Initiatives to Evaluate and Manage Occupational Exposures in Hydraulic Fracturing Operations

摘要

There have been various efforts to address the health aspects associated with occupational exposures resulting from hydraulic fracturing. These efforts involve a multi-discipline and multi-stakeholder collaborate approach that has included operators, oilfield service companies, equipment manufacturers, industry associations, professional societies and governmental agencies. Some of the main efforts have included National STEPS Network Hydraulic Fracturing Respirable Crystalline Silica Focus Group, the American Industrial Hygiene Association's Oil and Gas Working Group the American Petroleum Institute's (API) Industrial Hygiene Group, API's E&P Health Issues Group as well as other organizations. The organizations and activities that are addressing the OH issues of hydraulic fracturing as well as other oil and gas OH issues will be reviewed, highlighting the successes and challenges of using a multi-stakeholder approach. The life cycle of the well development process extends beyond hydraulic fracturing. Chemical and physical agent exposures associated with well life cycle process such as noise, oil field chemicals, radiation, DPM and thermal stress will be reviewed. Some of the aspects for managing these exposures include the practical and technical considerations of workplace hazard communications, exposure assessments, and exposure mitigation measures. This presentation will outline the value of using and leveraging existing OH initiatives of others to better manage OH aspects.