We have a duty to protect our workers from exposure to oil-based drilling fluids during drilling operations and transport. Studies show that these operations generate airborne contaminants from oil-based drilling fluids (e.g., oil mist) in excess of occupational exposure limits. Effective controls, such as an Exposure Control Plan, are available to protect workers from harmful exposure.
As part of our plan to assist industry with Oil-Based Drilling Fluid Exposure Control, a cross-industry team has been working on a Managing Chemical Hazards document. The expected completion date for this document is December 2010.
As part of this process it was agreed that it was vital to develop an Exposure Control Plan (ECP) template for Oil-Based Drilling Fluids that any company could tailor for their own use.
This template has been approved by The Managing Chemical Hazards steering committee and working groups that include both industry and regulatory Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
Please note an ECP would only be put in place if deemed necessary through a proper risk and hazard assessment. Saying that, Geoffrey Clark WorkSafeBC, would like to emphasize that "…an ECP for invert will probably be required for all employers. Sampling has shown significant exposures to hydrocarbons and oil mist on drill rigs. The ECP developed by the steering committee is a template that can be adapted for individual employers, but, a hazard assessment would still have to be conducted (to account for differences in rigs and locations)." The completed Managing Chemical Hazards document will include a hazard assessment section.
For more information please contact Program Manager, Safety Services, Corinne Paul 403-769-9219.
Current Status: Final
Available Formats:
Download available in Word format:
Click here to access: Exposure Control Plan (ECP) Template for Oil-Based Drilling Fluids