... Think safety! Working with. Natural gas condensate. HSE in general. Environment. Health. Safety

Transcription

1 ... Think safety! Working with Natural gas condensate HSE in general Environment Health Safety 1

2 Working with Gasunie is one of the biggest gas infrastructure companies in Europe. Within the company, we give safety the highest priority; it forms the basis of our license to operate. We abide by the strictest safety, health and environmental standards, both for our own employees, external contractors and the surroundings. Gasunie s safety policy is thus characterised by a proactive approach which is designed to prevent accidents, incidents and hazardous situations. On-site work can only start following permission from Gasunie. Before some work begins, Gasunie will first make the installation safe. - Familiarise yourself with the situation at the installation or the construction site where you are going to work as soon as possible, e.g.: who/what is where? - Apply precautionary measures that are appropriate to the work you are going to carry out. - Make enough time for safety: think about what could go wrong and consider whether you have done everything you can to prevent any risky conditions. Remain alert at all times when you are working. If in any doubt, always ask or suspend activities where necessary 2

3 ... Think safety! (or simply condensate) is similar to petrol. is a by-product of the gas extraction and gas production processes and contains (among other things) benzene, a mixture of hydrocarbons which can accumulate in the gas transmission system. is both flammable and explosive. It is also harmful to health and the environment. And that means you must observe maximum care and alertness. What are the properties of natural gas condensate? Highly flammable (similar to petrol) Environmentally hazardous substance Toxic Causes choking Causes drowsiness above certain concentrations Vapour is explosive and carcinogenic Vapour is heavier than air 3

4 Working with Risk of exposure to natural gas condensate Accidental exposure when opening pipeline sections Tapping liquids (= tapping natural gas conden sate): - By third parties - During checks carried out by Gasunie Sludge can be released during pigging operations When draining valves When emptying a gas condensate trailer into the natural gas condensate tank When opening filter systems Personal protection equipment During activities, where natural gas condensate might be released at least a full-face safety mask with ABEK H9 P3 must be used. Breathing protection with independent air supply (e.g. a welding helmet with air supply) is also permitted. Additional PPE must be worn in case parts of the body could come in contact with natural gas condensate (like sludge at pigging operations, filter, filter elements, etc.) Boots Impermeable disposable overall Chemical resistant glover (Viton) 4

5 ... Think safety! What should you do during the work? Preparation Make sure you are familiar with the risks involved with the work Guard against open fires or sparks Use explosion-proof equipment Ensure there is good ventilation Find out if a fire-fighter needs to be on standby Take account of the wind direction Execute a measurement of benzene and mercury (see procedure dealing with benzene and mercury vopour Tapping condensate Staff have been given safety instructions Staff hold a valid work permit Staff have watched the instruction film Tapping condensate In the event of third party involvement: parties must be VCA certificated What to do in the event of a leak Wear a chemicals suit Wear an oxygen mask or filter mask Ensure extra ventilation Contain any overflowed or leaked product and absorb any residue using an inert absorption material 5

6 Working with Have any ground contaminated by the product cleaned by a contractor with environmental clean-up expertise Notify the CCP immediately (tel ) Notify the responsible manager immediately What are the dangers of natural gas condensate? Contact with natural gas condensate Exposure Acute effects Inhaling vapour - Irritation - Sore throat and coughing - Dizziness, headache, nausea - Vomiting and breathlessness - In the event of long-term exposure, unconsciousness Skin contact - Corrosive - Burning sensation - Dry skin Eye contact - Irritation, redness and soreness - Watery eyes, poor vision, swollen conjunctiva Swallowing - Corrosive - Irritation to lips, mouth and throat - Stomach cramps, diarrhoea 6

7 ... Think safety! First aid in the event of contact Exposure Inhaling vapour Contact with skin Eye contact Swallowing First aid Fresh air Artificial respiration if necessary Contact doctor in the event of symptoms Remove contaminated clothing Wash skin with plenty of water and soap Rinse out with lots of water for at least 15 minutes Consult ophthalmologist Rinse out mouth with water DO NOT induce vomiting Call in emergency services What to do in the event of fire or explosion Warn the individual who is responsible for the site; then evacuate the site and make sure the fire service has been called. Don t take any risks! 7

8 Working with Published by: N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie HSE Department P.O. Box MA Groningen Februari