Safety-Management Programs and Standardized Application Equipment Minimize Risks of Nonconventional Chemical Usage

Abstract

Summary Acrolein (2-propenal) is a highly effective microbiocide and sulfide scavenger that has been commercially available since 1960 and has been used widely in the oil- and gas-production industry. Acrolein is a liquid product supplied in and applied from specialized containers, eliminating potential releases from transfers between tanks. The acrolein containers are built to comply with international transportation regulations. This paper will cover the development of a safety-management program and standardization of application equipment that allow the usage of acrolein for applications with a risk comparable to, or in some cases lower than, that for conventional chemical products. Standardized operating procedures, closed-system application equipment [verified by industrial hygiene (IH) monitoring], and redundant safety devices are built into the system to prevent chemical exposures or misapplications. Applications are performed by trained and certified personnel who have completed a specific competency evaluation under field conditions. A detailed and customized safety-management program is completed and implemented for each application with extensive client participation. This paper will cover the core of the safety-management program, which focuses on developing site-specific elements, including process safety information, process hazard analysis, operating procedures, employee and contractor training, applicator competency and field evaluation, prestartup safety reviews, management of change, and emergency planning and response procedures. A safety audit program is also implemented to ensure that the completed safety management program complies with each element. Audits are conducted at the actual location during the course of the chemical application. A strong safety-management program and standardized application system have been shown to reduce personnel and environmental risks by lowering the potential for misapplications or equipment failures. These systems have allowed successful treatment programs on numerous global production assets. To validate this, a series of case histories will be presented that highlight the best practices that enable the safe application of acrolein.