Fall Protection for the Oil and Gas Industry
Few industries require more fall protection equipment when working at heights than the oil and gas industry.
Working on an oil rig is among the riskiest in the industry. Workers regularly face long shifts while performing dangerous tasks in harsh environments. They must regularly climb a ladder, which may be greasy, icy, or extremely narrow, from the drilling rig to access different areas of the rig. As a result, many workers climb the tower ladder, often over a hundred feet high, several times throughout the day. The ladders are often staggered, forcing the workers to move from one fixed ladder to another, which could lead to a fall.
This transition can pose challenges for fall protection systems because workers must be protected during the transition.
Prolonged exposure to materials found in petrochemical plants can also pose significant health and safety risks to maintenance personnel.
Additionally, the corrosive effects of salt and the constant motion of an offshore oil rig mean that fall protection systems are exposed to corrosive and caustic substances. Material durability is a key consideration in system design.
Anti-spark synthetic cable systems are often required in petrochemical applications to minimize the risk of accidental sparks and explosions.
Fall protection equipment must also be resistant to grease, dirt, and corrosive and abrasive materials while being mobile, lightweight, portable, and modular to adapt to different applications. It should not interfere with operations, especially for workers who wear it for a full shift.
Fortunately, many specialized items allow workers to perform their duties on drilling and production platforms safely
For example, drilling tower harnesses have multiple D-rings, allowing a worker to remain securely attached at all times. The specialized self-retracting lifeline (SRL) gives workers the ability to connect to their rear D-ring while climbing the rig.
With much of the drilling done in the winter, the fall protection equipment used on offshore platforms must be rust-resistant due to the saltwater environment. Most of these companies working offshore choose to use a sealed self-retracting cord to prevent damage to the internal components of the unit. Designed for harsh environments, every piece of personal protective equipment must be dustproof, frost-proof, and corrosion-resistant.
Oil Platform Workers: Fall Safety Equipment
Comfort, flexibility and durability are essential when selecting a safety harness, since working in the oil and gas industry often means long hours and difficult conditions.
For example, an H-shaped design harness with large openings on both sides and horizontal leg straps helps improve comfort. Easy-access buckles and adjustable chest straps allow the wearer to adjust the harness for a more comfortable fit.
Given the nature of the platform's specific environment, a harness made with more durable, water-repellent and stain-resistant webbing is ideal. Easy-to-connect front and rear soft anchor points, including front webbing loops and a D-ring, will help the worker center themselves in the event of a fall and prevent sideways tilting.
To facilitate safety inspection, ensure the highly visible seam and fall indicators are incorporated into the harness, indicating if it has been involved in a fall and is therefore unfit for use.
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Lifelines and Fall Arrest Systems
To properly protect workers, permanent fall arrest systems can be installed directly on the ladders. Another alternative is to use self-retracting lifelines permanently mounted at the top of the ladder.
The Rescue System
A compliant rescue and descent device must be attached to an anchor with a rated capacity of at least 1,360 kg (3,000 lb). These devices raise or lower employees to a safe landing after a fall.
If no descent device is used, workers should at least use trauma straps to reduce their risk of suspension trauma.
Due to the dangerous nature of working at heights in the oil and gas industry, proper fall protection training is essential.
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