Chemical Exposure and NORM Hazards - Regulations

Employers in the oil and gas extraction industry are required to provide their workers with protection from chemical and NORM hazards. The OSHA standards that apply to chemical hazards are as follows:

• OSHA Standard - Personal Protective Equipment (29 CFR 1910.133)
• OSHA Standard - Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.34)
• OSHA Standard - Subpart Z - Toxic and Hazardous Substances (29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z)
• OSHA Standard - Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200)

Subpart Z of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (29 CFR 1910) provides employers with comprehensive guidelines and requirements that address the chemical hazards that workers in the oil and gas extraction industry are likely to face. For example, this standard covers air contaminants and their limits, chemical exposure limits, mineral dusts, carcinogens, benzene, and many other hazards and related procedures. Also included in Subpart Z is the Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). This standard is especially important when it comes to chemical exposure hazards. It requires that hazardous chemicals be properly classified and that their classification and safety and health risks be communicated to employers and workers.

To learn more about Oil & Gas Extraction visit our Oil & Gas Extraction Safety Online Training web page.