Potential Health and Safety Concerns for Oil spill Responders Working in Proximity to Spills of Unconventional Crude Oil

Abstract

Abstract 2017-231 Health and safety (H&S) of on-site personnel is important to government and industry alike and applied throughout all response activities. Unconventional crude oil is transported throughout Canada by rail, road, marine and pipeline in increasing volumes. Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Emergencies Science and Technology (ESTS) has undertaken a three-year study that reviews H&S concerns and develop tools to address identified gaps for government personnel who are required to conduct their work in close proximity to unconventional diluted bitumen (dilbit) spills. The literature search study of H&S issues assessed the chemical composition of two dilbit crude oils Access Western Blend and Cold Lake Bitumen, their fate and behavior during a spill and potential exposure pathways for on-site responders. Overall, it was noted that the characteristics relevant to H&S of unconventional crude oils can differ from those typical of conventional crude oils primarily as a result of the small molecular weight, volatile compounds in the condensate portion of dilbit. Evaporation of the dilbit could result in the rapid transfer of 12 to 16% by weight of the mass to air within the initial 6 hours of a spill. Consequently, there is a potential inhalation and contact threat to initial responders under certain significant spill scenarios. Recommendations for air monitoring instrumentation, chemical protective clothing, medical monitoring and decontamination protocols were put forth. The literature search study was followed by work to (1) undertake a task hazard analysis for ECCC personnel then develop safe work procedures; and (2) to update training guidance documents for on-site safety planning, including protective equipment and other tools for use by ECCC staff.