ABSTRACT
On a daily basis, oil and gas workers encounter dangerous situations as a result of their work. As far as potential risks and accidents are concerned, the oil and gas industry is among the most hazardous in the world. Oil and gas activities involve many different types of equipment and materials. A number of these hazards are described in this chapter, including fires, explosions, slips and falls, transportation accidents, confined spaces, being struck by, being caught between, machinery, heavy equipment, electrical and other energy hazards, ergonomic hazards, piping, and equipment hazards under high pressure and temperature, extreme climate conditions, trenching and excavation hazards. Personal protective equipment (PPE) consists of clothing or devices designed to protect a person from direct exposure to hazardous materials or situations. Generally, personal protective equipment (PPE) includes respiratory protective equipment, protective clothing and footwear, equipment to prevent the accumulation of static electricity, such as anti-static footwear, and equipment to protect the face, eyes, and hands. According to different texts and literatures, PPE equipment can be classified in a variety of ways. The categories can be divided into simple and complex types. Further, this chapter discusses specific PPE for head, eye, ear, arm, hand, foot, respiratory, and skin protection.
