introduction to the unescorted course

© 2008 APICC/NSTC—All rights reserved

Introduction to the Unescorted Course Course Number

NSTC-03

Revised 3–2014


2Introductions

Name

Company

Assigned work site on the Slope or at another industrial site in Alaska

Are you new to Alaska?

If not, have you been to the North Slope? If so, how long ago?


3Administration and Safety

Emergency guidelines for fire, earthquake or bomb threat; evacuation routes, and assembly area

Restrooms and designated smoking areas

Breaks and lunch

Safety minute


4

NSTC Unescorted Course: 6-Pack + H2S/FeS

6-Pack

Camps and Safety

Alaska Safety Handbooks (ASH and BP ASH)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

HAZCOM

HAZWOPER

Environmental Excellence

Hydrogen Sulfide/Iron Sulfide


5Safety Training

The NSTC Unescorted Course is an awareness level course designed as a basic introduction to working safely on the North Slope.

The NSTC card is not an official training record, but it is required in order to receive a badge for entry into North Slope operating fields.

Most facilities require a site-specific orientation and additional site specific training.


North Slope Camps & Safety Orientation Course Number

NSTC-03


7

Introduction


8Goal

To introduce participants to the unique working conditions at Alaska’s North Slope oil and gas facilities and explain the safety assurance measures currently in practice.


9Objectives

Participants will be able to:

Describe work life in the North Slope oilfields including geography, facilities, and working conditions.

Explain the North Slope safety policies, culture, and expectations for working safely as a team.

Discuss safety training requirements and resources.


10

Working on the North Slope


11Geography

Where is the North Slope?


12Geography

Sorry — it’s not that kind of Slope.


13Geography

In fact, despite the name, it’s not much of a “slope” at all.


14Geography

Here’s why —

The Arctic or “North” Slope is a broad drainage field between the Brooks Mt. Range and Arctic Ocean.


15

On the surface, the land is snow covered almost 10 months of the year.

Due to its arctic location, the ground is frozen under the surface to an average depth of 1500 feet, in a condition known as permafrost.

In the summer when the top 2 feet of soil thaws, the ground cover called tundra supports over 250 species of plants, but NO TREES.

Over 230 species of birds and numerous other wildlife such as bears, fox, caribou, and musk ox call the area home.

Geography


16Weather

The weather varies from balmy summer highs in the 60’s and average winter lows around -20F, with extremes in both directions. Annual precipitation is a dry 4.5 inches, with an average snowfall of 33 inches.

2014 BP ASH, page104; 2014 ASH, page 180


17Ownership

Most of the oilfield lands are leased from the State and Federal governments and operated by a consortium of oil-producing companies.

Much of the housing and operations are located within the lease boundaries, with many contractor companies basing their operations just outside of “the lease” in the town of Deadhorse, Alaska.


18Transportation

There are two common transportation choices to get there: A 1 ½ hour flight … or 2–3 day drive. YOUR CHOICE!


19Transportation

Shared Services Aviation: BP and ConocoPhillips jointly own a private airline specifically for transporting workers to, from, and around the North Slope oil fields.

Reservations are made through specific company representatives.


20

2014 BP ASH, pages 31-32, 48, 55; 2014 ASH, pages 19, 50, 54-55;

Transportation

Appropriate clothing required for travel October 1 to May 1 includes:

Heavy coat or jacket,

Warm gloves or mittens,

Winter cap, hat, or hood which covers the ears,

Warm substantial footwear (including warm socks) with sturdy outer sole.


21Transportation

Once you’re on the Slope, buses, shuttles, pool vehicles, and department-assigned vehicles will take you wherever you need to go.


22Transportation

Occasionally, transportation around the Slope becomes more interesting…


23Driving Conditions

The roads up North are …

But nice for about two weeks!Mostly like this …


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Driving Conditions – Foul Weather

Phases: VisibilityLevels: Road

Conditions—BP

Phase I: Caution, reduced visibility

Level I: Caution

Phase II: Restricted, convoy only

Level II: Restricted

Phase III: Closed, critical or emergency travel only

Level III: Restricted travel

2014 BP ASH, page 52; 2014 ASH, pages 52-53


25Driving/Vehicle Safety

OBEY ALL SPEED LIMITS!

A valid driver’s license is required.

Safety glasses with side shields are required for all occupants.

Seat belts must be worn at all times.

Headlights are on while driving.

From October to May, drivers must carry heavy winter gear in their vehicles.

2014 BP ASH, pages 16, 52-55; 2014 ASH, pages 48-52


26Driving/Vehicle Safety

Drivers may not use cell phones or 2-way radios while the vehicle is in motion.

Drivers must yield to all heavy equipment, to wildlife, and slow to 5 mph when passing.

Driving is permitted on designated roads only – no unauthorized tundra travel.

Drivers need to conduct a 360º walk-around prior to driving.

2014 BP ASH, pages 16, 52-55; 2014 ASH, pages 48-52


27Camp Facilities

Shared rooms and showers

Cafeterias and snack rooms

Laundries

Small commissaries

Recreation and workout areas

Aid stations and medical clinics


28Camp Life and Health

Have consideration for others who live in your facility

Day and night sleepers

Use of shared areas

Personal hygiene protects everyone from the spread of disease

Use hand washing stations

Wear slippers to avoid athlete’s foot

Report to the clinic when sick


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Working Safely as a Team


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Working safety is a condition of employment.

Every worker is expected to follow all operating rules contained in the Alaska Safety Handbooks (ASH and BP ASH) and the Environmental Field Handbook.

Report near misses, accidents or incidents.

No weapons, knives, drugs or alcohol are allowed on the North Slope.

Expectations and Accountabilities

2014 BP ASH, pages 11,16,18, 32; 2014 ASH, pages 3-4, 9;


31

Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility

The Operator and Contractor companies work as a team to create safety processes:

Pre-job hazard assessments and daily safety meetings.

Work permit systems.

Safety observations and audits.

Emergency procedures and incident reporting.


32Accident Ratio Study


33Incident Causation Model


34

The Primary Goal ofNorth Slope Operations

No harm to

people,

facilities, or

the environment.


35

But, What About the Job Deadline?

Those you care about, and those who care about you, want you home alive.

introduction to the unescorted course

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