Preventing Process Safety Incidents in Upstream & Downstream Oil & Gas Operations by a Systematic Approach to Strengthen Process Safety & Asset Integrity Barriers

Abstract

Abstract By prioritizing process safety and asset integrity, ADNOC has established a strong safety culture and a track record of safe and reliable operations. Its commitment to safety has helped to prevent incidents and protect its personnel, the environment, and its assets. Process safety incidents in the oil and gas industry can have serious consequences, including injury or loss of life, environmental damage, and damage to assets. Such incidents can occur during exploration, production, transportation, and refining of oil and gas. Some common process safety incidents in the oil and gas industry include: Blowouts: Blowouts occur when there is an uncontrolled release of oil or gas from a well. They can be caused by a number of factors, including equipment failure, human error, and natural disasters.Fires and explosions: Fires and explosions can occur due to a variety of reasons, including equipment failure, leaks, and human error. These incidents can cause significant damage to assets, as well as injury or loss of life.Chemical releases: Chemical releases can occur during the handling and processing of hazardous materials, such as hydrocarbons and chemicals used in production processes. These incidents can result in environmental damage, as well as injury or loss of life.Structural failures: Structural failures can occur due to equipment failure, natural disasters, or inadequate maintenance. These incidents can cause damage to equipment and facilities, as well as injury or loss of life. An analysis of over 50 Process Safety Events (PSE) involving Loss of Primary Containment (LoPC), both from Upstream & Downstream segments of Oil & gas operations was performed. The causes of these events were mapped with elements of process safety and asset integrity framework to identify focus areas. Preventing process safety incidents in the oil and gas industry requires a comprehensive approach that includes identifying and assessing risks, implementing preventive measures, establishing barriers, monitoring and maintaining barriers, and training personnel. Companies must also comply with relevant regulations and standards, and continuously improve their safety systems and procedures to ensure that risks are minimized and incidents are prevented. The results indicated that deficiencies and inadequacies in risk identification contributed to majority of process safety events. To prevent process safety incidents, companies like ADNOC must implement a comprehensive process safety management system that focuses more on risk assessments, and safety training. In addition, companies must prioritize asset integrity management to prevent equipment failures and maintenance issues that can lead to process safety incidents.