Oil and gas safety meeting topics and OSHA training

• Chemicals: HazCom training at initial assignment and when a new chemical hazard is introduced (29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1)), with safety data sheets readily accessible during each work shift (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8)).
• Confined spaces: the employer evaluates the workplace for permit-required confined spaces such as tanks (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(1)), has a written permit space program if employees will enter (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4)), and trains everyone whose work the standard regulates (29 CFR 1910.146(g)(1)).
• Respirators: a written respiratory protection program where respirators are necessary (29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1)), with retraining annually (29 CFR 1910.134(k)(5)).
• Hot work: fire watchers have extinguishing equipment readily available and are trained in its use (29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(iii)(B)).
• Process safety: the PSM standard does not apply to oil or gas well drilling or servicing operations (29 CFR 1910.119(a)(2)(ii)), though it can apply to other facilities that handle highly hazardous chemicals.
• PPE: a hazard assessment and training for the people who use it (29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1) and (f)(1)).

Hold it at the start of the tour or before a new job step, upwind, with engines off. Keep it to 5 to 10 minutes and tie it to the job safety analysis for the day. Check the gas monitors and the wind direction together. Ask the newest hand to point to the muster area and explain the alarm. Remind everyone that anyone can stop the job. Record attendance with the sign-in sheet generator. A talk does not replace the training a standard requires, such as permit space training under 29 CFR 1910.146(g)(1).

Many crews mix English and Spanish speakers, and contractors rotate in and out. Give the talk in both languages when needed, and keep the key words the same in both (muster point and punto de reunión, gas monitor and monitor de gases). Chemical labels stay in English, and you may add other languages (29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(10)). Ask for a show-me: bump-test the monitor, walk to the muster area.

Start with well site safety, hydrogen sulfide, confined spaces, atmospheric testing, hot work permits, fire watch, flammable liquids, line of fire, stop work authority and driving safety. For field-crew ideas, see tailgate safety meeting topics, and check required trainings with the training requirements finder.