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Naturally Occurring
Radioactive Material
Awareness Training Course
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Course Administration
Emergency procedures
Facilities:
first aid, prayers, refreshments, toilet
Documentation;
course roster, HSE passport
Restrictions:
smoking, telephones and pagers
Introduction:
name, company, position and expectations of the course
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Course Aims
Aims of the course are to provide knowledge
and understanding of NORM:
basic radiation theory
where NORM can be found
personal hygiene and health risks
exposure control measures
risk control measures and PPE
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Course Objectives
On completion of the course attendees will be able to:
explain basic NORM theory
describe where NORM can be found
explain personal hygiene, health, environment and
reputation risks
describe measures to counter NORM risks
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Radiation Sources in E&P
Radiation
sources
Installed
gauges
Radio
tracers
Industrial
radiography
Well
logging
Portable
gauging
equipment
NORM
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NORM
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials
as opposed to man-made sources
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Radiation
Radiation emitted by NORM

Alpha particles ()
Beta particles ()
Gamma rays (y)
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Penetration
Alpha
Beta
Gamma
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Closed equipment
Closed equipment:
Gamma rays penetrate
steel and are measured
where scale accumulates.

Alpha/Beta particles
cannot penetrate steel.
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Open equipment
Scale may become
dislodged and be inhaled
when opening NORM
contaminated equipment.

Ingested if poor hygiene.
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Health Risks
Health risks arise if you:

Inhale contaminated scales
Ingest contaminated sludge
or debris
Absorb contaminated
material through open cuts
or wounds
Alpha & Beta particles have sufficient energy to
damage cells and may lead to lung or bone cancer
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Where to Find NORM
Fixed scales e.g. pipes, pumps, tubulars
Sludge / Sands tanks & separators
Waste Pigging debris
Salts Evaporation ponds, water leaks
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Hard Scales:
1. ESP
2. Valve
3. Tubulars

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Sludge stored in pits
Sludge mixed with sand
and land farmed
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Evaporation Pond

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Separator outlet

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Leaks
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Job Types at Risk
Job types:
production operators
maintenance personnel
tank & separator cleaning crews
hoist/rig workover crews
pigging crews
sludge farm operators
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H.E.M.P.
Supervisors responsibility
Identify potential NORM Jobs
Control exposures
Monitor and review controls
Record keeping
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Identifying NORM
Look for NORM signs on equipment
Check PDO NORM maps
If in doubt - Ask Production Operators
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PDO Policy
As a rule any equipment which has
conveyed or stored production fluids
should be treated as NORM contaminated
until proven otherwise by monitoring

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Controls
Follow procedures
plan the job
organise PPE, plastic & containers
set up supervised area
conduct tool box talk
prevent scale from becoming airborne
prevent inhalation of scale wear PPE
dress cuts and abrasions
contain debris in one area
encapsulate equipment at open ends
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NORM Specification
SP 1170 Management of NORM
defines roles and responsibilities:
PPE: monitoring, reporting and
exposure limits; transportation
and disposal of NORM

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NORM Guidelines
NORM procedures for specific tasks: e.g.
Tank or separator cleaning
Pigging
Transporting
Sampling
Well workovers
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NORM PPE
Appropriate PPE:
one piece clothing
impermeable rubber gloves
steel toecap boots
face piece respirator
eye protection safety goggles or glasses
clean and monitor after use
dispose of contaminated PPE safely
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NORM PPE
One piece slicker or Tyvek
disposable suit
P3 Half-face respirator
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Personal Hygiene
When working with NORM:
do not eat, drink or smoke
do not apply barrier creams or lip
balm
clean and dress cuts and abrasions
after contact with NORM wash
hands and face before eating,
drinking or smoking
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NORM Training
NORM training:
Awareness training for ALL personnel routinely or
frequently working on NORM sites

Supervisor training for ALL personnel responsible
for issue of permits to work or supervise workers
exposed to NORM
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Summary
Summary:
Treat equipment that conveys production fluids
as NORM contaminated until monitored
Use maps and surveys to identify NORM areas
Follow the NORM Specification 1170
Implement the NORM Guidelines into work
procedures
Wear your designated PPE
Maintain good personal hygiene
Keep records