Energy-Related Hazards - Preventative Measures

Due to the wide variety of machinery, equipment, and tools used in the oil and gas extraction industry, workers are exposed to many different types of energy-related hazards from different sources. Despite this variety, some safety precautions apply generally to all of the energy-related hazards. These general safety precautions include the following:

• Develop, implement, and enforce an energy control program.
• Implement proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) practices and procedures (29 CFR 1910.147). We will take a closer look at this process in a moment.
• Install, use, and maintain equipment according to manufacturer's specifications.
• Select equipment that is designed for the work that needs to be done.
• Visually inspect all machinery, equipment, and tools before use.
• Remove defective machinery, equipment, and tools from use immediately.
• Ensure that all workers are trained about how to protect themselves and others from the energy hazards in their work environment.

Employee training must include the following components:

• Policies and procedures of the employer's energy control program
• Specific procedures relevant to the worker's duties or assignment
• Various requirements of the OSHA standards related to lockout/tagout

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