Hazard Identification and Control > Job Task Hazard Inventory

All Positions at Power Tech Industries may be subject to the following hazards during the course of their daily job procedures.

NOTE: Bullet point 1 is the Safety Hazard, bullet point 2 is the Health Hazard, bullet point 3 lists Hazard Controls.

Hazards - Routine

Airborne particles C - Low [1 - 3]

1.Outside workers may be subjected to airborne particulates or dusty conditions.

2.Exposure to airborne particles could cause numerous health problems, including reduced lung capacity or bronchitis.

3.Disposable dust masks or cartridge respirator masks should be used as necessary.

Arc flash A - High [7 - 10]

1.There is a possibility of arc flash explosions when open or closing high voltage disconnects, or when opening high voltage panels.

2.Exposure to arc flash can cause extreme burns on the body parts exposed to it.

3.Use of arc flash PPE, including FR clothing and face protection is required.

Burns B - Medium

1.Employees doing welding or making coffee may be subject to hot metal or liquids.

2.This can cause extreme burns or fire if wearing non FR clothing.

3.Always us proper PPE for welding and handle coffee pots as required by the manufacturer.

Congested work area B - Medium

1.Some work leases are congested with other crews, equipment, and traffic.

2.This creates an increased risk of accidents/incidents. Employees and equipment could be backed into or be injured from other crew activities.

3.Always be aware of what is going on around you. Park vehicles/equipment in a safe location. Watch out for each other and other crews.

Cuts/Punctures to hands/body B - Medium

1.Employees use sharp knives when stripping cable. There is the possibility of cutting the hands or fingers by the knife slipping.

2.Cuts and/or punctures can lead to infections from contamination.

3.Extra caution must always be taken when using sharp tools. Never cut towards yourself. Use cut resistant gloves when required.

Debris in eyes B - Medium

1.Possibility of filings, dust, debris, broken glass from lights getting in the eyes.

2.Employees could suffer permanent damage to the eyes, eye infections, sores, etc.

3.Safety glasses are to be worn at all times on work sites.

Driving to/from lease locations A - High

1.Employees driving to and from lease sites are exposed to extreme weather, icy roads, wild life, mud, fatigue, poor visibility, other traffic, pedestrians.

2.Vehicle accidents can lead to paralysis, extreme injuries up to death for you, your fellow employees, or for other persons.

3.Extra caution must always be used when operating vehicles and all traffic regulations must be followed.

Electrical shock A - High

1.Employees sometimes work with live wires, open disconnects, or high voltage on wire lines.

2.Possible health effects could include electrical burns, arc flash explosions resulting in death, broken limbs.

3.Proper electrical training is provided to all employees. Proper PPE including electrical gloves, boots, etc. must be worn at all times when working with live wires.

Ergonomics B - Medium

1.Employees may work in awkward positions when stringing electrical cable or doing mechanical motor repairs. Office employees sit at work stations for long periods of time.

2.Strained muscles, back injuries, carpal tunnel are all associated health risks.

3.Breaks should be taken occasionally, or work rotation can be used if possible.

Exposure to H2S gas A - High

1.Possible exposure to H2S gas on well sites, batteries, tank farms, etc.

2.Exposure to H2S can lead to headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting may develop, together with irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract (the lungs and trachea and bronchi, or air pipes from the nose and mouth to the lungs). The eyes become red, sore, inflamed, and sensitive to light. Respiratory system effects include cough, pain in the nose and throat, and pain on breathing. High concentrations can lead to death.

3.All employees must use a 4 head gas monitor on work sites and ensure Pre-Job Safety meetings are held to assess all hazards.

Falling A - High

1.Employees may need to work on uneven ground, on the back of trucks or pickers, or from ladders and man lifts.

2.Unexpected falls can lead to sprained or broken limbs and even death.

3.Proper footing must be maintained at all times. Ladder safety rules must be followed. Fall protection gear is to be worn when required.

Foot injuries B - Medium

1.Employees sometimes use heavy parts, tools or move heavy equipment.

2.Dropping these items could result in foot injuries from mild bruising to breaking bones.

3.Steel toed boots are to be worn at all times on job sites. Extra caution should always be used when using heavy materials, tools, or equipment.

Heavy lifting B - Medium

1.Employees are subject to heavy lifting when installing controllers, rough neck heaters, changing bearing motors, etc.

2.Heavy lifting can result in soft tissue injuries, back strain, displaced disks, etc.

3.Proper lifting techniques, two man lifts, or mechanical lifting devices must be used.

Inclement weather B - Medium

1.Employees work outside so are exposed to extreme weather at certain times of the year, including heat, cold, high winds, rain, heavy snow falls.

2.Exposure to extreme heat can cause heat stress, dizziness, fatigue, unconsciousness, de-hydration. Exposure to extreme can lead to hypothermia, skin freezing, loss of sensation. Other extreme weather such as lightning and tornados can lead to death.

3.Always be aware of the weather and any changes in the weather. Extra breaks can be used in extreme heat or cold conditions. Training and proper clothing are to be used. Ensure you know where to shelter in place if tornadoes or lightning storms occur.

Jacking B - Medium

1.When using trailer jacks or any manual or hydraulic jack, always ensure the jack is placed properly and is the proper tonnage rating for the load.

2.Improper jacking can lead to personal injury or death from the equipment falling off the jack.

3.Never go under any equipment that is on a jack. Always use a safety stand where required.

Moving parts A - High

1.Employees may work around moving equipment.

2.Exposure to moving equipment can result in clothing or body parts being contacted or pulled in by the rotational forces of the equipment. This can result in severe body trauma or death in some instances.

3.Care should always be taken to be aware of the surroundings and equipment locations. Equipment should always be de-energized and locked out when possible. If lockout is not possible, exposure areas should be barricaded off.

Other crews C - Low

1.Employees may work on congested sites with other crews.

2.Personal injury could result from the work activities of other crews up to and including death.

3.Communication with the other crews is essential. You need to be aware of what the other crews are doing at all times, and they need to be aware of your presence and job functions on the work site.

Other employees C - Low

1.Employees must always be aware what other employees are doing when they are working around each other to ensure no one is putting anybody in danger by their actions.

2.Personal injury or death could result from the carelessness of another employee working by your side.

3.Always ensure every employee is aware of the hazards and the job expectations by performing a Pre Job Safety analysis and meeting prior to starting any job.

Overhead hazards B - Medium

1.There may be overhead hazards when working around pump jacks or when picker trucks are moving motors.

2.Overhead hazards could result in head trauma including lacerations, concussions, or even death.

3.Hard hats are to be worn at all times. Employees are to use tag lines to guide any overhead items being moved with picker cranes.

Pinch points B - Medium

1.Employees install controllers and change motors as well as doing motor repairs. Care needs to be taken when moving equipment around to prevent pinching body parts.

2.Pinched body parts could result in cuts, scrapes, dislocations, broken bones, or even death.

3.Always be aware of your surroundings and your job steps involving any equipment whether stationery or moving. Avoid putting any body parts in areas that could result in pinch or crush injuries.

Power tools B - Medium

1.Employees use many power tools that can expose them to various hazards from electrical to impact/vibration.

2.Use of power tools could result in electrical burns if cords are not properly maintained. Other power tools expose employees to dangers of rotation (drills) where clothing or hair could get caught in the tool, causing trauma to the head or other body parts. Exposure to impact/vibration forces can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome including inflammation of connective tissues, carpal tunnel syndrome, lumbar spine issues, female reproductive issues.

3.Employees must be trained prior to using power tools. Loose clothing or jewellery should not be worn. Long hair should be tied back.

Repetitive motion C - Low

1.Employees may be subject to repetitive motion using computers and some tools such as screw drivers.

2.This can lead to personal injury such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

3.Breaks should be taken as required or job rotation.

Slipping B - Medium

1.Employees work on icy surfaces, in mud, and climb into the back of the trucks or onto raised pump jack pads.

2.Slipping in any of these conditions could result in ankle sprains or breakage, as well as lead to other serious injuries from falling after a slip.

3.Care needs to be taken to ensure proper footing at all times. Proper footwear is to be used on all job locations. Use of ice cleats may be necessary in icy conditions.

Strain/Sprain B - Medium

1.Employees may use excessive body force on some jobs that could result in strains or sprains.

2.Strains or sprains can be on various body parts, including ankles, lower back, shoulders, arms, legs.

3.Good body ergonomics and working within physical limitations must be applied. Two people may be required to perform some of the tasks involving heavier work.

Stress B - Medium

1.Employees are subject to driving in adverse conditions and sometimes work long hours. Office staff need to be on the phone for long periods of time and take numerous calls while multitasking with other duties.

2.Stress can lead to personal health problems including depression, pain, heart disease, digestive problems, sleep problems, autoimmune disease, and skin conditions.

3.Employees feeling stress should contact their local physician or seek counselling from an approved therapist.

Tripping B - Medium

1.Employees are exposed to congested work sites where there may be many electrical cords laid out on the ground causing trip hazards. Other areas may have uncontrolled hazards and require housekeeping.

2.Tripping can lead to strained or broken ankles, wrists, or head injuries. Other injuries could result from contact with equipment after the trip has occurred.

3.Always keep your work area clean and free of any trip hazards. If employees are on a work site of another crew, always do a Pre Job Safety meeting and make note of all hazards.

Uneven surfaces C - Low

1.Employees are subjected to uneven ground on some lease sites where the pump jack may be built on a raised berm. In winter conditions there is snow build-up around the equipment.

2.Uneven surfaces can lead to trips, slips, or falls which could result in personal injury from strains to broken bones.

3.Employees are to always perform a Pre Job Safety meeting and make note of all hazards on the work site. Extra care will be needed any time a work site involves an uneven surface.

Welding Fumes B - Medium

1.When doing welding, torching, or grinding employees may be exposed to welding fumes or fumes from heated metal with oil contamination on them.

2.Exposure to welding fumes can cause numerous health problems. When inhaled, welding fumes can enter the lungs, bloodstream, brain nerve cells, spinal cord and other organs and can cause both short- and long-term health effects including dry throat and cough, fatigue, asthenia, fatigue, etc.

3.Any employee performing welding must wear a disposable paper mask or a half cartridge respirator.

Well head pressure A - High

1.Employees changing PRESCO switches may be exposed to well head pressure.

2.Exposure to well head pressure can result in serious injuries, including exposure to H2S gas, high pressure water or oil and can result in death.

3.Proper training is required anytime work is performed on well heads. Pre Job Safety meeting will expose the existing hazards and must be performed. Always ensure the well is bled down before removing a switch.

Working at heights B - Medium

1.Employees must sometimes work off ladders, manlifts, rooftops, and over pits.

2.These locations could result in fall injuries including broken bones or death. As well employees working at height could drop tools resulting in injuries to the employees on the ground.

3.Hard hats are to be worn at all times. Employees are to follow all ladder safety and use fall protection where required.

Hazards - Non Routine

Impact/Vibration C - Low

1.Employees may be subject to impact/vibration forces from using tools such as jackhammers.

2.Exposure to impact/vibration forces can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome including inflammation of connective tissues, carpal tunnel syndrome, lumbar spine issues, female reproductive issues.

3.Jobs should be rotated and impact absorbing gloves should be worn.

Loud noises C - Low

1.Employees may be subject to noises over 85dBA when using side grinders, hole saws, or tools such as jackhammers.

2.Exposure to high noise levels can result in permanent hearing damage.

3.Hearing protection is provided and must be used.

Open trenches C - Low

1.There are open trenches on some leases where employees must use extra caution when working.

2.Open trenches could result in employees stepping into them, which can lead to strain or fall injuries, depending on the width and depth of the trench. Twisted ankles, or broken limbs could be possible.

3.Always be aware of what is going on around your worksite. Mark any open trenches that may be adjacent to your work area. Communication with other work crews must be maintained so everyone is aware of the work site conditions.

Work in confined spaces A - High

1.Employees occasionally work in confined spaces where they may be exposed to H2S, lack of oxygen, tight body movements.

2.Exposure to any confined space can lead to unconsciousness or even death.

3.These areas must always be checked with the 4 head monitors prior to work starting to ensure they are safe, and continual monitoring must be done while working in a confined space. A watch person is always required to remain outside the confined space entrance.

Working inside some buildings with gas exposure B - Medium

1.The interior of some lease buildings may have H2S build-up, carbon monoxide, or area with lack of oxygen.

2.Working in these areas could result in unconsciousness or death.

3.The use of 4 head gas monitors and ventilation is required prior to work starting. Continual monitoring and ventilation is required.