bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety Performance Data for the Worldwide Upstream Oil & Gas Industry - 1996
Authors: Cloughley T. M. G. , Thomas I. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The E&P Forum collects safety statistics annually on accidents within the worldwide exploration and production industry. In 1996, data were collected from 36 companies and their contractors operating in over 60 countries. The survey, covering over 900 million manhours, is unique in its breadth and size.
Data are collected on fatalities, their causes, lost-time injuries and other injuries and are reported on a frequency basis related to population manhours. Reports are generated for the overall statistics, for contractors and companies separately, for onshore and offshore operations, for exploration, drilling and production activities and for regional performances. In each case, 1996 results are set in the context of trends over the past 10 years derived from previous data collection exercises.
The report is used to appraise safety performance, to establish areas deserving enhanced attention, and for benchmarking.
Inter-Governmental Co-operation in the North Sea Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Cattini Dominic J. A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper provides readers with an insight into the collaborative work being undertaken by North West European regulatory authorities responsible for oil and gas exploration and production activities in the North Sea. The primary focus is on the current co-operative work and its perceived benefits for industry. It is hoped this co-operative work will enable owners and operators of mobile offshore units to move their vessels more freely around the North Sea, with the minimum of bureaucratic "red tape". There are currently two main areas of inter-governmental co-operation, the "safety case" for mobile offshore units and safety training requirements for offshore workers.
Its secondary aim will be to provide a preliminary overview of the work of the North Sea Offshore Authorities Forum multi-national audit team. The first assignment of this team, is an audit of the management system of a mobile offshore drilling unit contractor. With the co-operation of the drilling industry, a candidate, active on four parts of the North West European continental shelf, was chosen. As a consequence, this contractor is therefore required to operate in compliance with four legislatory regimes, namely those of Denmark, The Netherlands, Norway and The United Kingdom. Initial feedback, of the work performed by the audit team, is presented.
By focusing on the problems experienced by mobile offshore unit owners, operators and contractors, when moving their vessels from one jurisdiction to another across the North Sea, it is hoped that this inter-governmental initiative will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regulatory supervision and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy.
Recent Advances in Oil Spill Dispersant Technology with Emphasis on New Capability to Disperse Heavy Oil
Authors: Lessard R. R. , DeMarco G. , Fiocco R. J. , Lunel T. , Lewis A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The focus of industry and government activities with respect to oil spills is on prevention. Despite best prevention efforts, however, some spills will occur and industry and government must be fully prepared to respond. After 30 years of studies and practical experience, there is now a definitive body of evidence that the use of dispersants to counter the effects of an oil spill can result in lower overall environmental impact than relying on other countermeasures, and for many large spills, it is often the only practical at-sea response technique. This conclusion is supported by numerous international organizations. A number of countries, including the U.S. have recently become more pro-active in supporting and advocating dispersant use. One major reason for this support has been the development of new dispersants with increased capability and improved toxicity characteristics. This paper focuses on new capability to disperse heavy and/or weathered oils such as bunkers. It summarizes the mechanism by which dispersants work, lists their advantages and reviews the results of recent large-scale field tests in the North Sea which conclusively demonstrated the capability of new products to disperse heavy and weathered oils.
Ergonomics and Petroleum Engineering
Authors: Satrun Eugene A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Ergonomics, the art and science of adapting the work environment to fit people, has become increasingly popular in recent years. This has been due to increased news media attention, million dollar federal penalties, process safety management requirements (which include human factors considerations), and greater employee awareness. While correcting past design inadequacies may not always be possible, new installations, repairs, or renovations present an opportunity to create a more "user friendly" environment, often with little extra expense. What this can mean is a reduction in the probability of injury, improved operations (through fewer errors and increased efficiency), and greater employee morale.
Ergonomics includes a broad range of issues including lighting (process and control), operability of controls (accessibility, orientation, operating force), placement and readability of critical gauges, material handling, ladders and walking surfaces, work station design, and employee alertness. Through lack of awareness, inattention to detail, or for many other reasons ergonomic deficiencies continue. Examples may be easy to find like a difficult to access valve that also takes several people to operate, or more obscure like a difficult to read gauge that increases a workers chance for misreading it. Often the cause of an incident may be listed as operator error, but if a good root cause analysis were to be conducted, contributing ergonomic factors may often be found.
This paper will focus on the importance of the engineer in the ergonomic process, design considerations, and resources that are available. An in-house training course entitled "Ergonomic Design Awareness for Petrochemical Engineers," which is currently being developed, will also be reviewed. While not intended to make experts out of participants, this course should help them think more about the broad range of ergonomic considerations and obtain additional resources when needed.
Perceptions of Procedures by Operators and Supervisors
Authors: Hudson P. T. W. , van der Graaf G. C. , Verschuur W. L. G. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper reports a study carried out on the perceptions of supervisors, technicians and operators of the procedures for seven safety-critical activities. Using a questionnaire in which the subjects rated a variety of attributes, and ranked the different procedures in terms of dangerousness, controllability, susceptibility to violation, a mental model was constructed within which the different procedures can be placed. It was found that there are few differences between supervisors and operators, but where there are these probably relate to the time-scale over which control is exerted. The rated quality of procedures was found not to be related to the perceived susceptibility to violation. One important finding was that, contrary to the expectations of safety management systems designers, concurrent operations were rated as both less dangerous and more controllable. The conclusion is that such techniques can uncover major differences between how the workforce see procedures and how management believes they are being used.
The Use of a Total Quality Management (TQM) Program to Change the Behavior of Rig Personnel for the Development of a Team Work Culture to Enhance Rig Safety Management
Authors: Whitmore A. S. , Stibbs W. G. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Sedco Forex is an International Drilling Contractor operating several different types of rig world wide through a decentralized organization with a headcount of approximately 7000 employees. The integration, training and development of indigenous staff to fulfill all senior and junior job positions is a core value of the company. During the past two years a TQM program was launched world wide primarily to help with integration of personnel and to foster a new team work culture. The objective of the program is to achieve a system of continuous improvement that focuses on operational performance and safety of rig operations. This paper will discuss:
■ The importance of adopting TQM principles to ensure that the quality and safety of our operations are continually reviewed and improved for our future success ■ The method of "getting the message across" ■ The reasons why TQM can be useful in encouraging all disciplines to work together towards common goals that will optimize achievement of organizational and personal objectives ■ The stages of development that are necessary to complete the transition from the traditional "reactive" Oil and Gas Exploration and Production industry, into the "proactive" organizational culture that will be required to guarantee success beyond the year 2000 ■ How to positively promote the "active" teamwork culture throughout an organization whilst managing to maintain personal innovation opportunities for everyone ■ The experiences of implementing TQM at Sedco Forex, both in office and rig site environments, in highly regulated and not so highly regulated countries, and the ways of avoiding some of the potential pitfalls.
Quantitative Performance Measure of HSE Management System Effectiveness
Authors: Dujmovich Thomas J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Guidelines were recently issued by the E & P Forum to assist in the development and application of leading metrics. Leading metrics are usually thought of in terms of having predictive value to impending personal injury, property damage and adverse environmental impact. The guideline's focus on leading metrics enables organizations to measure behaviors impacting HSE performance before the adverse event occurs. As the development and implementation of a leading metric system can be complex, it is the intent of this paper to offer direction on how to develop selected metrics. While it is deemed important to have an effective Health, Safety and Environmental System in place, this system also serves as the basis of the "metric tool kit". The "metric tool kit" has seven sections:
Leadership and Commitment Policy and Strategic Objectives Organization, Resources and Documentation Evaluation and Risk Management Planning Imlementation and Monitoring Auditing and Review
These sections compliment E & P Forum Report No. 6.36/210, Guidelines for the Development and Application of Health, Safety and Environmental Systems.
Description of examples of items to measure are included, as well as a description of the systematic approach to quantitatively calculate the metric.
Competency Assurance of Drilling rig Operatives: A Drilling Contractors Approach
Authors: Karmous K. , Clyne N. , McLean I. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Drilling Contractors operating Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs) have considerable experience of complying with the requirements of Classification Societies and other Industry Standards such as those of API, Lloyds, ABS, DNV etc. These Standards have one common objective which is to demonstrate that a rig's structure and its drilling and well control systems are appropriate for the stated range of foreseeable operating conditions. However, they do not address the demonstration of competency of the rig's operatives.
Apart from some limited requirements with respect to well control, marine responsibilities and emergency training, there has been no official requirement that drilling contractors demonstrate the competency of their crews. Traditionally, drilling contractors and service companies recruited people whom they considered capable of fulfilling certain functions, provided them with training then asked them do the work, initially under supervision of an experienced colleague and subsequently without direct supervision. Whilst this methodology largely remains today's approach to ensuring personnel are competent, it does not adequately provide for the capacity of being able to demonstrate competence.
As the oil and gas industry increasingly adopts the principles of modern health, safety and environmental management, the people element is of greater significance. Clients and industry authorities are increasing their requirements for drilling contractors and service companies to not only demonstrate that their rig and its equipment are fit for purpose, but also that their operatives are able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and motivation necessary to perform the work safely and efficiently and are able to respond appropriately to emergency situations.
This paper provides information on the definition we give to competence and why it is embraced as an important element of modern risk management. It reviews the options available to drilling contractors for demonstrating competence. The paper then discusses the approach adopted by Sedco Forex North Sea Division, an approach which is based on traditional good practices of recruitment, training and performance evaluations, while focusing formal assessment of operatives' competency on health, safety and environmentally (HSE) critical activities.
Occupational (Industrial) Hygiene Programmes Within South American Assets
Authors: Morgan Lynne 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
British Petroleum Exploration (BPX) has over the past four to five years been carrying out extensive exploration work in several South American countries. Numerous health protection programmes have been set up by BPX, to not only meet the requirements of local legislation, but also BP Group's own Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) policy and to be in line with both North American and European HSE developments and demands. This paper will describe the main occupational health hazards encountered, the baseline occupational (Industrial) hygiene assessment, control and training programmes established, and the progress made in BPX's Colombian and Venezuelan assets.
Occupational hygiene activities for both countries were initially undertaken by BPX Colombia's Medical Group, who then drew in safety, environmental, engineering and occupational hygiene specialists such as myself, from not only within Colombia and Venezuela, but also the BP Group at large to expand the scope and depth of the preliminary programmes. In addition, external local expertise from the National Oil Companies, Government Departments, Universities and other specialist contract and manufacturing groups have been incorporated into specific one off and/or on-going projects for both assets. For the past three years plus, BPX Venezuela has been setting up its own HSE Group, with Medical again overseeing the occupational hygiene elements.
Progress has been made with the expansion of both assets own health protection ventures and the general raising of the profile of occupational hygiene nationally and within the BP Group world wide. There is still a lot of work to be done, but advances are being made in many areas and we feel a sound base for future growth in health protection fields has been laid.
Living With Radiation in Oil Fields
Authors: Marei Samy 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A great concern of the national and international organization is the protection of individuals, society and the environment, including the harmful effect of the dangerous materials.
Radiation cannot be seen or smelled, can only be detected by special equipment, and a high levels may lead to damage of the human body, but with the adequate precautions we can handle it safely and without risk to health. Using radioactive sources in well logging expands to become an indispensable part of formation evaluation. Americium - 241, beryllium, cesium - 137, are used for well logging to measure various formation parameters. Radioactive source is one of the means for measuring water channelling behind casing in the well bore. Indium - 113, iodine 125, iodine - 131, and others are known as tracers in the oil industry. Cobalt - 60, iridium - 192, are also commonly used for radiography and when inspection of welding is required. Naturally occurring radioactive materials "NORM" such as uranium - 238, thorium - 222 have been known to be present in varying concentration in hydrocarbon reservoirs. These "NORM" under conditions can be transferred to the surface and deposited as scales and sludges in flow lines, separators, pumps, filters and other vessels. Radiation is one of the hazards in the oil and gas industry which we have to live with.
The paper objective is not only to provide general guidelines, on how we can manage the radiation in oil fields, but also to show the experience of SUCO in handling this hazard and safe guarding the employees, the public and the environment against the radiation hazard.
The paper will cover the following:
Risk assessment of radiation hazards Equipment for the area survey Area classification (NORM) Personnel monitoring / does limits Radiation waste disposal Recommended training & licenses Rules and legislation
Modular Road, an Access Option for Wetland Environments
Authors: Covarrubias N. , Miura P. , Mayor J. , Urich J. , Guevara O. , Ortega J. , Gómez N. , Duque N. , Asuaje R. , Quiñones R. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A significant proportion of the expected oil reserves to be found and produced in Eastern Venezuela, are located on wetlands from the Orinoco River Delta (Monagas and Delta Amacuro States). These environments have complex hydraulic due to the confluence in a very flat topography of mayor drainage and confinements basins of the Orinoco River. Additional complexity is derived from a tidal system with back tides and varying tidal levels according to locations. Furthermore, previous studies have demonstrated that great extensions of these wetlands have several meters of peat accumulations, laid on top of sulphidic marine clays that can generate strong acidification problems if are drained and/or exposed to oxidation. In order to solve this environmental constraints, allowing access without dredging and minimum perturbation of this substrates, a modular road concept was developed and tested in a swamp environment at the Caripito Oil Terminal (Monagas State), that uses a light concrete cylinder and other smaller components as building blocks. The cylinder of 860 Kg. and 0.7 m. of outer diameter has a length of 2.82m. An internal honeycomb structure allows for flotation. In order to test the concept a road of 50 m length was built using 270 cylinders placed over a swamp soil with a resistance of 0,18 Kg/cm2. A truck loaded with 100 ton. was passed over 110 times, and settling rates and road deformation was topographically measured. The road was subsequently dismounted and the cylinder inspected for fractures. No fractures were reported in any of the cylinders.
Minimising Environmental Impact: An Integrated Approach to Waste Management
Authors: Page P. W. , Twynam A. J. , Burt D. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Minimizing the environmental impact of drilling operations has been recognized by BP Exploration as critical in maintaining reputation and upholding a commitment of no damage to the environment. One of the critical areas in minimizing impact is the goal of minimizing waste generation at the rig site.
BP Exploration is attempting to facilitate this by adopting an integrated team approach to drilling fluid, solids control and waste disposal services. This integration provides fluids service companies with opportunities to improve their competencies in all aspects of fluids management, viz. fluids selection, optimizing dilution rates and solids control equipment, addressing waste handling processes and waste disposal issues. Since these processes interrelate, waste can be minimized and costs reduced. This approach also challenges conventional ways of working to:
develop consensus goals between all disciplines, contractors, and customer; identify improved ways of working to develop a multidisciplinary team approach; agree performance measures; establish targets and incentive schemes for achieving targets; establish a fit for purpose process monitoring and reporting system that measures performance, capture lessons learnt.
Generally, quality control, processes and tools for monitoring and evaluating the separation and economic efficiency of solids control equipment are poorly understood by the fluids service sector. The paper shows how this integrated approach provides an opportunity to improve this understanding and capture performance data to improve benchmarking standards for incentive contracts.
The Use of Directional Drilling in the Industry's Effort to Minimize Environmental Impact: Block 16 Project
Authors: Vera Juan Sebastion , Galarraga Alex , Cevallos Moises , Choo Dominick 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Worldwide exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons has been driven into remote and environmentally sensitive areas as other traditional areas are being depleted. Such is the case in the South American nation of Ecuador. Petroleum exploration began in Ecuador in the 1920s when drilling commenced off the coast of Guayaquil. In the 1930s, the activity migrated inland and today, most of it is centered around the Amazon region or "Oriente". The Oriente is a vast area of tropical rain forest which is home to many of the indigenous tribes of Ecuador as well as exotic flora and fauna unique to the world. Because of the sensitive landscape, directional drilling is a technique commonly used by oil companies in the Oriente to enhance their production while leaving the smallest footprint on the environment. The paper discusses in detail the directional drilling techniques used by YPF Ecuador to achieve their development objectives in Block 16. The paper also introduces the technique of horizontal drilling, a step change in directional drilling technique with superior results. Finally, the paper demonstrates why directional drilling is the key to exploration and development while minimizing the impact on the environment.
Improving Environmental Performance: A Nigerian Oil Company's Experience
Authors: Shaw Angela , Ebong Isidore 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Elf Petroleum Nigeria Limited (EPNL) is committed to improving its environmental performance. This commitment reflects the increasing importance placed on the environment in society and changing expectations of corporate behaviour. These rapid changes, enabled by the sudden explosion in global communications technology, have been championed by pressure groups which have been influential.
EPNL has made many improvements to environmental performance and internally the environmental department is challenging old practices and priorities as well as educating and training staff in basic environmental awareness. However, many complex, inter-related factors have affected the pace of change including community development, government regulations and funding.
This paper examines these challenges, looks at what is being done to overcome them, and discusses outstanding issues and actions.