Health and Safety Executive

OCE Bulk sampling

Offshore COSHH Control approach 3 essentials Containment

This information will help offshore What this sheet covers dutyholders (owners, operators and This sheet describes good practice for taking samples – process fluids, contractors) to comply with the Control well fluids, aviation fuel etc. It covers the key points you need to follow of Substances Hazardous to Health for good control practice to control exposure as part of your COSHH Regulations 2002 (COSHH), as amended, to assessment. protect workers’ health. Hazards This guidance consolidates good control 3 Not possible to list all substances that are sampled but the main ones practice and reinforces existing knowledge are: process fluids, which are complex mixtures in the liquid state with additional information. (crude oil, condensate) and will contain BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylenes); natural gas (predominantly methane); and It will help you carry out COSHH liquefied petroleum gases (butane and propane). assessments, review existing assessments, 3 Health risks include cancer, genetic damage, reproduction effects, and deliver training and in supervising activities sensitisation by inhalation or skin contact. involving substances hazardous to health. 3 The workplace exposure limit (WEL) for benzene is 1 ppm (8-hour time-weighted average (TWA)). Keep exposure as far below this as It is aimed at staff whose responsibilities reasonably practicable. include the management of substances hazardous to health on offshore Access installations (eg occupational health 3 Fit sampling points that are safe and easy to access. specialists, COSHH assessors, supervisors 3 Provide safe access to sampling points. etc). It is also useful for trade union and employee safety representatives. Facilities 3 Provide for drainage to appropriate drains, eg closed drains. Following this guidance is not compulsory 3 Provide for gas venting to a safe place, eg a flare stack or cold vent. and you are free to take other action. But if you do follow this guidance, you will Equipment and procedures normally be doing enough to comply with Planning the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and may 3 Define the sampling procedures and valve sequences. refer to this guidance as illustrating good Control equipment practice. Sampling glycols and hydrocarbons Also see essential information on the back 3 Provide sampling cylinders with locking connectors, ullage tubes and of the sheet. bursting discs of the correct rating. 3 Ensure that these match the sampling points. 3 Ensure good general ventilation. 3 Provide a spillage clean-up kit. 3 Provide eyewash equipment close to the work site.

Bulk sampling OCE16 Containment

Safe sampling 3 For process fluids/gases, sample into a piston-type cylinder or a flow- through ‘bomb’ with a vent line. The sampling receptacle must be of a suitable pressure rating. 3 For hazardous, non-pressurised materials, flush for safe disposal before sampling into a container. You may need to provide personal protective equipment.

Caution: Avoid glass containers whenever possible. Avoid plastic containers with flammable materials. Some sample streams can be hot.

Emergency procedures 3 Ensure operators close valves if leaks occur or the bursting disc ruptures.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) – see OCM3 3 Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is not normally needed. Other protective equipment 3 Where necessary, provide additional eye protection (visor or goggles). 3 Ensure workers wear protective gloves for sampling. Single-use nitrile or PVC gloves are acceptable. 3 Discard gloves at the end of the task. 3 Tell workers to discard single use gloves every time they take them off. Maintenance, examination and testing Checking and maintenance 3 Check for signs of damage to control equipment before starting work. 3 Follow manufacturers’ instructions for inspecting and maintaining sampling cylinders.

Exposure monitoring 3 Monitoring is not normally necessary. However, some personal benzene monitoring should be carried out to establish the effectiveness of controls.

Cleaning and housekeeping 3 Place a temporary bund to contain any spillage. 3 Clear up small spills with inert absorbent pads. Dispose as hazardous waste.

Waste 3 Residues are ‘hazardous waste’. Label containers clearly – include a UN number where appropriate. Store and dispose of waste safely.

Personal decontamination and skin care 3 Provide warm water, mild skin cleansers, nailbrushes and soft paper, fabric towels or hot air for drying. Avoid abrasive cleaners. 3 Provide pre-work skin creams, which will make it easier to wash dirt from the skin, and after-work creams to replace skin oils.

Bulk sampling OCE16 Containment

Health surveillance Employee checklist 3 Conduct skin checks for dermatitis. Is the equipment in good condition and working Training and supervision properly? 3 Provide supervision – ensure that safe work procedures are followed. Do you know how to use 3 Tell workers, including maintenance workers, what the hazards and the control equipment risks are. properly? 3 Explain the early signs of dermatitis. Look for signs of leaks, 3 Training includes toolbox talks on: wear and damage before n following safe working procedures; every job. n how to use equipment properly; Do you have a spill clean- n how to clean up spills correctly; and up kit handy? n what to do if something goes wrong. If you find any problem, 3 Involve managers and supervisors in health and safety training. get it fixed. Don’t just carry on working. Essential information Wash hands before OCE0 Advice for managers eating, drinking or using OCM3 Personal protective equipment (PPE) the lavatory. OCM4 Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) Other hazards n Flammability

n Substances harmful to the

marine environment

Further information Developing process safety indicators: A step-by-step guide for chemical and major hazard industries HSG254 HSE Books 2006 ISBN 978 0 7176 6180 0 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/ hsg254.htm

Workplace exposure limits EH40 www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/table1.pdf

You can find the full Offshore COSHH essentials series at www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/index.htm

This guidance was developed by representatives from the UK offshore oil and gas industry and trade unions, with HSE.

© Crown copyright 2011 Published by the Health and Safety Executive 07/11