Addressing Gaps in Facilities Safety and Disaster Management: How Personnel Can Move From Muster Point to the Safe Zone in a High H2S Concentration Environment

Abstract

The shift towards more challenging gas extraction development projects requires a deep understanding of the risks and challenges of operating in sour gas fields. While facilities are equipped with gas detection monitors, the risk of unexpected toxic gas release, pipe ruptures or leaks will always be greater among plant personnel.Oil and gas facility personnel are trained to respond to emergencies. They know the layout of the facility and associated emergency procedures to include -escape routes, muster points, communication methods, and appropriate response to alarms. However, small group escape techniques using typical escape equipment may no longer be sufficient. It is imperative that the industry develop additional protection and evacuation methods. A potential solution is to use a highly mobile, self-contained breathing air system with 1000 cubic feet of air. This solution is designed to provide personnel with emergency protection and mobility at the same time. It comes equipped with emergency survival tools such as first aid kit, radio, flashlight, and Emergency Egress Breathing Apparatus (EEBA) to ensure that a team of nine personnel can gather at the muster point and proceed safely to the safe zone during an emergency.This paper looks at the process, specifications, implementation and usability this solution to safely evacuate plant personnel in the event of a toxic gas release. By having multiple layers of protection and evacuation methods, facilities operators can prevent the loss of human life and update their Emergency Response Plan before a disaster occurs.This paper also demonstrates that by taking a proactive role, operators and safety providers can pioneer innovative solutions to address safety gaps in sour gas field operation.