3227 Principles of the assessment and control of on-site acute health risks from accidental hydrocarbon releases: Guidance for oil & gas facilities, offshore installations and refineries

Overview:

This document provides guidance on controlling and mitigating on-site acute health risks arising from accidental hydrocarbon releases, such as large unplanned leaks and plant failure. For consistency with other safety related guidance, this document sets, as far as possible, the necessary controls and actions for health protection in the context of hydrocarbon flammability. It defines the assessment, controls, monitoring and emergency response action that this implies for the control of a major hazard incident.

In principle the guidance can be applied to any situation with a potential for an accidental release of significant quantities of volatile hydrocarbons. This includes: offshore exploration and production; petroleum refining; bulk storage operations, and large blending and mixing operations.

This guidance is for occupational health professionals, occupational hygienists and safety professionals with an interest in and/or responsibilities for managing and controlling health risks in the hydrocarbon industries. In principle, the guidance can be applied to any situation where there is a potential for an accidental release of significant quantities of volatile hydrocarbons. This includes: offshore exploration and production; petroleum refining; bulk storage operations, and large blending/mixing operations. 

The guidance will be useful for health professionals involved in the preparation of safety cases and reports, major incident planning and writing workplace procedures. It applies in the UK and on the UK continental shelf (UKCS), but the principles are applicable elsewhere providing local regulations are complied with.