bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Heinrich Accident Triangle—Too Simplistic A Model for HSE Management in the 21st Century?
Authors: Anderson Martin , Denkl Michael
Published: July 2010

The accident triangle, developed by H.W. Heinrich in the 1930s, is a fundamental cornerstone of safety philosophy which postulates that there is a numerical relationship between unsafe acts, minor injuries, and major (fatal) injuries. This principle has driven the approach and techniques used by all companies actively engaged in reducing injuries in the workforce for over 70 years.

All companies in the oil and gas industry have the ultimate goal of zero injuries and, in particular, zero fatal injuries within their workforce. Current injury trends show that the total recordable injury rate (TRIR) for a given company can still be systematically reduced year on year if the right commitment and focus is given to safety. This does not hold true in many cases for the fatal accident rate (FAR) which often no longer mirrors the TRIR trend as one would intuitively expect. This begs an answer to the question of whether the tools and methods used to reduce fatalities are still working.

This paper demonstrates that Heinrich's principle works only when applied to a large number of combined hazards and activities. The paper shows that ratios postulated by Heinrich do not work when applied to specific activities. The result is that companies tend to over focus on the easily identifiable risks which follow the Heinrich triangle but are often nonfatal, at the cost of losing sight of activities that have the potential of a fatal outcome.

By drawing on the 2.3 million risk reports recorded in the health, safety, and environment (HSE) database of an oilfield services company, the paper also demonstrates the value of focusing on risk potential—rather than only on actual event outcome— as a key tool for minimizing catastrophic loss. It discusses strategies of how to specifically target and actively work on improving the FAR as opposed to the more general TRIR.
Avoiding Future Fatal Incidents Through Applying Lessons from Past Knowledge
Authors: Denkl Michael , Anderson Martin , Marley Bernard
Published: July 2010

The oil and gas industry has reduced the fatal accident rate significantly over the last two decades, although in recent years this trend has slowed or stagnated, or in some cases fatalities have even increased. The reasons leading to many of these fatal incidents are not new. Incidents are often repeat events or events that are similar to previous incidents. So, the immediate question to ask is why have companies within the oil and gas industry, despite having investigated and communicated such events extensively, apparently not learned from past events?

This paper discusses and defines what learning means in the context of learning from a past event. It identifies the types of events companies must learn from, namely those with a higher probability of a catastrophic outcome. Having defined these first two points, the paper presents a method that meets the requirements of a learning process. Participants who attend such a learning session are taken through a three-step process, which engages them at different stages. The aim is to let the participants derive the solutions that would have prevented the incident—instead of giving them the outcome of the investigation and the associated lessons learned.

This paper presents a learning process that has been specifically designed to engage front line staff to gain a deeper understanding of lessons learned from past catastrophic or high potential events. The aim is to improve comprehension of what led to these events, to increase the memory retention of what would have prevented the catastrophic outcome, and to gain verbal agreement and commitment from the participants to apply the identified control measures needed to prevent a given event from happening again. This should ultimately lead to achieving further reductions in the fatal accident rate.
Electronic Journey Management—A Web-Based Approach to Journey Management
Authors: Denkl Michael , Cocianni Virgilio
Published: July 2010

Land transport-related activities continue to be the most hazardous activities performed in the oil and gas industry year on year. This is reflected in the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (OGP) yearly safety-performance indicators report, in which vehicle incidents are cited as the single biggest cause of fatal accidents. Much has been done to improve the motor vehicle crash rate (MVCR) by addressing vehicle technical safety standards, implementing a journey management (JM) process, providing driver training, implementing driver improvement monitors, and working on the behavior of drivers. Among these listed key control measures, the JM process is often poorly or inconsistently implemented, resulting in accidents that could have been otherwise prevented. Too frequently, best practices are not implemented universally or are dropped because of a lack of situational understanding. Over time, internally managed processes have a tendency to degrade.

This paper presents the learnings from an oilfield services company's introduction of a web-based journey management application that was developed to promote a consistent and standardized process flow for creating a trip, assessing the risks of the trip, approving the trip, and monitoring the trip before finally closing the trip. Additional benefits of such an electronic JM approach include the capability to more easily measure and monitor deviations from a company's JM standard and the visibility to enforce accountability during the journey approval process.
Coiled Tubing Real-Time Downhole Measurements Reduce Total Exposure to HSE Risks
Authors: Morbelli D. , Altinkopru T.
Published: July 2010

Through a series of examples, this study examines how real-time bottomhole data has reduced or mitigated the risks inherent to coiled tubing (CT) applications, leading to safer job execution.

A number of tasks such as rigging up, mixing fluids, pumping, and rigging down are part of conventional CT interventions. Each of these tasks has risks associated with it. With the intent of optimizing CT operations, a fiber optic system was developed to enable real-time bottomhole measurements, allowing live monitoring of interventions. By providing real-time downhole intelligence, the technology has provided the means to operate more efficiently and enhanced the service quality and reliability of the CT services. More importantly, it helps optimize or minimize the tasks associated with conventional CT interventions, reducing personnel exposure to many of the risks.

By providing a real-time casing collar locator (CCL), performing an extra dummy run is no longer necessary for all depth- critical operations. Reducing the number of runs not only reduces overall operational time, it also reduces personnel exposure to hazards related to these operations.

Downhole pressure and temperature sensors have provided positive confirmation of gun detonation on CT perforating applications, reducing the risk of pulling out of hole with live guns.

The monitoring of real-time bottomhole pressure provides a safer way to manage pressure by either assessing and obtaining the preferred perforating balance condition or validating the operation of the choke during a cleanout to avoid gas entry and to maintain a better control of the well.

In applications such as matrix stimulations, cleanouts, or even nitrogen kickoff, the system has proven beneficial and effective in optimizing treatment volumes, consequently reducing extended cleanouts and associated flow back and flaring.

Finally, this study evaluates the process of making informed decisions during execution of a CT job based on real-time downhole critical parameters and their impact on overall HSE performance.
The Implementation and Sustenance of a Workplace Cardiovascular Health Program - One Company's Experience
Authors: Fagade OA , Ajayi PA , Fadeyi OT , Nnadi TN
Published: July 2010

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is on the increase – Nigeria inclusive. World Health Organization findings on global disease trends support this. In response to this, one Company Corporate Health and Medical Services (the "Company") in partnership with INTERxVENT (a health programs provider) developed an enterprise- wide, voluntary, confidential Cardiovascular Health Program (CHP). The program theme, RECOGNIZE YOUR RISK, CHANGE YOUR FUTURE encapsulates its aim to educate employees about their cardiovascular disease risk and empower them to lower their risks.

The two primary features of the Company's CHP are - Cardiovascular Risk Assessment (CRA) and access to resources to guide and support employees to make changes in their lifestyle. The program's areas of focus are – Blood Pressure and Cholesterol, Weight management and nutrition, Smoking cessation and Stress management. The program was adopted in three locations with the intent to incorporate the feedback and experiences from these three locations, before offering the program-resources enterprise-wide.

Initial planning began mid-2007 culminating in the formal launch of CHP in all locations between January 22 and 25, 2008. The enthusiastic embrace of CHP in Nigeria is generally regarded as exemplary as manifested by the relatively higher number of business unit employees who completed their CRAs and proceeded to participate in follow-up mentoring activities.

This paper discusses the various health promotion initiatives that provided useful linkages and leverages for the success of CHP in Nigeria. An outline of strategies and tactics to raise CHP awareness and sustain employees’ interest is also provided. The many challenges encountered in the implementation process and the various mitigating measures undertaken are also highlighted.
Evolution in Optical Downhole Multiphase Flow Measurement: Experience Translates into Enhanced Design
Authors: Ünalmis Ö. H. , Johansen E. S. , Perry L. W.
Published: July 2010

Innovative technology and measurement methods along with intelligent production optimization processes are important enablers with regards to intelligent fields and real-time reservoir management. Downhole multiphase flow measurement technologies play a major role in monitoring and optimizing well performance especially wells equipped with advanced well completions such as downhole inflow control devices (ICD) or inflow control valves (ICV)

This paper builds on a pilot installation and comprehensive assessment of the world’s first installation of downhole multiphase flowmeters and optical pressure and temperature sensors in a maximum reservoir contact (MRC) well in Saudi Arabia. One of the major findings from the initial study was that while the optical flowmeter operated successfully at most downhole choke valve settings, it was unable to make sensible readings at specific settings due to excessive acoustic noise. The results from the assessment were instrumental in improving the design of the flowmeter to tolerate higher acoustic noise levels. The initial appraisal and acceptance of this completion technology was closed by having the improved flowmeter manufactured and successfully flow tested under various laboratory conditions. The lessons learned from this experience have provided insights into downhole multiphase flowmeter sensing technologies, its capabilities and limitations. Furthermore, it demonstrates how open collaboration between operator and equipment manufacturer can yield reliable and fit for purpose equipment, a model that can be used to improve other technologies pertaining to intelligent fields and real-time reservoir management.
The Importance of An Interview in the Risk Analysis: An Overview
Authors: Coelho A. C. , Lima G. B. , Neto L. M. , Amaral S. P.
Published: July 2010

The risk analysis and the risk identification are success factors of any risk management process. The biggest difficult that we (technical community) have found in this aspect concerns subjective feeling of the specialist. Risk analysis methodologies are largely applied around the world with different approaches. In fact, we have been noticing that "technical professionals" always have pay attention for objective aspects when they are planning a risk analysis job, but although sometimes they forget to evaluate the subjective factors that are include when many people are joining to do a specific task. Factors like behavior, professional necessities, professional interests, time of experience, etc…

Normally the coordinator of these studies is a foreigner person who does not know, how to deal with the reality of the company in the communication factors, behavior, rules, relationship and establishment. He is hired to perform a risk analysis but he does not know what is written in invisible way, or in another words, which has never ever been said.

Under this point of view, this paper improves benefits for a research using a special interview with different criteria to previously furnish the coordinator with the scenario he is likely to find during the meetings and others stages of the risk analysis.
Quantification of Land Contamination Due to Disposal of Produced Water in Effluent Pits Associated With Crude Oil in Kuwait
Authors: Mutairi Majed-Al , Al-Harbi Bander , Al-Gharabally Dhari , Vangala Krishna
Published: July 2010

Effluent Pits are disposal pits in which produced water, originating from the initial separation of oil and gas is left to evaporate. The pits were typically constructed as a large earth bund and are usually lined with HDPE sheets to prevent lateral and vertical migration of pollutants. The Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) had set out a program to inject produced water into deep disposal wells after treatment and not dispose to effluent pits. Thirty-nine (39) out of Fifty-five (55) effluent pits that exist across the KOC assets were selected for decommissioning and remediation. The balance pits were kept for the purpose of emergency operational requirement. An intrusive investigation were undertaken on a representative number of de-commissioned pits to assess the vertical and lateral penetration of contamination in order to understand the remedial requirements and to restore the pits to the background concentration levels. Samples were collected at multiple points and depths within the each pit. A total of 56 soil samples (14 samples per pit) were drawn from four evaporation pits spread across company fields. The samples were analyzed for the "Standard Suite" of Contaminants of Concern (COCs) such as Petroleum Hydrocarbons, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, BTEX(Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl Benzene and Xylene), Heavy Metals and other inorganic compounds. The chemical testing had identified limited exceedances of the company's industrial RBCLs (Risk Based Clean-up Levels). However, it had identified widespread exceedances of the ecotoxicological RBCLs (Canadian regulation) across all locations for the main hydrocarbon fractions (TPH-DRO >C10 – C16 and TPH-RRO> C16-C35). Ecotoxicity failures were also frequently noted for heavy metals, PAHs and benzene. Despite the exceedances of these ecotoxicity screening criteria, direct evidence of phytotoxic effects on the flora and fauna within the oilfields was not noted. The results showed a mixed pattern of potential risks. The presence and depth of low permeability layers such as gatch coupled with artificial liners of HDPE appeared to have an important controlling factor in the extent of vertical and lateral migration of contamination. The assessment concluded predicting lower risks to industrial workers, moderate risk to groundwater and moderate/high impacts on ecology.
Leadership and Management in HSE through Observation and a Preventative Attitude in Real Time and its Impact on Behavior and LA Organization
Authors: Torifio Segundo , Calle Walter , Kanhan Beatriz
Published: July 2010

The implementation of an organizational health, safety, and environment (HSE) culture focused on behavioral observation and prevention is an unquestionable challenge that is encountered by most companies in all industries. The oil and gas industry is not excluded from this reality. A multinational company operating in Latin America has realized the importance of addressing this challenge by adopting and enhancing a program that is focused on the observation of unsafe acts and environmentally unfriendly behaviors as the core elements of a behavioral preventive system for employees.

This enhanced program, implemented more than 10 years ago, includes a Web-based real-time application that can be accessed by employees located anywhere in Latin America to enter observations, provide analyses of data, and/or plan actions for a specific identified trend of issues that require preventive management actions.

The system recognizes and rewards employees who have demonstrated the highest participation and superb quality on their preventive actions. It can generate alerts to the organization, based on historic participation trends and present participation. This paper explains the process of this system, which is a standard at the regional level and has captured the attention and participation of almost 80% of the regional workforce, including workers, supervisors, and managers.

The results of this initiative can be visualized graphically by plotting the participation trend of this program against the incidents rates, including lost time incidents (LTI) and recordable vehicle incidents (VIR), at a regional level over the years. In one curve we can see an increasing trend of observation with preventive interventions, as our workforce gets more aware and attentive to eliminate unsafe acts and potential hazards against the curves demonstrate that both LTI and VIR rates are decreasing yearly. The system is available through the Internet and can be demonstrated to the public, if required.
Screening for Alcohol Abuse during Medical Checkups for a Service Company in Russia
Authors: Yakovlev Alexey
Published: July 2010

Alcohol abuse causes substantial morbidity and mortality in Russia, where annual alcohol consumption reached 18 L per capita in 2008 and a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.035 g/L is legally acceptable, even for commercial driving. The procedures used to determine BAC levels make it difficult to control abuse in oilfield operations because the diagnosis of intoxication is legally required in Russia to be conducted by specialists at a special medical center remote from the field, with the possibility that the suspected employee becomes sober on the way to the center. Diagnosis of alcohol dependence is also a challenge because it is typically done after the patient reports the alcohol-use disorder or is admitted to a narcology facility with alcohol psychosis.

The interviews and questionnaires commonly used worldwide for the diagnosis of alcohol-use disorders are of little value for occupational checkups because employees tend to underreport data when they fear losing their jobs. Russian law, however, requires annual medical checkups as well as mandatory pre-employment medical exams. To screen for abuse, an oilfield service company added alcohol-abuse indicators to its medical checkups in 2000. Employees with a high level of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were also tested for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hepatitis B and C, triglycerides, and uric acid.

Nine years of screening show that elevated GGT is the most reliable, cost-effective screening test. It was also realized that alcohol dependence in Russia is generally developed before employment, so the company's objectives became to control alcohol use and lower the progress of disease.

This paper describes the processes that were implemented. The employees involved were monitored and counseled with the result that a significant decrease—or even normalization—of GGT was registered in 92% of cases. The campaign eradicated direct fatalities and major traumas, with the total mortality rate decreasing more than 86%, substantially because of the significant decrease in alcohol-related deaths.
The Oil & Gas Industry Guidance on Voluntary Sustainability Reporting: A Major Revision on the Horizon (Publication Due Mid-2010)
Authors: Curlee Charlie , Buckley Hannah , Romer Ruth Frances
Published: July 2010

To assist oil and gas companies with reporting on non-financial performance, IPIECA and API published the Oil & Gas Industry Guidance on Voluntary Sustainability Reporting in 2005 as a framework for improving the quality and consistency of voluntary sustainability reporting. As societal and stakeholder concerns about energy security, climate change and related issues persist, sustainability reporting in the oil and gas sector continues to play a pivotal role in the way individual companies engage with a broad range of stakeholders on their activities and plans. The Guidance is currently undergoing a major revision to update the framework, refine indicator protocols, and introduce new indicators where needed. A major change incorporated into this revision process is engagement with an expert stakeholder panel to obtain external insight, direction and assistance in improving the Guidance. As a result, the revision involves a substantial re-write of the opening sections of the document to provide greater clarity on key steps in the reporting process, including discussion of strategic priorities for sustainability; value of management systems to help deliver on the business strategy; use of materiality in reporting; the importance of providing context around indicator performance data; and the role of stakeholder engagement in the reporting process. Over the course of the revision process, key objectives have been to deliver guidance that is clear, credible, and consistent with existing reporting guidance. The revised Guidance is on schedule for publication in mid-2010. This paper provides a synopsis of the direction of the revision and the anticipated end product.
Health Management in Personnel Exposed to Radiation in the Company's Operations
Authors: Castillo Noe , Guevara Irasema
Published: July 2010

The oil and gas industry consists of a number of risky operational activities, including those resulting in exposure to ionizing sources. Activities where such exposure occurs can be considered the most dangerous if personnel do not comply with the operational preventive procedures, have adequate training, or if the company does not have the proper equipment.

As a result of these risks, several companies within the oil and gas industry have implemented corporate standards and procedures that are to be followed by all personnel who come into direct, or indirect, contact with radioactive sources. Each country has strict legal requirements for procedures on how to monitor the employee health.

Company medical teams have determined that improvements to current monitoring procedures should be made to further protect employee health from exposure to radiation sources by developing a more strict medical surveillance system that goes beyond just meeting local and international requirements.

The preventive health management program developed for employees exposed to radiation was designed as a regional initiative pilot for Latin American countries. This paper discusses what this system contains, how it was implemented, the advantages and benefits resulting from company operations in addition to the organization's adherence to legal and local requirements.

This health program was principally focused on the continuous medical monitoring of conditions to assess the effects of working with ionizing sources and to ensure that the worker's health status do not constitute a danger to himself, his co-workers, or people connected with the company.
Sustainable HSE Performance: Successful Management Systems and Monitoring Tools in the Middle East LNG Industry
Authors: Doherty Brett D. , Fragu Laurent P.
Published: July 2010

This paper describes the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) management systems and associated performance enhancing and monitoring tools adopted by one of the world's largest Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) producers, RasGas Company Limited (RasGas), based in Qatar. The company's operations integrity management system, RasGas Elements of Excellence (RGEE), integrates the various HSE management systems within a single logical framework. This paper provides the following: An introduction to RasGas facilities and operations, and a discussion of how the increase in sophistication of the company's HSE systems has had to match its rapid growth;General overview of RGEE features, and its development and implementation at RasGas;RGEE performance monitoring tools and procedures and how the integration of discipline-specific management systems has further cemented their efficacy;Challenges of safe simultaneous operation of some of the world's largest gas processing trains with adjacent construction of new larger facilities requiring in excess of 35,000 contractors at times.

Finally, this paper will review two global benchmarking surveys to demonstrable evidence of industry-leading success in reducing incidents in the HSE and security fields. The use of an integrated set of leading and lagging indicators and their relationship to driving performance is also discussed. RasGas’ sustainable performance in those benchmarking surveys confirms its success in integrating separate Health, Safety and Environmental management systems under RGEE, as well as adopting sophisticated tools within each Health, Safety or Environmental management system.
The Definition of Guidelines for the E&P Activities in the Amazon Region
Authors: Jablonski S. , Coutinho C. I. , Gaudencio L. M.
Published: July 2010

Despite of the different approaches in the international literature concerning good practices for exploration and production of oil and gas in tropical rainforests, e.g. EBI, Petrobras, UNEP, we did not have yet a more detailed and conclusive set of recommendations for the Amazon region. To fill this gap and aware of its responsibilities for the conservation of the environment, the Brazilian National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANP) started a discussion process culminating in a workshop held on April 2009, when a set of guidelines was established with the participation of representatives of universities, environmental agencies and industries working in the Amazon region. Based in a draft document presented by the Agency, new guidelines were defined considering both strategic and operational viewpoints; operational guidelines were detailed for the different segments of E&P activities: seismic operations, provision of accesses, drilling, development and production, transport, and decommissioning. In order to assure a participatory approach, discussions were organized in subgroups, always with the participation of industry and environmental agencies representatives. Also, in order to take the maximum advantage of the expertise of the universities and research institutions, the subgroups were organized in four environmental thematic compartments: soil, hydrology, vegetation, and biodiversity; and two others aiming territorial planning and socioeconomics. Besides the consolidated guidelines, a set of research and territorial planning recommendations, in the view of oil and gas exploration and production in the Amazon region, also resulted from discussions. The guidelines will be considered by the Agency as a baseline for the elaboration of contract terms for its research projects in the Amazon. ANP also recommends the adoption of the guidelines as a benchmark by the environmental agencies when evaluating oil and gas projects in the region. The whole process, by its scope and participatory configuration, can be decisive to ensure the environmental safety in the eventual expansion of the oil and gas industry in the region. This paper evaluates the main difficulties of the process and methodology, indicating its positive points and the difficulties to overcome in order to replicate the process in other environmentally sensitive areas.
Assessing the Effects of Hydrocarbon Drilling Activity on Deep-water Megafauna in the Northern North Atlantic. A Rapid Universal Assessment Method?
Authors: Jones Daniel , Gates Andrew
Published: July 2010

The effects of hydrocarbon drilling on megafaunal communities were investigated at ten sites between 370 – 1750 m water depth in the northern North Atlantic, specifically the Faroe-Shetland Channel and the Norwegian Sea. Physical disturbance from discharge of cuttings and water-based mud from drilling was measured using Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) sampling techniques. Biodiversity, density and community structure of benthic communities were compared before and after drilling and within different distance zones from drilling activity.

The effects of deep-water drilling on megafaunal communities are largely unknown. Most environmental assessment techniques have concentrated on the macrofauna. The larger megafauna can be quantified from video obtained rapidly in the field by ROVs already in place on deep-water drilling installations. Using existing technology in stand-by time provides oil and gas operators with opportunities to integrate routine environmental monitoring into normal operations, providing a cost-effective and scientifically robust monitoring method.

Faunal abundance and biodiversity parameters were quantified from the video using universally applicable methods and used to assess the community-level disturbance. The area affected by cuttings ranged from 7,212 - 66,800 m2 with a mean area of 21,744 m2. Initial disturbance resulted in significant reduction in faunal biodiversity and density from baseline levels up to at least 100 m from drilling activity. The magnitude of this response was highly variable between sites and samples depending principally on the motility of taxa investigated. The effects of disturbance were significantly greater within 50 m from drilling, compared with sites further away. Measurable effects of disturbance on megafaunal communities have been observed to 200 m from drilling.

This study represents one of the most comprehensive assessments of megafaunal change in response to drilling activity. The response measures used can be applied to any site, important in comparing taxonomically distinct areas with variable baseline faunal density.
Ultraviolet Light Disinfection of Fracturing Fluids
Authors: Gloe Lindsey , Neal Greg , Kleinwolterink Kembe
Published: July 2010

Bacteria control has recently become an important topic for discussion among the oil and gas industry, although it can still be misunderstood. A bacteria problem can oftentimes be subtle and difficult to detect. Bacteria detection in the field is difficult because many tests take a long period of time or are simply not accurate. New regulations on flowback and water production have led to the investigation of ways to reduce the amount of residual chemicals in flowbacks. Environmental concerns associated with chemical disinfection have led to the move from traditional chemical disinfection to mechanical procedures (Cho et al. 2002). Water that is used to make fracturing fluids usually requires treatment to reduce aerobic acid-producing bacteria and, more importantly, to eliminate anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria that can cause a well to go sour. Typically, this treatment is performed using chemical biocides. Using ultraviolet (UV) light to disinfect water on-the-fly for stimulation treatments will greatly reduce the amount of chemical biocides that are necessary. The effectiveness of UV light in disinfecting water for a fracturing treatment was tested in both a controlled laboratory environment and also on a fracturing location. The equipment used to generate sufficient UV light to disinfect the large volumes of water needed for fracturing was mounted on a trailer for road mobility.
Red Alert Program in Drilling Rigs: A Strong Decision to Show Leadership and to Involve Work Force Towards Zero Serious or Fatal Incidents
Authors: Cabral J. M. , Pinheiro F. M. , Marrozzi W. F. , Marchi L. C.
Published: July 2010

It is usual in the industry for a process to be reevaluated whenever the expected quality of the final product is out of the specification. In Petróleo Brasileiro SA - PETROBRAS, E&P quality evaluation of the drilled wells, considered as a product, takes into account the total number of lost time incidents and injuries severity. Since 2006, as a result of the discovery of new oil and gas fields in the Brazilian coast, mainly after the discovery of the so called "pre-salt" giant fields, the oil companies operating in Brazil initiated arrangements to handle the magnitude of the expected labor demand. The search for qualified workers grew up in 2007 until reaching the point of scarcity. The lack of seasoned workers led the companies to hire and train rookies to face level 4 risk activities. The total number of lost time incidents was on a downward trend until 2006 and reverted, exceeding the expected limits in 2008, much higher than in the previous years. Besides, in 2008 occurred three fatal accidents. These numbers were considered borderline by the Petrobras managers and concerning this scenario; they developed the "Red Alert" program. The Floating Drilling Rigs Fleet stopped operations for 24 hours to undertake safety, risk perception, management of changes and hazard hunting activities. The Red Alert day started with the projection of a video by Petrobras E&P Director and contractors CEOs addressing the safety issues to the workforce. Workshops and meetings were held with each rig crew in order to explain why to stop, to share downtime costs, to present the 2008 fatalities analysis and to review the learned lessons. Around 34 drilling units from 9 contractors, 3 Brazilian and 6 foreigners totaling 7,500 people, were involved at a cost of US$7 Million. Other activities were scheduled to take place onshore such as workshops and weekly visits of the leaders to the rigs. As a result of this program, the severity of lost time incidents was reduced. Seeds for behavior change are being scattered, creating the tools for Petrobras and partners workforces effective learning towards a safer future, fostering the belief in leadership by example.
Resolving Uncertainties Facing Deployment of Advanced Oilfield Service Technologies in Complex Environmental Regulatory Regimes
Authors: Clare J. B. , Edmunds J. , Ribeiro C. Costa
Published: July 2010

Oilfield service companies face unique challenges when taking research and development (R&D) concepts into the design and implementation phase for use under various regulatory regimes around the world. For example, what can be discharged in one country may not be allowed in another country. More typically, the answer to the question of whether a potential discharge or emission is acceptable or not from a regulatory perspective is not "black or white" (i.e., conclusive). Rather, an evaluation of the proposed discharge or emission may have to be performed considering the specifics of the discharge (rate, toxicity, etc.) and the receiving environment relative to a broad framework for regulatory acceptance (e.g., within an operating permit, environmental impact assessment process, etc.). Finally, the authority to discharge does not typically rest with the oilfield service company itself, but with the Operator. The paper emphasizes that technology developers must first recognize the challenges facing future use of their equipment in various regulatory regimes. To address such challenges, this paper then describes an approach to evaluating the regulatory framework and the potential acceptance of a discharge or emission source, thereby limiting the technology developer's uncertainty with respect to continuing the expensive R&D process. Use of the approach, illustrated through examples, facilitates decisions that need to be made during the initial design and development phase of new oilfield technologies.
Safety Leadership that Engages the Workforce to Create Sustainable HSE Performance
Authors: Read B. R. , Zartl-Klik A. , Veit C. , Samhaber R. , Zepic H.
Published: July 2010

This paper focuses on what it takes to create sustainable HSE performance. It outlines the journey that an Oil & Gas Producer in Central Europe has taken to create a HSE Culture where health, safety and environment are an integral part of business. Since September 2004 this E&P company has been on a journey to change its HSE culture. This has required new understanding of what safety leadership actually is and the very powerful role that leadership has in engaging the workforce to create a HSE Culture which is committed to an injury free workplace.

The results achieved in HSE performance improvement that are presented in this paper are well documented through KPIs over a 5 year period. The business case and the commercial sustainability of the Safety Leadership approach is clearly presented through multi-million dollar savings. The experience of this change in approach is that it is sustainable and readily implemented; however, the fundamental principles are not well understood by many E&P companies. Many E&P companies are continuing to invest heavily in a flawed approach.
The Experiences from Developing and Using a Tailor Made Software Module for Environmental Reporting for a Major Decommissioning Project
Authors: Moltu Ulf E. , Hushagen Hilde , Aavik Gunnar
Published: July 2010

TOTAL E&P NORGE (TOTAL) has decommissioned many different types of installations in the North Sea, from sub sea installations and smaller jacket installations to the major Frigg field comprising six platforms with an estimated amount of 92000 metric tonnes of material to be removed. Experience from the first projects revealed a need to develop a fit for purpose reporting system tailormade for decommissioning projects. The system should particularly enable tracking of material from offshore site to the final destinations for the dismantled and segregated waste fractions. An agreement was made with the environmental competence and software provider Emisoft, providing the environmental accounting system presently in use, in order to define the needs and to develop a suitable reporting module for decommissioning projects.

The paper describes the organisation of the decommissioning module, how the material flow is monitored including related energy consumption, emissions and discharges.

Application of this module for the Frigg decommissioning project enabled continuous monitoring of e.g. objectives established for reuse and recycling for different waste fractions as well as for the entire project itself was monitored continuously throughout the entire Frigg decommissioning project. Equally important was the recording of high quality data for energy consumption and related emissions for the different phases of the project as well as removal method applied for the various types of installations removed. These data were used to develop Generic Key Performance Indicators on energy consumption and related air emissions for material removed versus removal method and type of installation. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prepared for the Frigg decommissioning project showed that such data was not available.

The decommissioning module developed proved to be an efficient management tool providing the project with continuous and transparent monitoring of the material flow and related energy consumption and emissions being important also for ensuring legal compliance especially for management of hazardous waste and follow up on recycling objectives. It has now been selected for other major decommissioning projects.
Oil Industry Activities to Advance Oil Spill Preparedness in Cold Conditions
Authors: Velez Peter , Clark Jim , Lerch William , Johnsen Hanne Greiff , Dickins David , Osikilo Yvette
Published: July 2010

This review paper outlines past and upcoming activities undertaken by the oil industry on prevention and preparedness for oil spills on ice. It is envisaged that a best practice guidance document which clearly states the consensus view of the oil industry on this issue will be produced and disseminated in the near future.

In recent decades, there has been strong growth in exploration and production activities in ever more remote, environmentally sensitive and potentially challenging places, including the Arctic. The risk of oil spills perceived by the public in these areas is therefore heightened. There can be technical challenges and regulatory issues involved in the detection and recovery of oil in ice.

The oil industry actively promotes the prevention of spills in cold weather areas due to the difficulties associated with response, but the importance of readiness to respond to spills in these regions when possible is also recognised. Numerous projects are thus being undertaken by oil companies as well as other organisations either independently, through Joint Industry Projects or as part of an industry association to enhance spill response capabilities in remote and challenging regions.

The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) have taken steps to address the issue by assembling a task force to coordinate the efforts of the oil industry in Arctic activities, including developing preparedness to respond in extreme weather conditions. The IPIECA Oil Spill Working Group (OSWG), working closely with the Industry Technical Advisory Committee (ITAC), is also assessing these issues and will help lead efforts to improve oil spill response capacity.

A joint committee comprising representatives from OGP, IPIECA, ITAC and other key partners will be formed in 2009 to review the work done by the oil industry on prevention and response to oil spills in ice, identify remaining gaps in industry preparedness, and prioritize identified issues.

This paper will contribute to knowledge in working in extreme environments.
Vehicular GPRS and Journey Management System in Latin America
Authors: Mora Luis Alberto , Geromin Ariadna Natalia , Kanhan Beatriz
Published: July 2010

The main risk associated with our operations is the large number of journeys that we must make. The combination of geography, weather, size of equipment, road conditions, driving hours, and lack of public safe driving education factors increase the probability of a vehicular incident with serious consequences.

In Latin America, we have implemented a real-time tracking system for our vehicles linked to the journey management system for all journeys. This global positioning system works in conjunction with local cellular networks, enabling the transmission and visualization through a Web-based computer interface in real time for all units. Company managers and supervisors can monitor these vehicles on their own computers in real time, including information about the movement, position, speed, status of the backup battery, and the journey schedule, including the names of the vehicle driver and passengers, as well as information about the hazardous materials that the vehicle may be carrying. Consequently, an outstanding supervision plan is in place with the information necessary to take appropriate action in the event of unexpected occurrences.

The short term benefits that we are already observing are the corrections of the deviations of the driving policy related to speeding and proper journey management. As a result of the supervision enabled by this system, corrective actions have been implemented.

The long-term benefits include behavioral changes related to driving habits, better use of the vehicle (avoiding personal use of official vehicles), possible location information in case of a theft, and reduced time required to activate the emergency plan in the event of an accident.
Challenges in the Operation of a Large Gas Treatment Plant to High Environmental Standards in West Norway
Authors: Silverstone Mark , Roebuck Keith , Lauvstad Bjørn , Edvardsson Trym
Published: July 2010

The Ormen Lange gas processing facility at Nyhamna in Norway treats gas and condensate produced from the Ormen Lange gas field in the Norwegian Sea. Condensate is exported from the plant via tanker, while gas is exported via subsea pipeline to the UK where it fills 20% of UK natural gas needs. From the start, the intention was to build and operate a plant with minimal impact to the sensitive coastal environment in which it is located. With few exceptions, with respect to discharges and emissions, noise, light, emergency planning, risk management and environmental monitoring, the plant has operated from start-up well within compliance with the very detailed and demanding environmental requirements relative to any comparable facility in a highly regulated industry.

Subsea completed wells at a seawater depth of 850m produce to the plant onshore via a 120km pipeline. Slug catchers at the plant reduce the velocity of the flow and begin separation of gas, condensate and water. Further processing includes the reclaiming of mono-ethylene glycol, treatment to meet gas export specification, recompression of the gas to the export pipeline and transfer of the condensate to ships. Concurrent with operations, research and development of new technology to enhance production from the field is carried out at the onshore site.

The plant operates without the need for operation of the flare or pilot except under emergency conditions. Process water is treated in a bioreactor to meet strict discharge specifications in a populated, coastal area. Apart from the use of diesel to test emergency fire pumps and electricity from the hydro-electric powered national grid, the majority of the plant's energy needs are provided by heat generated by burning less than 0.5 percent of the incoming gas to the plant.

This paper describes the environmental standards governing operation of the Nyhamna plant and the challenges encountered in achieving compliance with these standards. These include technological challenges to measure, monitor and minimize discharges and emissions, studies on possible impacts on the varied marine and terrestrial environments and ongoing efforts to increase energy efficiency of plant operations.
Improving Waste Injection Service Quality Through the Development and Application of Technical Standards and Competence Based Training
Authors: Wilkinson Antony P. , Walker Kirsty , McEwen Greg , Woolsey Gary , Sanderson Iain
Published: July 2010

This paper presents a new approach to improving service quality by measuring the effectiveness of training in improving behavioural competency using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The result is improved waste injection operational service quality to both internal and external clients.

A new company high-pressure pumping standard and competence-based training programme (competence: defined by ISO 10015 as the ‘application of knowledge, skills, and behaviours in performance’) has been developed by subject matter experts using a collaborative approach incorporating best industry practice and operational lessons learned. Implementation of the standard required the development of competence-based training, given that personnel competency is a key component in the delivery of service quality excellence.

The training involves the use of computer-based awareness training, computer-based simulator, and operation of actual workplace equipment. Trainees are assessed when performing task-based operational activities conducted by assessors (skills) in combination with successful completion of examination (knowledge) with training evaluation via subjective trainee feedback.

The successful completion of an examination and tasks under controlled training conditions alone cannot measure whether (behavioural) change has been embedded into workplace operations. Quantitative data has been gathered from trainees by examination before and after delivery of training to determine knowledge improvement. Qualitative data has been collated from trainees and workplace supervisors detailing the increase in competence through the improved knowledge, skills and behaviours gained from training and subsequent application in a workplace environment. An analysis of data and the application of this approach demonstrate the value of this process in enabling the Company to focus resources most effectively on service quality.