bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening for Alcohol Abuse during Medical Checkups for a Service Company in Russia
Authors: Yakovlev Alexey 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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.