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Fire and explosion

Oil and gas workers are at risk for fire and explosion due to the presence of flammable gas and vapors.
Various flammable gases and vapors can be present on well sites while performing production services and
work involving tank operations to name a few. There are also many ignition sources that should be taken into
account including static electricity, electrical causes, open flame sources, lightning, smoking, hot work, etc.

 

Steps to prevent an unwanted ignition source from being present and to prevent fire and explosion on the worksite:

1. Know your companies safety policies and procedures and follow them any time you are working
around flammable gases and vapors.
2. Perform a JSA (job safety analysis) before beginning any job that has these type of hazards. Ensure
each affected employee is involved in this process and understands and follows the steps laid out.
3. Know the hazards you are working around. Hazard communication training should be performed
before any work begins. It should be specific to content and hazards according to the job.
4. If performing hot work, ensure you have a hot work permit in place. This step will ensure conditions
and safety equipment onsite are adequate and that it is safe to begin work.
5. Be knowledgeable of and remove potential ignition sources such as cell phones, open flame sources,
tools with the potential to spark.
6. Use required PPE (personal protective equipment) when working around flammable gases and vapors
such as flame resistant clothing and gas detection monitors.
7. Pay attention to any alarm, know their meaning, and act when sounded.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided solely as a reference tool to be used for information purposes only. The information in this article shall not be construed or interpreted as providing legal or any other advice. The information material does not amend the provisions of any insurance policy issued by CompSource Mutual. It is not a representation that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any such policy. Coverage depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss, all applicable policy provisions, and any applicable law.

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