Respiratory Hazards - Reduce or Eliminate

Employers of hydraulic fracturing operations in which respiratory hazard exposure is high should take the following approaches to minimize respiratory hazards, in this order:

1. Substitute toxic materials or procedures with safer alternatives, when possible
2. Require workers to use protective equipment
3. Train workers about how to protect themselves from silica dust exposure
4. Implement improved engineering controls
5. Improve work practices

The first two actions apply generally to all respiratory hazards. We will discuss the last threeapproaches when we examine the specific hazards of silica, hydrogen sulfide, and diesel particulate.

Employers should take these actions in this order because the goal is to eliminate a respiratory hazard from existing in the first place. During hydraulic fracturing, for example, if the transfer of sand can be managed in a way that prevents the release of silica dust, then the need to install a dust collection system becomes unnecessary.

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