Occupational environment monitoring at the factory extracting natural gas

1. Overview of the natural gas extraction factory

a. What is a natural gas extraction factory?

Factory for natural gas extraction is a production facility that operates to extract and produce natural gas from underground natural gas resources. The natural gas extraction factory typically applies advanced technologies and equipment to ensure that the production process is efficient and safe, while also complying with environmental and occupational safety regulations.

b. Production stages in the natural gas extraction factory

The process of natural gas extraction usually includes the following stages:

• Extraction: The process begins with extracting natural gas resources from wells drilled deep underground. Wells are created to access natural gas reservoirs and extract gas from the bottom of the well.
• Treatment and separation: Natural gas is contained in a mixture of gas, water, and other substances. The treatment and separation process is carried out to remove impurities, water, and other unwanted compounds from natural gas. This process usually includes methods such as mechanical filtration, chemical separation, and the use of equipment like filters and tanks.
• Compression and gas processing: After being separated, natural gas needs to be compressed to increase pressure and enter the next processing stage. This process typically involves using gas compressors to compress natural gas and create higher pressure.
• Component separation: The component separation process is used to separate natural gas components such as methane, ethane, propane, butane, and other hydrocarbons. Methods such as cooling, high-temperature processes, and chemical processes are used to separate natural gas components.
• Waste treatment: During natural gas production, waste and by-products may be generated. The factory usually applies waste treatment measures such as wastewater treatment, solid waste treatment, and exhaust gas treatment to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards.
• Storage and transportation: After the natural gas production process is completed, the gas is stored in tanks or pipeline systems and then transported to consumption points or other processing facilities through pipelines or transportation means such as pipelines, ships, trucks, or natural gas pipelines.

c. Types of machinery used in the natural gas extraction factory

In the natural gas extraction factory, many types of machinery and equipment are used to carry out the extraction and processing stages of natural gas. Below are some common types of machinery in the natural gas extraction factory:

• Drilling machines: Drilling machines are used to drill wells for natural gas extraction. There are many types of drilling machines such as shaft drilling machines, rotary drilling machines, seismic drilling machines, and modular drilling machines.
• Air compressors: Air compressors are used to compress natural gas to increase pressure and collect gas from wells. Air compressors can be shaft compressors, piston compressors, silent compressors, or screw compressors.
• Pumps: Pumps are used to pump and transport natural gas during production and processing. There are many types of pumps such as circulation pumps, centrifugal pumps, piston pumps, and vacuum pumps.
• Separation equipment: Separation equipment is used to remove impurities and unwanted compounds from natural gas. Equipment includes filters, tanks, separation systems, and gas absorption systems.
• Measuring and control equipment: Measuring and control equipment is used to measure and control important parameters in the natural gas extraction and processing process. This includes devices such as pressure sensors, temperature sensors, control valves, automatic controllers, and monitoring systems.
• Safety and protection equipment: Safety and protection equipment is used to ensure worker and extraction system safety. This includes devices such as fire alarm systems, gas alarm systems, electrical safety systems, and personal protective equipment such as helmets, safety glasses, gloves, and anti-static clothing.

d. What occupational diseases can workers in natural gas extraction factories face?

Workers in natural gas extraction factories may face some potential occupational diseases. Below are some common occupational diseases that may occur in this working environment:

• Respiratory diseases: Respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, asthma, and lung diseases from exposure to irritants and chemicals that may exist during natural gas extraction.
• Skin diseases: Exposure to chemical compounds and cleaning agents can cause dermatitis, eczema, and other skin issues.
• Digestive diseases: Exposure to toxic substances during the natural gas extraction and processing process can cause digestive problems such as stomach ulcers, hepatitis, and intestinal issues.
• Eye diseases: Exposure to dust, cleaning agents, or other irritants can cause inflammation and damage to the eyes.
• Ear diseases: Noise from equipment and machinery in the natural gas extraction factory can cause ear damage and hearing problems.
• Cardiovascular diseases: The working environment may put pressure on workers’ cardiovascular systems, causing issues such as high blood pressure and stress.
• Poisoning: Exposure to toxic compounds during the natural gas extraction and processing process can cause chemical poisoning, affecting various body systems.

To prevent occupational diseases, safety and protective measures such as wearing personal protective equipment, complying with safety procedures, periodic health check-ups, and workplace environmental monitoring are very important.

e. Common types of natural gas on the market

There are three common types of natural gas used and traded in the international market:

• Natural Gas: Natural gas is the most common fossil fuel gas and is widely used around the world. It mainly consists of methane (CH4), and may also contain other gas components such as ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), and other hydrocarbon gases. Natural gas is used as an energy source for many purposes, including electricity generation, heating, cooking, and industry.
• Propane Gas: Propane is a type of natural gas separated from petroleum and natural gas. It is widely used as fuel for equipment such as stoves, heaters, water heaters, and industrial applications such as metal cutting and welding.
• Butane Gas: Butane is a type of natural gas derived from petroleum and natural gas. It is commonly used as fuel for portable stoves, ovens, camping stoves, and other household appliances.

These types of natural gas are widely used in industries, households, and commercial applications. They are considered cleaner energy sources compared to other fossil fuels and play an important role in reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment.

2. Overview of occupational environmental monitoring services

a. What is occupational environmental monitoring at a natural gas extraction factory?

Occupational environmental monitoring (or workplace environmental measurement) at a natural gas extraction factory is the activity of collecting, evaluating, and analyzing measurement indicators of occupational environmental factors at the factory, in order to take timely measures, minimize environmental impacts on workers’ health, and prevent occupational diseases. Occupational environmental monitoring is a mandatory requirement for natural gas extraction factories.

Occupational environmental monitoring plays the most important role in caring for, protecting, and improving workers’ health because the main resource of enterprises and the direct creator of profit for enterprises is the worker. Workers who are regularly exposed to risk factors and occupational hazards beyond permissible standards will be affected in health and may develop occupational diseases.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SERVICE

b. Occupational environmental monitoring program of Nam Viet

The occupational environmental monitoring program of Nam Viet is a program researched by monitoring engineers in the field of occupational safety and environmental protection. With the goal of ensuring workers’ health and safety, this program uses modern measurement methods to monitor air quality, water, and microclimate, physical factors, dust, and more in the workplace environment. This is a very important program in ensuring a safe working environment and protecting workers’ health.

In addition, the occupational environmental monitoring program of Nam Viet also plays an important role in researching and developing new solutions to improve workplace environmental quality. With the dedication and professionalism of the monitoring experts, the exclusive monitoring program of Nam Viet is becoming a breakthrough in the field of occupational safety management and environmental protection in Vietnam.

c. Standardization in workplace environmental measurement procedures

Standardization in the workplace environmental measurement procedures of Nam Viet is a very important aspect in ensuring the quality of measurement results. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of measurement results, this program uses recognized standards and standardized procedures of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. This ensures that the collected data will be used with high reliability in the evaluation of the workplace environment and in making decisions on workplace environmental improvements to protect workers’ health.

These standardized procedures also ensure that the measurement results are carried out by a team of monitoring specialists with high qualifications and many years of experience, helping managers and experts to trust the results from An Toan Nam Viet and make accurate, valuable decisions in protecting workers’ health and the environment.

By applying standardization in workplace environmental measurement procedures, Nam Viet demonstrates its commitment to ensuring a safe working environment and protecting workers’ health, while also positively contributing to the development and improvement of occupational safety management and environmental protection quality in Vietnam.

d. Monitoring report results at the natural gas extraction factory

The occupational environmental monitoring results are prepared according to form number 04 Appendix III issued together with Decree 44/2016/ND-CP and are made into 02 copies: 01 copy sent to the labor facility that signed the contract to carry out occupational environmental monitoring and 01 copy kept at the organization performing occupational environmental monitoring.

The storage period for occupational environmental monitoring results is regulated by law as permanent record storage.

e. Frequency of occupational environmental monitoring according to legal regulations

According to clause 2 of Article 18 of the Law on Occupational Safety and Hygiene 84/2015/QH13, the employer must organize occupational environmental monitoring to evaluate harmful factors at least once a year.

f. Deadline for submitting occupational environmental monitoring report results according to legal regulations

The deadline for submission is before December 31 each year, enterprises belonging to production facilities are required to submit occupational environmental monitoring report results to the local Department of Health where the production facility, business has its headquarters and where workers are working.

When there are changes in technology processes, production processes, or when renovating or upgrading labor facilities that may generate new hazardous factors affecting workers’ health, enterprises in production facilities must update occupational hygiene records related to harmful factors that require occupational environmental monitoring.

g. Regulations on penalties for violations of occupational environmental monitoring for employers

According to Article 27 of Decree No. 12/2022/ND-CP dated January 17, 2022 on administrative penalties in the fields of labor, social insurance, and Vietnamese workers working abroad under contracts.

• Clause 2: A fine of 2,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND for employers who do not publicly announce to workers at the workplace where occupational environmental monitoring is conducted and where hazardous factors are inspected, evaluated, and managed immediately after the occupational environmental monitoring results and hazardous factor assessment and management results at the workplace are available.
• Clause 3: A fine of 20,000,000 – 40,000,000 VND for employers who fail to conduct occupational environmental monitoring to control health hazards to workers as prescribed by law.
• Clause 4: A fine of 40,000,000 – 60,000,000 VND for employers who collude with organizations conducting occupational environmental monitoring to commit fraud in occupational environmental monitoring activities but not to the extent of criminal prosecution.

3. Harmful environmental factors for workers in natural gas extraction factory

Workers in natural gas extraction factory may be exposed to a number of harmful environmental factors. Below are some environmental factors that can harm workers in the natural gas extraction industry:

• Gas and chemical vapors: During natural gas extraction, there may be toxic gas and chemical vapors such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and other hydrocarbons. Exposure to these toxic vapors can cause many health problems, from stimulating the nervous and respiratory systems to damaging internal organs.
• Dust and fine particles: During the process of extracting, transporting, and processing natural gas, dust and fine particles may be generated that can enter the respiratory tract of workers. Dust and fine particles can cause respiratory irritation, pneumonia, and other respiratory problems.
• Noise: Natural gas extraction activities such as drilling, evaluation, and transportation can create high noise levels. Continuous and loud noise can negatively affect hearing and cause stress and fatigue for workers.
• Mechanical working conditions: Working in the natural gas extraction environment may require workers to be exposed to heavy equipment and machinery, move simultaneously and frequently, and work in harsh physical environments. This can lead to injuries and health problems related to physical load and force.
• Environmental impact: Natural gas extraction work can cause widespread environmental impacts, including air, water, and soil pollution. Exposure to pollutants can affect workers’ health.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

4. Measures to improve the working environment in natural gas extraction factory

Improving the working environment in natural gas extraction factory is an important factor to ensure the safety and health of workers. Below are some measures to improve the working environment in the natural gas extraction industry:

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations: Complying with occupational safety and environmental standards related to natural gas extraction is essential. These regulations include the use of personal protective equipment, proper waste handling, and applying risk control measures.
• Training and raising awareness: Training and educating workers about occupational safety, safe working procedures, how to use protective equipment, and proper waste handling is very important. This helps increase awareness and reduce the risk of accidents and occupational diseases.
• Environmental pollution control: Applying environmental pollution control measures to minimize workers’ exposure to toxic substances. This includes using filtering equipment, effective ventilation systems, and safe waste treatment processes.
• Noise management: Noise is an important factor that needs to be managed in natural gas extraction factory. Using soundproofing measures, anti-noise equipment, and limiting exposure time to noise can minimize negative impacts on workers’ health.
• Health monitoring and medical treatment: Implementing periodic health monitoring for workers and providing medical care for workers at high risk.
• Regularly organize occupational environment monitoring in factories, collect and analyze harmful factors for workers, thereby adjusting to reduce the level of harm to prevent occupational diseases for them.

5. Benefits of periodic monitoring in natural gas extraction factory

An Toan Nam Viet provides enterprises with excellent benefits when using occupational environment monitoring services in accordance with Decree 44/2016/ND – CP on the management and control of harmful factors in the working environment affecting workers.

• Enterprises can proactively control harmful factors in workshops or factory
• Receive consulting and recommendations on measures to minimize harmful factors and improve the quality of the working environment.
• Indirectly protect human resources, the main factor in the development process of the enterprise
• Minimize the harmful effects of occupational diseases on human health, thereby reducing future medical treatment costs.
• Workers’ health is improved, leading to ensured and maintained product quality and output.
• Comply with occupational safety laws, avoiding legal risks.
• Create reputation and professionalism in all aspects, thereby enhancing the brand for enterprises.

The occupational environment monitoring service of Nam Viet is the solution to minimize the harmful effects of occupational diseases, contributing to creating a healthy and quality working environment.

6. National occupational environment monitoring center

Occupational environment monitoring center of Nam Viet is a professional unit in monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment throughout all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports customers in planning, handling, and tracking occupational environment issues. With the motto “customers are the center”, the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs and committing to providing the best solutions for enterprises.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

With investment in technology, techniques, and human resources, the monitoring center of Nam Viet has been and is becoming one of the reputable units in the field of occupational environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following goals:

• We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our service products.
• We provide customers with the best and most suitable possible solutions.
• Together with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with expertise, aiming to protect the environment and benefit enterprises.
• Coming to the Nam Viet Environment Monitoring team, enterprises will receive professional service with experts in the field of monitoring. At the same time, they will receive the best cost benefits.

The process of conducting occupational environment monitoring at Nam Viet includes the following basic steps:

• Before conducting occupational environment monitoring, our company always ensures that machinery and equipment serving occupational environment monitoring are adjusted and calibrated in accordance with legal regulations.
• Implement fully and properly the occupational environment monitoring process committed to the Department of Health.
• Honestly report occupational environment monitoring results to employers.
• In case the occupational environment monitoring results are not safe for workers, Nam Viet will support proposing solutions and the workplace will implement as follows:
  • Implement measures to improve working conditions to minimize the impact of harmful factors and prevent occupational diseases.
  • Organize health checks to detect occupational diseases and work-related diseases early for workers in unsafe working environments.
  • Provide material benefits for workers in accordance with labor laws.

7. Quotation for occupational environment monitoring

To help enterprises perform occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a quotation table for occupational environment monitoring services with quality and reasonable cost.

• Our monitoring quotation table provides detailed information about the prices of the monitoring services we provide. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting results. Customers can be assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring reports we provide.
• We are committed to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are also always ready to provide advice and answer all questions about monitoring services quickly and professionally.
• With Nam Viet’s monitoring quotation table, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.