Welcome to the annual Gas Safety Awareness Training. This session ensures all visitors are informed of the potential gas hazards and safety procedures related to hazardous gases during air drilling operations.

This training will cover:

• Gas properties, exposure risks, and engineering controls
• Emergency response procedures
• Confined space entry and rescue protocols
• Respirator fit testing and medical evaluation

Note: This is a Gas Safety Awareness Training for all drilling site location visitors. Field worker employees, contractors, and other service providers must be trained on their companies' Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs) and Emergency Response Plans.

Common Gases & Hazards:

• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Heavier than air, can cause asphyxiation at high concentrations. IDLH = 40,000 ppm.
• Methane (CH₄): Lighter than air, highly flammable, can cause explosions and asphyxiation. IDLH = 5,000 ppm. (IDLH is Based on the LEL)
• Simple Asphyxiants: Displace oxygen, leading to silent asphyxiation.

Gas Detection & Monitoring:

• Continuous monitoring in high-risk areas (e.g., drilling floor, cellar).
• Personal gas monitors required in confined spaces or when controls fail.

Action Levels:

• CO₂: 5,000 ppm (action), 40,000 ppm (IDLH) → Evacuate non-essential personnel.
• CH₄: 10% LEL (0.5% CH₄) → Stop work & verify; 50% LEL → Evacuate & activate emergency response.
• O₂ <19.5%: Immediate evacuation except for SCBA-equipped responders.

Ventilation & Exhaust Systems:

• Forced-air ventilation required in enclosed spaces.
• Extraction fans positioned based on gas behavior (low for CO₂, high for CH₄).

Well Isolation Measures:

• Ensure wellbore integrity is maintained to prevent gas migration.
• Use blowout preventers and well control barriers as per operational requirements.
• Conduct regular well integrity testing to detect any leaks.

Gas Alarm Response:

• Non-essential personnel must evacuate when alarm levels are reached.

CO₂ Alarms:

• LOW: Red beacon flashes.
• HIGH: Red beacon and siren activate simultaneously.
• Alarm Panels: Located in the back yard, safety office window, and dog house wall above the door.

All Other Gases: Continuous sounding of the horn.

SCBA-equipped responders handle emergencies.

Rescue Operations:

• Only trained personnel with SCBAs may perform rescues.
• No single rescuer entry (except as a last resort in life-threatening emergencies).
• Confined space rescues require retrieval harnesses and continuous gas monitoring.

First Aid Measures:

• CO₂ exposure: Move to fresh air, administer oxygen, perform CPR if needed.
• CH₄ exposure: Remove from area, treat burns if present.
• Simple Asphyxiants: Provide oxygen therapy, perform CPR if necessary.

• Pre-entry atmospheric testing is required.
• Forced ventilation must be used when necessary.
• SCBA users must complete fit testing and medical evaluations per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134.

• Gas monitoring logs and engineering control inspections must be documented.
• Training records and emergency drills must be maintained.
• Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action and increased safety risks.

By following these guidelines, we reduce gas-related risks and ensure a safer work environment.

People & Planet First, Safety Always