In a committed effort for safety, SU Rakshit makes a mark in oil and petroleum industry.

Meet SU Rakshit, a smart young safety officer who works at one of India’s leading oil rigs. Diligent, determined and motivated, he does his duty with aplomb. He carries out several safety induction processes for all the new entrants and advises them on how to use machines tools properly for battling associated hazards.

As a safety officer, SU Rakhshit takes measures against blow-outs, bursts of hydrogen-sulphide gas during drilling, heavy metal and benzene present in the crude oil and normally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs).

He knows that at an oil rig, dangers associated with explosion and fires are the highest. Fireproof attire is necessary and is a must for all. Some are assigned cotton coveralls, while those with greater risks of fire are assigned inherently flame retardant (IFR) coveralls. He is aware of the antistatic fibre in the garment helps prevent the build-up of static electricity.

These suits are compliant and meeting the international EN 1149-5 ISO 11612 standard even after 100 washes. They are bright orange in colour, conforming to EN 20471:2013 requirements for highest visibility and come with reflective tapes attached to them to enable better visibility with many tool holder pockets.

SU Rakshit then makes sure that his workers wear their safety helmets and securely fasten the chin straps to ensure a firm fit.

The helmet is marked with the required IS 2925: 2010 as is required for such safety helmets. Mr SU Rakshit advises the welders to wear goggles or safety glasses with side shields that comply with IS 5983:2002 and EN 166:2001 under welding helmets for eye protection during gas welding or oxygen cutting.

He is well aware of the fact that when noise levels in an oil rig are above 84dBA, appropriate ear plugs or ear muffs must be used.

The ear plug manufacturer assigns an appropriate NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) and SU Rakshit makes sure that ear plugs available here comply with IS 9167:2013 and EN 352-2, the standard for ear protection.

SU Rakshit advises the need for safety shoes with good slip resistance for protection against slipping, which is one of the major hazards of the industry.

The main factors that are necessary to the slip resistance of the sole are the sole compound and the ‘tread’ pattern. The standard reading IS 15298:2012 or EN 20345:2011 gives an assurance of the parameters with regards to the abrasion of the sole, the thickness of the leather, impact strength of the toe cap, the height of the shoe and the electrical properties among others.

SU Rakshit has organised a live demonstration for the fall protection category PPE usage. This is where a “fall arrest system” is explained. It consists of three parts-an anchorage connector, a body wear harness and an appropriate connecting device which is a self-retracting lifeline. His colleagues ably demonstrate the correct do’s and don’ts for carrying out activities at height. IS 3521:2002 mark on the harness ensures the quality of the product.

India is the fourth largest consumer of crude oil and petroleum products in the world and relies on importation. In recent years, major discoveries in the Barmer basin in Rajasthan and the offshore Krishna-Godavari basin hold some potential to diversify the country’s energy production.

It is advisable to use nitrite coated heavy-duty mechanical gloves for the oil rigs that meet EN 388, with level of 4231. SU Rakshit is aware and so are the team members about the levels that comply with abrasion, cut, tear and puncture in the same order. Nitrite or NBR is suitable for solvents, oils, greases and hydrocarbons.

Long working hours, constant alertness to different hazardous situations and other dangers are a part of working at any oil rig. These can be dealt with a few precautions known to the team. The team’s cheerfulness is quite infectious and makes SU Rakshit determined to lead with more vigour and energy.