Understanding the Risks: Dangerous Gases Found in OGP

In the oil and gas industry, workers often navigate a landscape filled with hazards, from extreme weather conditions to the complexities of handling sophisticated equipment. Among these risks, one of the most significant and insidious dangers is invisible: toxic gases. Exposure to these hazardous substances can pose immediate and severe threats to health and safety, making their detection a critical priority for maintaining a safe work environment where they can be present. Modern detection technologies can support this effort, offering the means to identify and help mitigate the risks posed by dangerous gases. It’s important to note that the prevalence and concentration of these gases can vary depending on the extraction method used, such as shale/horizontal drilling, vertical drilling, or offshore drilling. This article explores the primary gases most often found in oil and gas production, emphasising the importance of advanced gas detection systems can have in helping protect workers.

The Potential Impact of Hazardous Gases in the Oil and Gas Industry on Worker Health and Safety

In the context of the oil and gas industry, several dangerous gases can be encountered, posing significant health and safety risks to workers. Some of the most common dangerous gases found in OGP facilities include:

Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S)

• Hydrogen Sulphide is arguably one of the most dangerous gases in the oil industry. It is a highly toxic, flammable and colourless gas with a characteristic “rotten egg” odour at low concentrations.
• Exposure can cause respiratory irritation, pulmonary edema, loss of consciousness and in some cases death.
• H₂S is often found in natural gas, crude oil, and sulphur-containing compounds. This makes it a common hazard in oil and gas extraction, refining and processing operations.

Methane (CH₄)

• Methane emissions are colourless, odourless and highly flammable gas that is commonly associated with natural gas.
• A primary danger of methane to workers is that it can form explosive mixtures with air at certain concentrations, posing a risk of fire and explosion in confined spaces or poorly ventilated areas.
• Constant exposure to methane can also displace oxygen in the air and cause asphyxiation in confined spaces.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

• Carbon Dioxide is a gas which is produced during combustion processes, this includes the burning of fossil fuels. The gas is invisible to the naked eye and in high concentrations CO₂ can displace oxygen in the air, leading to oxygen deficiency and asphyxiation in confined spaces.
• The symptoms caused by elevated levels of carbon dioxide can be headaches, dizziness, confusion and unconsciousness.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

• Unlike Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide is a gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels. It is highly toxic and can cause poisoning by binding to the haemoglobin in the blood, reducing its oxygen-carrying abilities.
• Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, confusion and loss of consciousness, which can lead to death if not treated promptly.

Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)

• Sulphur Dioxide has a pungent odour and is produced by burning sulphur-containing fuels such as coal and oil.
• Constant inhalation of SO₂ can cause respiratory irritation, bronchoconstriction, coughing and shortness of breath, especially in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. In addition, exposure to high concentrations of SO₂ can result in pulmonary enema, respiratory failure and death.

Implementing Essential Steps for Effective Gas Detection as part of  Ensuring Worker Safety:

The integrity and readiness of portable gas detectors can be critical to help prevent or reduce exposure to harmful gases. For example, it is advisable to perform a comprehensive check of gas detection equipment, at designated intervals, before workers enter areas where hazardous gases may be present. While some areas may pose risks for reasons other than gas presence, verifying the functionality of gas detection equipment is highly recommended in areas where there could be gas hazards. This includes assessing:

• Sensor Functionality: Regularly evaluate the sensors for any signs of affected or degraded function – following the manufacturer’s recommended procedures for frequency and type of checks. This is an important way to confirm the sensor is detecting gas presence accurately and promptly.
• Calibration: Gas detectors should be calibrated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or more frequently if exposed to environments that could affect their accuracy. Calibration is a way for you to ensure that the readings are reliable and that the detectors are sensitive to the specific gases they are being designated to monitor.
• Alarm Systems: The alarm systems on portable gas detectors should be analysed and tested. Such analysis and testing are a critical way for you ensure these alarms are functioning correctly for the workers who rely on these alarms to take immediate action.

In addition to equipment checks, understanding the environmental context of the specific work area is vital. Identifying potential gas hazards and educating workers on the specific risks and safety measures related to their environment can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Furthermore, maintaining a log of equipment checks, calibration records, and any alarm incidents can help safety managers track detector performance and identify patterns that might indicate emerging risks or the need for additional safety measures.

By establishing these practices as routine, organisations reinforce a culture of safety that prioritises the well-being of their workforce. Ensuring that gas detection equipment is in optimal condition and that workers are prepared to respond to hazards is not just about compliance—it’s about demonstrating a commitment to safety that transcends basic requirements.

Enhancing Worker Safety Through Connectivity

In the challenging environments of the oil and gas industry, innovation and strict compliance can be key ingredients to enhance worker safety. At the forefront of these advancements, the ALTAIR io™ 4 Connected Gas Detector, paired with the GRID platform, shifts traditional safety measures into a new era, offering a broad approach that significantly enhances safety management in several critical areas:

• Streamlined Compliance and Maintenance: The GRID platform’s ability to provide real-time insights into the ALTAIR io™ 4’s sensor functionality transforms how safety managers monitor equipment health. Real-time access to data on sensor performance and alerts for required maintenance or calibration helps ensure that gas detectors are in peak condition, helping reduce the risk of undetected hazards.
• Incident Logging and Analysis: The GRID platform maintains logs of equipment checks, calibration records, and alarm incidents. This historical data can be invaluable for safety managers looking to track performance, identify trends in detector usage or malfunctions, and implement improvements in safety practices based on empirical evidence.
• Continuous Improvement Through Data: Logging and tracking functionality offered by the GRID platform can play a crucial role in ongoing safety improvement efforts. Historical data on equipment performance and incident responses allows for the identification of trends and areas for enhancement, fostering a culture of continuous safety optimisation.

This proactive approach to safety not only demonstrates a commitment to meeting but also exceeding industry safety standards with dynamic, data-driven protection.