Track: Risk Assessment and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

Abstract

Substations, which are part of electric power systems are ubiquitous, versatile, and serve virtually all sectors and industries. These are essential high voltage units utilized to power and reliably operate facilities in the Oil and Gas industry. However, this available electricity also poses several electrical hazards to personnel and assets such as arc flashes, electric shocks, fires, and explosions. Managing electrical fire risks is of growing significance since as per NFPA it is the leading cause of fire accidents leading to multi-million-dollars asset damages, personnel injuries, or fatalities. This study examines the numerous substation electrical fire risks. In addition, it explores the current management practices within the Oil and Gas industry by conducting a gap assessment to identify the major gaps for managing these risks and in turn, benchmark to adopt the best practices being implemented internationally (such as NFPA and IEEE). Therefore, assisting in developing a framework that will outdo and optimize the current management practices. The designed framework primarily proposes establishing an Electrical Safety Committee and conducting a Failure Mode and Effect Analysis to manage these emerging electrical fire risks within the organization.