bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of H2S Risk in Total ABK
Authors: Dagtas B. , Garnier O. , Noble G. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The presence of up to 2.5 percent (%) of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in Total Abu Al Bukhoosh (TABK) production fluids with gas pressures of up to 290 bars at the wellhead, introduces specific risks due to its extreme toxicity and its corrosive effects on production equipment. This paper describes TABK's experience in managing these risks in the context of an increasingly complex and maturing field.
The TABK H2S management system is focused on four main areas: Personnel Protection, Plant Integrity, Safe Operations and Minimization of Environmental Impact.
TABK has implemented specific H2S safety measures to ensure the protection of its offshore personnel. These include the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), warning alarms & emergency actions, dedicated escape and evacuation provisions and procedures, the installation of an emergency air supply (cascade system), H2S training, communications and emergency drills.
To guarantee the plant integrity, the operating parameters of all major rotating machines, affected by the H2S content of the fuel gas, are monitored continuously. An optimized risk-based inspection plan and a system of permanent corrosion monitoring assure the integrity of the equipment and mitigate against the "loss of containment" risk.
Safe operations are assured through a rigorous work permit system, reinforced by systematic risk assessments, simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) dossiers and an adapted management of change procedure. Safety studies including gas dispersion modeling have been carried out to determine safety distances based on critical H2S concentration limits.
TABK's future plans for reducing the environmental impact of its operations, include actions to lower the concentration of H2S in the fuel gas by installing a fuel gas sweetening unit and reducing flaring by the implementation of a Flare Recovery Compressor (FRC).
With these measures and procedures, TABK has reinforced its maintenance, safety, environmental protection and operational plans to guarantee the integrity and reliability of its installations.
Impact of Obesity on Morbidity and Mortality of a Refinery and Petrochemical Population
Authors: Tsai S. P. , Donnelly R. P. , Bhojani F. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Objectives
Utilizing the Shell Health Surveillance data, this study assesses the impact of obesity, one of the most prevalent health risk factors, on employee illness absence and long-term mortality.

Methods
A ten-year follow-up (1994-2003) of 5026 Shell Oil employees was conducted to assess the impact of obesity on illness absence frequency rate and workdays lost. The impact of obesity on mortality was based on a 20-year follow-up (1984-2003) of 7139 middle-aged Shell employees. Relative risks (RR) for selected causes of death by body mass index (BMI) category (normal: BMI=18.5-24.9, overweight: 25.0-29.9, and obese: 30+ kg/m2) were calculated using the Cox regression model adjusted for age, gender, and smoking status as well as other risk factors, i.e., cholesterol, hypertension, and fasting blood glucose.

Results
Obese employees had higher absence rates and missed more workdays compared to employees with normal weight. For example, employees less than 50 years of age who were overweight or obese missed an average of 4.0 and 5.7 workdays per year, respectively, as compared to 2.9 days of employees with normal weight. Similar patterns were noted for those 50 years and older (7.3 and 9.6 vs. 6.2 days). In addition, obese employees have significantly increased absence for diseases such as circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems, musculoskeletal disorders, and injuries. Compared with employees with normal weight, obese employees had a statistically increased risk of dying for all causes (Relative Risk [RR]=1.25), coronary heart diseases (RR=2.29), cardiovascular diseases (RR=2.22), diabetes (RR=16.97), and accidents (RR=2.64).

Conclusions
This study found a positive association between obesity and both absence frequency and workdays lost as well as the risk of dying from a number of causes. Reductions of employee obesity prevalence may be an effective means of improving employees' health and increasing a company's productivity.
Global HSE Standards for Global HSE Risks: Standardise, Simplify, and Share
Authors: Davidson S. , Provost E. , Baatz A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Shell Exploration and Production (EP) Business has a vision for HSE - No fatalities, no significant effects or incidents, continuous improvement in HSE performance and being acknowledged as an industry leader in contributing to sustainable development e.g. earning confidence of customers, shareholders and society, being a "good neighbour".
However, Shell EP HSE performance improvement over recent years is flattening off compared to the 1990's when significant year on year HSE performance improvements where realised. This paper makes the case for change and outlines the steps being taken to fully integrate HSE into all EP activities to help Shell EP on the journey to realising its vision.
In 2003 Shell EP reshaped itself to become a truly global Business. One objective was to standardise value-adding processes throughout the Shell EP Business.
This paper will discuss the methods used to achieve global alignment across Shell EP Companies for the management of common HSE risks, the benefits gained from deploying global IT tools to facilitate consistency of compliance with global standards and the approach taken to integrate HSE into a business management system.
Several of the Shell EP HSE standards are based on industry practices (e.g. Contractor HSE Management), while others have been used as input during the development of Industry Guidelines (e.g. ISO 17776 guideline on hazard management and the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers publications on Road Transport and Air Transport and Lifting & Hoisting).
The current suite of global HSE standards comprises: Competence Assurance of HSE Critical PositionsContractor HSE ManagementHSE Controlling Documentation ManagementHazards and Effects Management ProcessRoad Transportation HSEMarine Logistics HSEAir Transportation HSELifting & Hoisting HSEHSE PlanningIncident Reporting and Follow-UpHSE Auditing
Significance: This paper discusses what has been achieved to date on the journey to establishing one common HSE Risk Control Framework, integrated into the EP Business Management System (EP BMS), rather than maintaining a separate HSE MS.
Accelerating Technology Acceptance: The Role of Culture of the Oil and Gas Industry in Technology Acceptance
Authors: Hirsch J. M , Luppens J. C. , Shook M. T. 
Published: December 2007

Summary
While technology should never be seen as a panacea, it would appear that the oil & gas industry has allowed the pendulum to swing too far towards short term gains and risk aversion in regards to new technology value creation. Leadership is required to push the pendulum back towards value creating technologies which will enable our industry to create value on the massive scale that our customers demand. To create that kind of value, we must be about creating an industry culture that assesses technology and business risk appropriately, cooperates where necessary and garners investment in a disciplined way, by all parties who would benefit from an improvement in the industry's ability to commercialize technology in a meaningful way. Given that a commonly held paradigm is that "all the easy oil has been found", technology would appear to be the best chance for creating even greater efficiencies in our industry as well as creating and capturing more value for the world's energy needs. As an industry that has become one of the least effective at technology uptake, and as well an industry that also has one of the greatest needs for new technology, we must figure a way to adopt work processes which allow value creating technologies to become standard solutions more rapidly.
Creation and Evolution of Damage Zones Around a Microtunnel in a Claystone Formation of the Swiss Jura Mountains
Authors: Marschall P. , Distinguin M. , Shao H. , Bossart P. , Enachescu C. , Trick T. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The investigation of damage zones around cylindrical excava-tions such as sealing sections in tunnels or shafts is a key issue in the field of underground waste storage. Emphasis is on the geometry and extent of the excavation-induced damage zones, on their mechanical and hydraulic characteristics and, in a broader perspective, on the stability of the cavities before and after waste emplacement. Formation damage control in pro- duction and injection wells represents a similar stability problem, suggesting that a detailed understanding of coupled hydromechanical processes in the vicinity of cylindrical cavities is just as valuable for the oil and gas industry. As part of a geoscientific research programme at the Mont Terri underground rock laboratory in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland, a horizontal microtunnel was drilled in an over- consolidated claystone formation. Prior to the excavation, the rock formation was instrumented with piezometers, incline- meters, extensometers and stress cells for monitoring the hydromechanical response of the rock formation to the drilling process. After completion of the excavation, a geoscientific characterization campaign was initiated, comprising detailed geological mapping of structural features, laser scanning of the tunnel surface and the instrumentation of the tunnel walls with surface extensometers. Complementary investigations were conducted to estimate rock stress at the site and the geo-mechanical rock properties, such as elastic moduli, rock strength and anisotropy. The observations to date indicate that a distinct damage zone was created by the drilling process, comprising massive breakouts and localized spalling.Break-outs with magnitudes of up to 15 cm were observed in one of the upper quadrants of the tunnel cross section and less marked features were mapped on the opposite lower quadrant.Long-term monitoring of pore pressure and deformation around the tunnel and progressive spalling along the tunnel wall suggest that the damage zone is still developing.The complex geometry of the damage zone is explained by the interaction of a distinct stress anisotropy and rock strength anisotropy. The initiation of excavation-induced fractures can be linked to isolated tectonic features intersecting the micro- tunnel.The geometry and the temporal evolution of the damage zones are similar to observations in boreholes, indicating that the basic hydromechanical mechanisms are comparable.
Biodiversity Action Plans: Sector-Specific Guidance for the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: de Bie S. , Dholoo E. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Biodiversity conservation has risen rapidly up the environmental and political agenda and now represents one of the most important challenges of the 21st century. Oil and gas companies can contribute to international, national and local biodiversity conservation targets through careful planning and management of operations, working with stakeholders and partners to develop long-term and sustainable solutions.
However, companies face the challenge of how to integrate biodiversity considerations into their day-to-day activities. BAPs are a systematic approach to biodiversity conservation that can build on, and be integrated with, existing company activities and processes throughout the oil and gas project life cycle
This paper presents sector-specific guidance, developed by by the oil and gas industry, which will help the industry to develop BAPs for their sites and projects. It describes the principal process steps needed to develop a BAP. The paper highlights the conditions under which BAP may best be integrated in company's HSE management system or developed as a stand-alone product.
As stakeholder engagement is always at the basis of the development of a BAP, this paper also addresses the critical elements of that engagement process.
The Use of Reed-Bed Technology for Treating Oil-Production Waters in the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Al Mahruki A. , Alloway B. , Patzelt H. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The safe and environmentally benign disposal of oil production water is of major concern in the Sultanate of Oman. Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is currently producing 600,000 m3d-1, and the volume is predicted to rise to 900,000 m3d-1 by the year 2013. This water is contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons (10-800 mg L-1), traces of phenols, emulsifiers and a wide range of metals at variable concentrations; it also shows a relatively high (12 dS m-1) electrical conductivity. The currently adopted methods of disposal into shallow and deep aquifers are no longer meeting the environmental legislation.
In this study, the use of reed bed technology for the treatment of oil production water was evaluated and insights into its associated chemical and biological processes in contaminant removal are presented. This reed bed system is constructed in Nimr concesion site of PDO to treat 3000 m3 of production water per day.
The results obtained demonstrated that inorganic and organic contaminant concentration was significantly reduced in the effluents. Metal concentration decreased by 78% for Al, Ba, Cr, Cu and Zn, up to 40% for Fe, Li, Mn, Pb, As, Cd, Co, Mo, Ni, Se, Tl and V. The total hydrocarbon concentration was reduced by an average of 96%. The removal mechanisms were attributed to the complex interactions between substrate, macrophytes and the associated microorganisms. Aerobic processes seem to dominate the system over the anaerobic ones in the removal of both groups of contaminants.
In model pot experiments, a sandy loam soil matrix and a surface flow regime proved superior to a pure loam matrix with subsurface flow of Nimr. The latter modification may render existing reed bed decontamination sites even more effective.
Malaria: Impact of a Tropical Disease on an Oil Company in a Sub-Saharan Country
Authors: Walz T. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
During the three months of September through November 2005, approximately 1,100 cases of malaria that were diagnosed and treated in the medical facilities of an oil company in Nigeria were collected and analyzed to clarify the economic impact to the business unit. Additionally, gaps and challenges were identified to adopt strategies to mitigate the impact of this tropical disease. Based on this information, the primary initiative has been to establish more effective malarial preventative measures to mitigate potential fatalities of this disease in the future.
Step Change in HSEQ Performance through Leadership Initiative
Authors: Zartl-Klik A. , Read B. , Samhaber R. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Austria has produced oil for more than 60 years, typically from small and mature fields. Throughout the years a local safety culture developed which did not keep up with the developments in HSEQ in the international E&P industry.
After several years of below average safety performance (10 year LTI = 11) and continued poor results in 2004 (13 accidents with a lost time of 878 days recorded in OMV Austria E&P for the first 10 months of 2004) we were committed to change our performance. Because of this poor safety performance a leadership initiative was started in September 2004 to change the attitude towards safety of all employees and increase our understanding of the leadership drivers and responsibilities for HSEQ. Management was trained on basic HSEQ knowledge and a management system roll out initiative including reporting tools and training was undertaken. A HSEQ leadership workshop was introduced. This workshop focused on the leadership and management aspects of individual intention, behaviour, culture and systems. Safety leadership and loss prevention teams were established and monthly meetings scheduled. The training and tools given to the 780 employees were accepted by most of them and the attitude changed quickly. First half year of 2005 only one accident with 4 days lost time needed to be recorded and the number of near miss and hazard reports increased considerably. The leadership approach employed has been to change the way all people in the organization think about safety. We recognised that we needed to change the culture; how we related to HSEQ – we needed to work on the thinking behind the behaviour. This paper will show how an intensive focus on HSEQ leadership is able to, within a short period of time, change the safety performance of a company.
Malaria Control Strategy in Shell Companies in Nigeria—The Health Issues
Authors: Fakunle B. A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Malaria is a major public health problem worldwide. It is estimated that 500 million clinical cases of malaria are recorded yearly resulting in about 3 million deaths. Malaria transmission is very high in the Niger Delta region where Shell Nigeria (SCiN) operates. The disease is listed as the most frequent cause of mortality and morbidity among the population of this region.
The non-immunes among Shell hospitals eligible population (expatriate staff and their families, Nigerians returning from overseas postings, children under 5 years of age, Sicklers and pregnant women) are all prone to severe forms of malaria. Malaria control is therefore one of Shell's topmost health priorities as it is a high health risk that also has the potential to impact on reputation and profit. SCIN has developed an integrated and highly effective malaria control program to checkmate the malaria scourge among staff and their dependants. A Malaria Working Group coordinates this program.
The programme has proven to be very effective at reducing malaria morbidity and mortality. Our overall case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.00005% (i.e. 1 in 20,000) over the last 10 years compared with 1 to 5% in the Nigerian population is a highly commendable achievement. The CFR among Shell Nigerian expatriate staff and their dependants is 0%. The national CFR target is &lt;0.5%. External assessors have described the control programme as "world-class".
This paper outlines the critical components in the Integrated Malaria Control Program and their interaction. It also addresses our approach to best-practice sharing, managing recurrent issues including inconsistent or inappropriate chemoprophylaxis advice, compliance with advised and mandatory prophylaxis and malaria occurring in non-immunes after departure from Nigeria. The application of a well-designed malaria control and recovery strategy is highly effective in controlling malaria even in hyper-endemic regions.
High-Pressure Water Jet Injuries
Authors: Mehra A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Our hands serve many purposes. Hands help us eat, dress, write, earn a living, create art, and do many other functions and daily chores. To do these tasks and activities, our hands require sensation and movement, such as joint motion, tendon gliding, and muscle contraction. When a problem takes place in the hand, care must be given to all the different types of tissues that make function of the hand possible, achievable and attainable.
Presentations of high-pressure water jet injuries to the emergency departments are varied. However, these injuries are sometimes described as a ‘benign variant’ of high-pressure injection injuries; external appearances can be deceptive. These injuries can produce an unexpected pattern of severe and grave internal injury with infectious and vitiating complications.
High-pressure water jet injuries from high-pressure jet devices are surgical emergencies characterized by small entry wounds with extensive internal damage. Often subtle and inconspicuous on initial clinical presentation, these injuries can lead to potentially extensive tissue damage underneath. Unfortunately, because the injection itself is often painless, and the lesion usually has a benign appearance, physicians not familiar with the pathophysiology may treat these cases with expectant observation. Three major issues are involved in these injuries. Physical injury is caused by soft tissue disruption and vascular and nerve damage. Chemical injury, depending on the chemical constituents of the injected water, can exacerbate compressive vascular injuries with increased edema and inflammation. Biological injury occurs when injected water, contaminated with virulent organisms and other foreign matter, leads to unusual infections. The key to managing this injury is swift diagnosis and decompression, but delays remain common. Review of high-pressure water jet injuries suggest that prompt diagnosis and early decompression offer the best prospects of digit survival.1,2
High Resolution Oil Spill Response Planning for Operations in a Sensitive Arctic Environment: Sharing Information between Operators, National Authorities, Local Oil Spill Response Groups, and the General Public
Authors: Skeie G. M. , Bjørnbom E. , Thorbjørnsen S. , Engen F. , Østby C. , Spikkerud C. S. , Brude O. W. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Near shore petroleum operations in Arctic sensitive environments call for detailed oil spill response planning, to ensure swift and proper response. This paper presents the results and conclusions from an extensive response planning project in the Norwegian sector of the Barents Sea.
Oil spill response for the operation was planned by a group comprising the operator, the Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies, the Norwegian Coastal Authority, regional oil spill response groups and consultants. Drawing on these resources, the contents of the oil spill response plan were defined, as well as the need for training.
From the findings of this group, field surveys were made, identifying sensitive areas, access points and bays suited for oil containment. A baseline environmental survey was made to ascertain the current status of the environment.
Information from these surveys were integrated with national geographic databases on topography, bathymetry and shoreline sensitivity, and access to the integrated system is provided to all parts of the response organization through an Internet Map Server Interface.
The oil spill response plan is primarily web-based, and provides access to information on personnel, equipment, vessels, methods, training, exercises and organization. Also included are checklists for all functions, as well as standard forms for all relevant actions, from notification to shoreline cleanup operations.
In our experience, the combination of local knowledge and technical skills provided the basis for proper response planning. Georeferenced photos are essential in discussions of response options, and internet based response maps are an efficient way for different parties to get familiar with detailed response issues. Sharing information is required for proper functioning of oil spill response operations, and dealing with it in this manner has been a positive experience for the parties involved.