297 Benzene risk management – how to plan and operate with a low OEL

Introduction The occupational exposure limit for benzene is decreasing. EU are moving towards 0,2 ppm (8 hours) in the years to come, and Norway implemented this low value in their regulations in 2021. Another national requirement is that carcinogens shall be handled in closed systems if this is technically feasible. This presentation covers how to manage safe work per today in oil & gas and moving towards improved solutions. Methodology For new installations, exposure free design solutions to be included from the start and followed up along the project maturation. Research and technology development are also in the toolbox heading for exposure free operations. For existing installations, a design change will take time, and we need to provide safe work with respect to benzene even where there is no closed system. Risk management covers the use of robots, technical controls (ventilation/extraction), organizational controls (training, time restrictions), and PPE. Results Mapping and sharing good design solutions, including both the technical and the user experience perspective, is an important driver for improvement. Gaps are input to technology development. In operation, safe work measures should be accompanied by assurance activities to confirm compliance, i.e., technical system checks (leakages, extraction rate) and personal exposure measurement of benzene. Conclusion Designing oil and gas facilities to meet low benzene exposure requirements is challenging, and there is a need for a step-up, both within new technologies and implementing existing technologies. Some of these solutions as well as examples of risk management today, are presented.