbers of personnel and equipment.

This is presently of particular concern in Louisiana where, due to the current "boom", there are twenty-five 3D crews working in swamp and marsh areas that are environmentally sensitive.

Geco-Prakla is currently undertaking TZ 2000 and is utilizing both it's own and subcontract seismic crews to acquire over 1000 square miles of 3D data per year in southern Louisiana.

One of these areas is Turtle Bayou

The key to the successful completion of the project was Proactivity.

The tender included specific HSE requirements.

Before final award of the contract the client and subcontractor met and discussed specific articles related to safety and environmental issues so that the subcontractor fully understood what was required. This avoided confusion at the start up and during the contract period.

Before the work started an audit of the subcontractors personnel and equipment was carried out to ensure contractual compliance. Then regular follows up audits were done.

Only by eliminating confusion and the tender stage and by constant monitoring is it possible to efficiently manage a crew with several hundred personnel and tens of subcontractors
The Consequences of Increasing Use of Information Technology amongst Employees in the Data Department
Authors: Kornberg I. J. , Storay K. G.
Published: December 2007

IT technology increase efficiency, but may also have consequences on working environment. The results of this study indicate that the combined effects of increased and changing use of IT can be of significant on the working environment. IT technology generate a tougher and more demanding work situation. Continual changes in technology structure and program systems produce a feeling that it is difficult to keep up with developments. Increasing numbers of employees feel that work is gradually invading their leisure time. E-mail is not adequate medium for complex communication. The documented effect of the developing trends highlighted above is stress. The authors recommend that further analyses must be carried out.
Ergonomic Design and Musculoskeletal Disorders on Platforms in The North Sea
Authors: Høivik Dordi
Published: December 2007

Musculoskeletal disorders have a multifactorial etiology. An epidemiological cross-section study among catering personnel on oil/gas platforms in the North Sea was carried out in 1996. The results show an incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms of 72 per cent from reported symptoms for the previous 12-month period. About 50 per cent of the respondents reported that their symptoms were work related.

A lot of work has been done to improve ergonomic design. All employees have been trained in ergonomic principles for physical work.

Of those participating in the study, 90 per cent were satisfied with the technical facilities at the work place. 90 per cent said they had enough time to do their job. Less than 10 per cent said that heavy lifting was a problem. Why do they still have work- related musculoskeletal symptoms?

It is important to focus on ergonomic design and how the body should be used for performance of working operations. But this is not enough! Various interventions are necessary.
TRIPOD DELTA: Safety Performance Redefined
Authors: Groeneweg J. , Roggeveen V.
Published: December 2007

Human error is an important contributing cause in many accidents. Consequently the elimination of human error should be a most promising target for accident prevention. Tripod concentrates upon systemic factors and the way in which management decisions can propagate into substandard conditions at the work place. It attempts to help the organization to control the business process and not to focus primarily on the individual worker or the negative consequences like accidents, environmental spills and health problems. Optimal control of the controllable environmental conditions that cause human error makes an organization maximally intrinsically sound. This paper illustrates how these conditions are managed in an industrial environment.
The Rule of Three: Situation Awareness in Hazardous Situations
Authors: Hudson P. T. W. , van der Graaf G. C.
Published: December 2007

The criteria for making Go – No Go decisions are often conservative because the decision rule (i.e. to stop flying helicopters, to go around with a tanker, to shut down a platform or halt concurrent operations) does not take the interaction of multiple factors into account. All of the situations and events leading to an incident are sub-standard, but taken in isolation none of them usually appear dangerous enough to warrant halting operations and taking stock. Accidents rarely happen because of a single catastrophic failure, except when that failure is at the end of a chain of non-catastrophic failures and organisational oversights. Go – No Go decisions are hard to make, especially when situations have been deteriorating slowly, and a clear decision rule can help. The Rule of Three is proposed as a way of combining information to make operational decisions.
Crew Resource Management for Offshore Teams: Lessons from Aviation
Authors: Flin Rhona , O'Connor Paul , Mearns Kathryn , Gordon Rachel
Published: December 2007

The European and North American airlines now use a specialized form of human factors training for pilots, ground and cabin crew, called Crew Resource Management (CRM). It is mandatory in the UK that all airline pilots undertake CRM training. CRM emerged as a result of accident analysis (e.g. Tenerife air disaster) which showed that human factors relating to leadership, problem solving, communication, team working and stress management were contributing to near misses and accidents. The training is based on ongoing research which identifies particular areas to target and the aim is to reduce errors by catching them before they become problems, and to enable crews to function at the highest level of efficiency if a problem does occur.

CRM is being used with medical teams, nuclear power plant crews and maintenance crews, and it appears that this type of focused human factors training is particularly suitable for offshore safety management. Using the results from our offshore research projects we are designing a prototype version of CRM for offshore crews. This is one method of ‘closing the loop’ between accident analysis and response. Details of the CRM training and new evaluation project for the UK oil and gas industry will be covered.

This work is a part of a larger project called ‘Factoring the human into safety: Translating research into practice being carried out by the Industrial Psychology group of Aberdeen University. This 2 year project sponsored by: Agip; AMEC; AOC/Brown & Root; BP; Coflexip Stena; Conoco; Elf; Health & Safety Executive (OSD); Oryx; Salamis; Sedco Forex; Shell; Texaco; and Total. The aims of the project are to:

Develop a bench-marking study to identify, analyze and share best practice on human factors safety-related issues. Develop crew resource management (CRM) packages for training offshore teams in human factors issues. Systematically analyzing the human factors causes of accidents so that the information can be used to develop training programs for CRM.
Building Trust Through Consultation and Assurance
Authors: Sykes R. M.
Published: December 2007

Introduction

A fundamental internal change process, or transformation, has been underway in the Royal Dutch/Shell Group since 1995. The case for change was driven by the realisation that business performance, in a ferociously competitive world, was simply not good enough. However, in the midst of this process, criticism by Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the media of both the proposed deepwater disposal of the Brent Spar storage buoy and environmental performance in Nigeria, brought home the realities of the external world. These events brought health, safety and environment (HSE) very much onto the transformation agenda.

Understanding Through Consultation

Although the Group has had an HSE policy in place for many years, the realisation that decisions made in good faith drew strong a reaction from large areas of society signalled that something was fundamentally wrong. The approach was to treat the issue in the same way as a fatal accident, undertaking a far-reaching review of the root causes. And just like a fatal accident review, the learning points were both numerous and instructive. The first step was to obtain views of the way in which society's expectations of large, multinational companies have changed. A series of round tables were held in 14 countries bringing together 159 Shell executives and 145 external participants, including members of pressure groups, academics, researchers, journalists and other opinion formers. Interviews were also conducted with executives from 44 Shell companies, and 60 existing surveys by Shell companies were reviewed.

The principal conclusion of this work was that in the past, Shell met expectations extremely well and, consequently, had an excellent reputation. Currently, however, the company does not meet all expectations and its reputation has therefore suffered. Shell has steadfastly remained true to its original self – the world, however has changed. There are of course some expectations which no company could realistically hope to meet without great difficulty or disproportionate cost. This must be made clear and some of these dilemmas have been discussed in the 1996 Group Health, Safety and Environment Report.
Accident and Injury Pattern in Oil and Gas Exploration and Production – A Two Year Prospective Study
Authors: Ajayi P. A. , Okegbemiro S. A.
Published: December 2007

A key objective of the Protecting People and the Environment Policy is safe operations and, accident prevention is of paramount importance in achieving this. A two-year prospective study of the accident and injury pattern was carried out in Chevron offshore operations in Nigeria, from August 1995 to July 1997 to determine predisposing and other factors that may aid an effective accident prevention program. During this period, 259 injuries were seen in the company industrial clinic based on the Escravos Terminal. Total clinic attendance during the same period was 60,000 and the workforce averaged 2900. 8% of the injuries occurred in Chevron employees and 92% among contract staff. Injuries were classified using Loss Prevention Guide No. 7 of Chevron Corporation as follows: First aid cases – 27%; Medical cases – 57% and Lost work day cases – 15%. There was 1 fatality during the period and this was an expatriate contractor who sustained severe head injury from a fall. 65% of accidents occurred in the months of March to August, which coincides with the rainy season in Nigeria. The most common injuries were: hand injuries – 39% (mostly lacerations, crush injuries and fractures); lower limb injuries – 21%; scalp and facial injuries – 14%; eye injuries – 9%. Other injuries included long bone fractures, blunt chest injuries, burns and joint dislocations. Caterers (food handlers) and manual workers, mostly unskilled, were the most common group of workers injured. Most injuries occurred during the day shift (81.5%). Common causes of injury in our workplace are also stated. The injury distribution suggests a possibility of underreporting of minor / first aid cases and employees are encouraged to report all injuries without fear. Post-accident drug testing has been introduced as a way of discouraging workplace substance abuse. Other measures have also been put in place.
Venezuelan Legislation, the Risk and its Impact on Corporate Business
Authors: Galdós-Colón A. J. I.
Published: December 2007

The risk concept is closely tied to the idea of responsibility, which in turn has several modalities. These various formscan be either criminal, administrative, labor-related, civil and objective. The professional risk theory inspired the formulation of a number of currently existing legislations connected with employer responsibility. Moreover, this risk theory is the very backbone of the Organic Law for Prevention, and Work Atmossphere and Environment, and the very essence of the Law lies in what is known as the "principle of prevention". This protective aspect is directly tied to the social rights associated with labor itself; it is inherent to the work condition. In other words, the principle is shaped by the eventuality of risk and the responsibility that exists in the case of environmental damage. It should be noted that in this respect the underlying principle is that the "contaminating agent is the one tha pays" in addition to any of the other administrative and criminal responsibilities that may arise. All of the above has a clear impact on corporate business and makes it necessary tl take a closer look and adopt preventive measures. If these aspects are not awarded their due attention not only the business will have to the deal with civil, criminal or administrative sanctions but also with significant industrial losses generated by the shutdown of installations or accidents of wide dimensions.
Gas Extraction and Risk of Subsidence: the Case of the Northern Adriatic Gas Fields, Technical Issues
Authors: Cassiani G. , Zoccatelli C.
Published: December 2007

The exploitation of offshore gas fields in the Northern Adriatic Sea (Italy) has been jeopardized by a growing sensitivity of the public opinion to an allegedly possible subsidence impact on the heavily urbanized coast. The proximity of the city of Venice, with its invaluable legacy of historical monuments and masterpieces has made the debate even harsher. A detailed procedure of environmental impact assessment is currently undertaken by the central Italian government. Considerable energy and resources have been expended by Agip in its effort to show that the project has no actual consequence on the stability and elevation of the coast. A large number of lab tests and in-situ compaction measurements have been collected in an area that spans the whole Northern Adriatic offshore of the Italian coast. New lab techniques have been devised to reconcile in-situ and lab compressibility, the latter one being consistently biased towards higher values. The geology of the area is known in great detail thanks to a large 3-D seismic survey performed in recent years. Extensive and detailed modeling of the whole area has shown that no tangible risk exists of subsidence affecting the Venetian lagoon area and the Po river delta. For extra safety, a water injection plan has been set up to prevent the depressurization from propagating through the lateral aquifers away from the gas fields. We present the state of the situation from a technical viewpoint, while it is clear that also political, economical and social aspects play a fundamental role in cases like this.
Comparative Evaluation between a Modified CFP Separator and All Other Available Oil-Water Separation Techniques
Authors: Kenawy F. A. , Kandil M. E.
Published: December 2007

Oily water treating equipment are categorized as 1) primary treatment equipment to remove bulk oil and to protect the downstream facilities from surges and upset conditions, 2) secondary treatment equipment to refine the water, or 3) tertiary treatment equipment to polish the water. The mission of this paper had been tailored to make a comparative evaluation between the operation/effectiveness of a developed CFP (Cross Flow Pack) separator and all other available oil-water separation techniques. Data obtained from this study revealed that economics, size of equipment and simplicity of operation favored only traditional oil-water separation facility to do the essential primary treatment.

The CFP separator is one of the facilities which could be used effectively for oil-water separation process because it is 1) inexpensive, 2) occupies a small area and 3) has low operating cost, has the potential to recover all oil droplets bigger than 30 micron. Therefore, to meet environmental regulations while using these facilities, it is necessary to continue the study and research to improve its effectiveness.
Best Practices on Oil Spill Prevention and Contingency Planning
Authors: Kenawy F. A. , Mohamed Galal Desouki
Published: December 2007

The Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company is committed to implementing high standards of environmental quality and safety in its operations.

In spite of the best care and preventive measures taken, it is a fact that accidents do occur, so GUPCO has prepared a workable and flexible oil spill contingency plan has been prepared, able to cope with any oil spill scenario in the Gulf of Suez where its offshore operation exists. The plan is applicable to all work offshore controlled by GUPCO, and to all employed or contracted personnel required to work on such operation.

Our oil spill contingency plan objective is to provide rapid and effective response to offshore oil spills and to minimize harmful effects on the marine environment and on commercial and public amenities. The call out of response teams and the emergency task group is consistent with the level of emergency.

Adequate and sufficient oil spill response equipment are available for oil slick surveillance, oil containment and recovery, and chemical dispersion.

Local and outside support resources have been also coordinated to ensure timely and adequate response in case of disasters.

Emergencies are a surprise when a lack of preparation prevails, so continuous training and frequently held drills are therefore vital to prepare all employees for fast and adequate response.

Fast and adequate response has been proved during the 2 major oil spill accidents reported during 1996.
Optimisation Of Fire and Explosion Protection On FPSO
Authors: Medonos Sava , Rogers Chris
Published: December 2007

Introduction

The present goal setting or prescriptive safety regimes in various parts of the world require that the design of equipment and structures of an offshore or onshore facility considers accidental loading in addition to the operation loads. Safety critical systems should function under accidental loading for a defined period of time to provide one or more of the following:–prevention of major hazard event,–control of the event, and–mitigation of the event.

Requirements for safety critical systems are defined in the form of performance standards. According to Ref. 1, a "performance standard is a statement, which can be expressed in qualitative or quantitative terms, of the performance required of a system, item of equipment, person or procedure, and which is used as the basis for managing the hazard - e.g. planning, measuring, control or audit - through the lifecycle of the installation." There are high and low level performance standards. High level performance standards describe operating company's risk criteria. The confirmation that the high level performance standards are satisfied is provided by Quantitative risk Assessment (!RA). QRA uses "rule sets" to predict the effects of accidental loads on offshore facilities. In general, rule sets are based on past experience, statistics and simplistic response models, and require a great deal of human judgement. As such, they sometimes do not predict accurately enough the behaviour of systems affected by accidental loads, which often leads to over-conservatism and unnecessary costs due to severe design conditions.

If the risk assessed by the QRA exceeds the high level performance standards the designer is required to provide adequate measures for the facility to resist accidental loads so that the risk can be brought withing the corporate risk criteria. These measures are expressed in the form of low/system level performance standards that describe the parameters the safety critical systems must achieve in terms of:–functionality–reliability and availability–survivability, and–dependency/interaction between systems.

For risks of escalat ion of an incident, a conflict exists between over-conservative QRA rules sets that dictate the conservatism of performance standards, and the actual behaviour of equipment and structures. The thermal and strength reserves that already exist in equipment and structures would justify more realistic performance standards. This conflict normally leads to over-design and unnecessary high costs for operating companies. This Paper describes how this conflict can be avoided and summarizes typical findings of a recent study carried out for a FPSO
Minimizing Environmental Impacts in Venezuela Oil Industry: Low Pressure Gas Gathering System
Authors: Paz Rafael J. , Guevara Emilio , Padron Aaron
Published: December 2007

The objective of this paper is to present a detailed solution of hydrocarbon emission problems from mature oil fields of the Bolivar Coastal Field (BCF) in Venezuela. The discussion will be centered on economical analysis, operational and environmental issues associated with crude oil productions with beam-pumped wells. Since early stages of primary productions in the BCF, hydrocarbon gases have been burned in the flares system installedat the well sites, in order to depressurize the annular space of the oil wells and eliminating any backpressure to the producing formation. This method of disposing the natural gas can produce emission that could affect our environment.

The solution is obtained by developing a low-pressure gas gathering system from the annular space of the oil wells associated to a particular production block (36 oil wells) to a main compression facility located at the flowstation of the corresponding block. Two different approaches were installed at the field; one with a main centralized compressor method, and the second, with an individual gas compressor method for each well (beam mounted), which is operated by the walking beam of a rod pump unit. In both cases, gas flowlines are installed from casing of each well to the compressor and once the gas is compressed, it is discharged to a gas fuel line network for industrial and commercial purposes. Other environmental efforts of the Venezuelan oil industry are addressed as well.
Detection of Hydrocarbon Films on Water Surfaces- A State of the Art
Authors: Seureau J. J.
Published: December 2007

Rapid detection of the presence of a hydrocarbon film floating on water (sea, river, production effluents) contributes to reducing the consequences (on safety and the environment) of an accidental leak or spill. Although certain systems are traditionally used in refineries, petrochemical and other industries, there are practically no applications for hydrocarbon detectors in the area of oil production, other than for monitoring the transfer of oil in port areas or terminals.

The present study has made it possible to identify equipment which, if validated in the field, should be able to provide the desired type of surveillance. However, none of the systems examined is universal and the choice of a system must take into consideration the conditions in which it will be used, the objectives and the ratio between the cost of the equipment / expected benefits.
Impact Assessment Study for an Onshore Exploratory Well in a Biologically Diverse Lagoon Environment, South Trinidad
Authors: Dyal S. , Ramnath K.
Published: December 2007

The Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (Petrotrin) proposed to undertake the drilling of an onshore exploratory well in the vicinity of Debe, South Trinidad.

The Immediate Impact Area (IIA), which constitutes the focus of this study has been defined primarily as an area of one kilometer radius from the proposed surface location. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted which includes a descriptive statement of the proposal, description of the existing environment and its uses, legal and regulatory requirements, identification and assessment on potential impacts, and recommendations to mitigate against impacts.

Baseline surveys of the physical, biological, agricultural and socio-economic environments were conducted within the Immediate Impact Area and environs.

The primary impacting activities identified were site construction and drilling operations. These would impact on the physical, biological, agricultural and socio-economic resources. The environmental issues for this petroleum activity are the effects of effluent discharge, particularly from drilling operations in surface waterways, disturbance of river ecosystem, surface water quality, soil contamination, erosion, dust pollution and increased noise levels. The likely socio-economic impact is short term but positive, in terms of creation of temporary jobs and increased business activity within a socially depressed community.

Environmental Management Strategies were recommended to mitigate the anticipated environmental impacts of the project. It is envisaged that resource deterioration, environmental degradation and habitat destruction associated with this petroleum activity will be minimal, if not negligible. Success in this petroleum activity could see benefits to the wider community and the nation as a whole.
Water Discharges at Sea: Collecting Realistic Laboratory Data on Fish Behaviour to Support Risk Assessment and Monitoring
Authors: Goulois A. , Baussant Th. , Camus L. , Labes-Carrier C. , Gaudebert B.
Published: December 2007

Produced water management calls for risk assessment and monitoring of the possible impact of discharges on the Environment. This paper presents the most recent developments of a large R&D programme aiming at assessing the real impact of sublethal doses of HC and other released chemicals on a food chain representative of the North Sea Environment. This food chain focuses on superior organisms, including fish.

This paper will more specifically describe a unique facility, the Continuous Flow System (CFS), which was purposely built at the Akvamiljø Research Centre in Stavanger, Norway, to study the behaviour of such living organisms under controlled exposure. The CFS has a continuous sea water supply which allows for water effluents produced by the oil industry to be simulated under controlled compositional and physical conditions. 36 chambers are available for testing under representative produced water qualities, even with poorly soluble compounds or compounds requiring stirring or heating to dissolve.

The latest results show that this CFS is a very efficient tool in both bioaccumulation studies, under typically 3 to 6 weeks exposure, and biomarker assessment. The paper focuses on bioaccumulation and shows how the CFS contributes to the data acquisition required in global risk assessment modelling to be used by the industry, such as targeted, for example, by the DREAM project. Examples of uptake and depuration mechanisms in fishes exposed to sublethal concentrations of polyaromatic hydrocarbons are given in parallel with interesting correlations between PAHs in tissues, PAHs metabolites and enzyme activity in these fishes.

Finally it explains how the Akvamiljø Centre has opened its doors to the oil profession, academia and research institutions, and the potential it represents for the industry.
Essential Ingredients for the Development and Delivery of Successful Electronic HS&E Management Systems
Authors: Raeburn G. , Edwards S.
Published: December 2007

Recent developments in information technology, especially intranets, offer opportunities for promoting, enhancing and improving the performance of HS&E Management Systems.

This paper discusses the development of electronic HS&E Management Systems. It considers: the models available; the critical success factors; and how such systems can be designed to be fit for purpose, accessible, robust but flexible, and ensure regulatory compliance. It also discusses ownership of information and maintenance.

Understanding and resolving these issues is critical to the successful adoption of information technology in the field of HS&E Management Systems. This paper describes how these issues can be resolved by identifying the essential ingredients for the successful implementation of HS&E Management Systems in an electronic environment.

The authors draw on their experiences in resolving critical issues and identifying key criteria for the successful implementation of electronic intranet based HS&E Management Systems.
Integrated Approach Using Sociocultural Risk Assessment : A Case of Exploratory Drilling Projects in Irian Jaya, Indonesia
Authors: Hutomo Prijo , Soemario Sugiarto , Sulistiyono H.
Published: December 2007

This paper will review the fully integrated approach used by Conoco Warim BV to plan and implement the East Warim Exploration Project. In the late 1994 the organization established a multi-disciplined Operating Unit Team to oversee planning and execution of all East Warim exploration activities. These activities included planning and oversight of Aero-Magnetic and Gravity Survey, Seismic, Drilling, and Conceptual Development Planning.

Early on, the team developed a comprehensive set of Guiding Principles to assist the team in integrating all critical issues and Conoco core values into the planning process. The Eleven Guiding Principles provided the team with the ability to continually focus on the critical issues. The Eleven principles were:

– Full Play Evaluation – Targeted Information Gathering – Managing Socio-Political Risk – Utilizing a Multi-Discipline Team Approach – Managing Security Risks & Preparation of Contingency Plans – Cost / Benefit Analysis – Work Within (Production Sharing) Contract Expiration. -Partner with Corporate SHEA (Safety, Health & Environmental Affairs), – Ensure Corporate Buy-In – Identify Critical Milestone – Utilize PNG (Papua New Guinea) Analogies

Additionally, very aggressive cost goals were brought into all team members. This insured that all key issues were identified, examined and integrated into the plan after performing a cost / benefit analysis. Also, a comprehensive risk analysis was completed which identified all of the risks associated with the Warim exploration project relative to socio-cultural, environmental, safety and security issues. From this analysis, extensive contingency plans were prepared to mitigate all major risks. These included the Environmental Management System (EMS), communication plan, local community interaction plan, local employment plan, baseline socio-economic study, field policy guidelines, emergency preparedness and response plan, and the security plan.
Biodiversity, Indigenous People and Drilling Operations: Towards a Sustainable Balance in the Lower Urubamba, Peru
Authors: Ivory J. M. , Ruiz-Larrea M.
Published: December 2007

The implementation of an appraisal drilling program in the remote rainforests of Peru's upper Amazonia is fraught with challenges, of which HSE is but one. The Camisea project, operated by Shell Prospecting and Development Peru (SPDP), is located in a highly sensitive area due to the intrinsic environmental and anthropological value popularly assigned to the Urubamba Valley. The project area is also near the Manu National Park and a reserve area set aside for nomadic people. In managing the Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) issues in this environment, the need for ‘fine-tuning’ and adapting a standard HSE system has arisen. This paper describes some of the many lessons learned as the project progressed from the planning stage to the completion of the first wells.

The social issues surrounding drilling operations in an area inhabited by people with various degrees of contact with western civilization were highlighted by the results of the exploration efforts in the area during the 1980s. In an effort to prevent the mistakes of the past and to minimize the environmental impact in the rainforest, the Operator has imposed an "Offshore" principle, onshore. This entails the implementation of measures as though the rig site were an offshore platform. However, there are significant, additional complicating factors relating to equipment transportation by helicopter, the nature of the ground surface, and safety threats.

The Camisea project is a delicate operation, balancing operational requirements, implementation of the HSE Management System, and logistical challenges within significant environmental, social, and contractual constraints. It illustrates that exploration and development in areas with sensitive environmental, social, or cultural issues places high demands on operators to ensure that the issues of health, human and equipment safety and management of the environment are adequately addressed, and not compromised by the operational difficulties.
Volumetric Cleaning of Soil Polluted With Oil Products and Utilization of Polluters
Authors: Gendel G. L. , Koutsyn P. V.
Published: December 2007

Analysis of practical experience of cleaning soil contaminated with oil products caused by pipeline emergencies testifies to low efficiency of surface chemical biological and agricultural measures without preliminary cleaning the whole contaminated soil. In order to evaluate efficiency and to choose rational methods of volumetric cleaning of soil, laboratory and "in situ" tests of all known technological and reagent methods were performed for various types of soil: from black soil to Quaternary clay and aquifers. Criteria of total pollution level were estimated for each type of soil and possibilities of spilled oil product penetration to underground water were investigated. Main technological parameters of polluter "capsulation" "in situ" were determined as well as its further segregation by water and reagent washing in closed schemes. Recommendations for processes and equipment for volumetric soil cleaning from oil spills were proposed for all typical possible emergencies in pipelines according to the following consequential scheme: "localization of pollution" - "capsulation"- "volumetric cleaning of the site" - "surface recultivation of soil". Practical realization of the considered processes is associated at each stage with technological and economic problems of utilizing unconditional oil product-polluters and water, which is polluted with oil products. Possible versions of utilizing the abovementioned polluters were considered, including fine cleaning at site, taking them to stationary cleaning systems and usage of absorbing wells. The method of joint utilization of oil products and polluted water for burning devices was proposed for remote polluted sites as the most economically efficient and ecologically acceptable one. Designs of burning devices were given for field conditions as well as main technological parameters that provide their ecological efficiency. On the basis of results of tests of the given proposals, a normative document was prepared to regulate the methods and means of soil cleaning from emergency oil product spills.

Results of this investigation may be recommended for application when developing oil & gas fields as well as at the targets of transportation and storage of oil products.