Oil & Gas

IARC Group 1 carcinogen. OSHA PEL 1 ppm TWA, STEL 5 ppm. ACGIH TLV 0.5 ppm TWA. Present in crude oil, natural gas, and refined products. Tank gauging, pipeline pigging, and turnaround operations are highest-exposure tasks. Charcoal tube with CS₂ desorption (NIOSH 1501) or passive badge sampling.

Sour gas operations in Permian Basin, Haynesville, and other plays. Immediately dangerous to life at 100 ppm. OSHA ceiling 20 ppm, ACGIH TLV 1 ppm TWA, 5 ppm STEL. Real-time electrochemical sensors plus personal integrated sampling.

RCS from sand handling during hydraulic fracturing operations. OSHA silica rule 29 CFR 1926.1153 Table 1. Proppant transfer and blending generate high respirable quartz exposures. OSHA PEL 50 µg/m³ TWA.

Drilling rigs, compressor stations, and refinery process units. Continuous noise exceeding 85 dB(A). OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 hearing conservation program trigger at 85 dB(A) TWA.

Typical Worker Groups

Common similar exposure groups (SEGs) assessed in this industry.

Regulatory Context

Oil and gas operations are regulated under OSHA 29 CFR 1910 (general industry) and 29 CFR 1926 (construction). The OSHA silica rule (29 CFR 1926.1153) applies to hydraulic fracturing sand handling. The benzene standard (29 CFR 1910.1028) requires exposure monitoring, medical surveillance, and regulated areas when exposures exceed the action level. State OSHA plans in California, New Mexico, and other states may have additional requirements. OSHA conducted 34,625 inspections in FY 2024. The Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP) places employers with willful or repeat violations on mandatory follow-up inspection lists.