Safety Of Workers Engaged In Oil Sampling/Tank Gauging Essential

• Tweet

• Tweet

Of late, there have been many incidents reported about the death of oil workers, when they undertook oil sampling or tank gauging. A majority of these deaths took place when they opened the oil or water tank to measure the oil level and were overpowered by toxic gases that numbed their senses. This highlights the dangerous nature of manual oil sampling or tank gauging and reinforces the need for automatic measurement instruments. Read on to learn why it is essential to ensure the safety of workers who are engaged in this work.

Nine Oil Workers Found Dead On Oil Pads In The Past Six Years

When exposed to these toxic fumes, as many as nine oil workers have lost their lives, while they were reported to be otherwise healthy. This calls for concerted action to be taken to ensure safety gear and personal protection for oil workers engaged in oil sampling or tank gauging.

According to a recent news article:

“With the help of Dr. Bob Harrison, who specializes in occupational and environmental medicine, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a pattern was uncovered: nine oil workers found dead on oil pads in the past six years, many of them young and otherwise healthy.”

Oil Sampling Or Tank Gauging Is Dangerous Work

The reason why this work is dangerous is that the gases and vapours that are released when a worker opens the hatch is under pressure. This causes workers to be exposed to dangerous amounts of gas that are not regulated. Often workers complain of feeling light-headed or dizzy when they inhale these toxic fumes. However, it can also prove to be fatal.

Emily Guerin said in a recent article:

“Workers are exposed when they open the thief hatch on an oil or water tank, releasing gases and vapors that are under pressure.

Workers who have inhaled petroleum gases report feeling drunk, dizzy or light-headed, but then these symptoms clear up when they get into fresh air.

But workers can die after just a few minutes of breathing high concentrations of petroleum gases.”

You need to address your concerns in health and safety in oil and gas jobs and be aware of the risk involved when it comes to some tasks. This will help you take an informed decision and pursue rewarding oil and gas jobs.

Oil and gas operators should take steps to ensure personal protective gear is provided to workers who handle oil sampling or tank gauging. This will prevent inhalation of toxic gases and ensure safe working conditions for oil and gas workers.

Image sourec:https://www.flickr.com/photos/wearesocial/21899416123