NORMS - SP1170

http://www.pdo.co.om/hseforcontractors/blocks/documentation/hs
edocs.htm
OR
http://sww1.pdo.shell.om/dept/cd/csm/health/NORM.htm
Radiation:
 Process by which energy is transmitted from a source without physical contact.
 Energy transmitted is capable off causing considerable harm, depending on its form and
the length of exposure.
 2 forms of radiation:
 Ionising and non-ionising
We hear that radiation can be a health hazard (both non-ionizing and ionizing radiation) - Every
day we are exposed to naturally occurring radiation from the earth, cosmic rays (sunlight), the
food we consume. This is termed background radiation. Most commonly known sources or
radiation are from nuclear industry (Uranium) or health care (X-rays or chemotherapy)

Terrestrial Naturally Occurring Radionuclide’s - Present since the planet Earth was formed. We
all know radiation can be a health hazard. Most people are familiar with radiation from the
nuclear (Uranium) or health care (X-ray or chemotherapy). However, oil and gas production
can concentrate naturally occurring radioactive elements (e.g. radium, radon, polonium, lead,
bismuth etc) from the reservoir and create a small radiation health risk that requires HSE
management.

NORM Contaminated Spool removed from Zauliyah

NORM Contaminated sludge removed from Qaharir Gathering Station

NORM contaminated evaporation pond in Al-Noor from produced water from Al-Noor
Production Station

Decay Series of Uranium-238

 Formation with entrapped pore water. As waters start to move, dissolved radium-ions
may be transported to somewhere far from the originating formation, i.e. far from its
parent 238U. Consequently, no in growth of 226Ra anymore by nuclear decay >
unsupported.

 226
Ra will form a new secular equilibrium with its short-lived daughters > 226Ra or 226Raeq
sub-series.
ALPHA, BETA and GAMMA

 Alpha & beta create an internal problem if ingested, otherwise they don’t really cause us
to concern – a combination of skin and our coveralls can stop the flow of the alpha and
beta particles.
 X-ray and gamma radiation is commonly used for non-destructive testing of welds
where it is essential that the weld cannot fail e.g. in stainless steel pipelines carrying
dangerous liquids.
 NORM Includes both streams of particles emitted by the decay of radioactive substances
(alpha and beta particles and gamma rays) and X-rays.
 Gamma can penetrate through external skin and effect body cells
 Alpha and Beta particles cannot penetrate the skin from outside the body, HOWEVER if
the scales or particles are inhaled or ingested they interact and may affect internal
organs and body tissue, causing dermatitis, skin ulcers or cancers
 Inhalation
 Ingestion
 Absorption (through open cuts)
High doses of NORM within the human body can result in:
 Massive cell destruction
 Lung cancer and leukaemia
 The major risk is inhalation of dust or debris contaminated with NORM
 Dermatitis, skin ulcers or cancers

What is defined as NORM Contaminated Equipment?

Background radiation in Oman

 2 counts per second (cps) using Mini 900/44A probe (Taken from inside clean spool)
 0.5 cps using Mini 900/EP15 probe

NORM contaminated equipment

 5 cps above background with either meter
 Consider equipment: > 7 cps or more contaminated when using Mini 900/44A
 Consider equipment: > 5.5 cps or more contaminated when using Mini 900/EP15
 Average background radiation everybody is exposed to is 1-2 milli severts / year
 PDO exposure standard is that exposures shall not exceed 1 mSv above background
 NORM surveys in PDO shows minor contamination in all Main Production Stations
 The external dose from gamma is negligible – almost background
 Health risks may arise if contaminated material is inhaled or Ingested

HOW SERIOUS IS NORM?

 Average background radiation everybody is exposed to is 1-2 milli severts / year

  PDO exposure standard is that exposures shall not exceed 1 mSv above background

 NORM surveys in PDO shows minor contamination in all Main Production Stations

 The external dose from gamma is negligible – almost background

 Health risks may arise if contaminated material is inhaled or Ingested

Location CPS Dose No of shifts / year to exceed 1

uSv/hr mSv limit

Saih Nihayda T1402 80 0.25 – 0.37 270

Lekhwair Bulk Separator V-2631 5-10 0.08 – 0.1 1000

Sadad Water Surge Tank T-8753 35 0.1 – 0.3 333

Zauliyah Dehydration Tank T-7402 20- 2 50

100

Sayyala T-7105 500 2-5 200

Al-Noor Bulk Header 600 6 16

Mini 900 with 44A Probe

These can be calibrated at a competent laboratory and once every year
The class would be advised to take notes in their workbook as certain facts will be in the final
assessment
Each PDO production and gathering station shall have a Mini 900 Meter with 44A probe
assigned for use during maintenance activities. Gas facilities (GD) shall in addition have an
Intrinsically Safe Tracerco T201 for internal monitoring of Pb-210 and other daughter isotopes
of radon gas.
Well Service contractors involved with workovers or servicing of producing wells shall have
their own set of calibrated Mini 900 with 44A probe and Mini 900 with EP15 probe (or
equivalent meters approved by the PDO CRFP). Each shall have dedicated meters and sufficient
spare meters to cater for calibration or damages.

CONTAMINATION MONITORING
Readings Definition Action required

less than 5 cps above background No NORM No controls

5 cps or more above background NORM PPE - If opening system

100 cps or more above background NORM 1. PPE – If opening system

2. Monitor dose using dose-rate meter

DOSE RATE METERS

{Reads in micro sieverts/hr (µSv/hr)}
 Used if Mini 900/44A exceed 100 cps
 If dose > 2.5 µSv /hr = Supervised Area
 If dose > 7.5 µSv /hr = Controlled Area
 Graetz X 5CEx or Tracerco T202
 Intrinsically safe
 Contractors cleaning highly contaminated (> 100 cps) tanks and vessels shall be
provided with an Intrinsically Safe dose rate meter (bottom photo) to measure their
daily dose or shall wear personal TLD Badges OR (Tracerco T202 or Graetz X 5CEx are
acceptable)

NORM SURVEY FORMS – APPENDIX A

The Asset is responsible for conducting and recording the results of NORM Surveys of
equipment within their production stations, manifolds, flowlines and sludge farms. Production
stations and manifolds shall have a comprehensive survey performed as a minimum every four
years or when undergoing a major shutdown given the internal surface access.

External surveys shall be conducted using the Mini 900 meter with the 44A probe. The major
limitation of external radiation monitoring is shielding and when it comes to gas-related NORM
for equipment that has been off-line for several hours. Equipment that has conveyed only wet
or dry gas may emit radiation that cannot penetrate the steel walls. When such equipment is
open, an alpha/beta detector such as the Mini 900/EP15 or Tracerco T201 must be used to
detect the presence of internal contamination.

NORM METER CALIBRATION AND REPAIR FORM – APPENDIX D

This form is used if equipment needs calibration or repair.

All meters shall be calibrated annually by a competent laboratory, include a certificate and fixed
label with the calibration details. PDO meters damaged or due for calibration shall be provided
to the local Production Chemistry Laboratory with the completed NORM Meter Calibration and
Repair Form (Appendix D).

All PDO meters shall be recorded in SAP under the Asset Register.

SAMPLING FOR NORM

 Sample at least 100 g of representative loose sludge

 Use sealable bottles from Prod Chemistry - Do not use open plastic bags
 Label the container
 Complete NORM Analysis request Form Appendix C
 Give to the Local Interior Prod Chemistry to forward to MAF (Mina al Fahal)Laboratory

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Pollution to the earth, water courses and atmosphere are environmental risks associated with
NORM.
Explain how NORM, will pollute the ground and its water courses, then flow into the oceans.
This will contaminate the plant life, wildlife including fish and animals – which we will eat.
The water cycle describes the pilgrimage of water as water molecules make their way from the
Earth’s surface to the atmosphere and back again, in some cases to below the surface. This
gigantic system, powered by energy from the Sun, is a continuous exchange of moisture
between the oceans, the atmosphere, and the land. After the water enters the lower
atmosphere, rising air currents carry it upward, often high into the atmosphere, where the air is
cooler. In the cool air, water vapour is more likely to condense from a gas to a liquid to form
cloud droplets. Cloud droplets can grow and produce precipitation (including rain, snow, etc),
which are the primary mechanism for transporting water from the atmosphere back to the
Earth’s surface.
When precipitation falls over the land surface, it follows various routes in its subsequent paths.
Some of it evaporates, returning to the atmosphere; some seeps into the ground as soil
moisture or groundwater; and some runs off into rivers and streams. Almost all of the water
eventually flows into the oceans or other bodies of water, where the cycle continues. At
different stages of the cycle, some of the water is intercepted by humans or other life forms for
drinking, washing, irrigating, and a large variety of other uses.
DISPOSAL
The PDOs preferred method is engineered landfills.
PDO’s waste streams with less than 1 Bq/g for Ra-226 are below the IAEA limit (International
Atomic Energy Agency) for classifying NORM waste. There are no radiological precautions for
their treatment and disposal and they can be land farmed or mixed with other oily waste.
 Wastes exceeding 1 Bq/g for Ra-226 are currently stored in the Bahja NORM Yard. This consists
of;
 large volumes of sludge in pits and a fenced area
 sludge in drums (both cemented and loose)
 highly active scale in drums
 contaminated PPE in drums
 contaminated filters in drums
Feasible disposal solutions for PDO’s NORM contaminated waste streams have been identified
and extensively reviewed. PDO has selected engineered landfills as the preferred disposal
option for its NORM waste.
Waste exceeding 1 Bq/g requires a radiological risk assessment prior to disposal to ensure the
risk to workers’ health, the public and the environment are not compromised. A radiological
risk assessment shall include estimates of the dose contributions from potential exposure
pathways such as; dust inhalation, radon inhalation, direct external exposure and the effects of
contamination of surface water, ground water and the food chain taking into consideration
different types of future land use. Assessments should take into consideration natural
background levels around the affected area.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
An emergency situation is defined as an unplanned, potentially harmful exposure to NORM.
Recovery measures shall be implemented in the event of an emergency situation.  
In most cases, because of the relatively low radionuclide concentrations involving NORM
materials, cleanup of contaminated areas is straightforward.
Road traffic accident involving a vehicle transporting NORM contaminated materials, the first
priority is to attend to the driver. The accident can be alerted by calling 2438 5555 / 2467
5555 / 9999.
Road Traffic accidents involving tubulars or contaminated equipment pose no health risk as the
contaminated scale is contained within the tubulars and cannot be readily released. If loose
sludge material has been released from a damaged drum(s) or waste skip bin, the vehicle can
be approached from upwind. Provided the material is not inhaled or physically handled the risk
to rescue crews is minimal. Rescue crews should wear a P3 dust mask to reduce the inhalation
risk based on the extent of the spill and rescue requirements.
 
Once the driver has been rescued and taken upwind, the site should be barricaded with tape.
Spilt material shall be collected by shoveling and sweeping the waste into sealable drums or
waste skip bins depending on the volume. Clean-up crews shall wear the appropriate NORM
PPE including disposable coveralls, gloves and a P3 dust mask (Refer PPE Section). The clean-up
crew shall use a Mini 900/44A meter to check for contamination on the surface of equipment
and affected areas. Access to contaminated areas by members of the public should be
restricted until the hazard has been reduced to an acceptable level.
For incidents involving the loss or theft of NORM contaminated equipment, the incident shall
be brought to the attention of the Contract Holder who shall commence an investigation and
alert the R.O.P. (theft only). Contaminated equipment is labeled when removed from service.
Anyone finding or attempting to remove contaminated equipment will be alerted of the
radiation risk. If NORM contaminated equipment is identified amongst non contaminated
equipment, it shall be segregated, checked for details, opening shall be enclosed with heavy
duty plastic if necessary and the item(s) shall be transported to the Bahja NORM Yard in
accordance with transport requirements
WELL WORKOVERS AND SERVICING
Rig Manager or Driller must monitor internals of the flow line, Xmas tree & hanger using Mini
900/44A
Monitor first 5 joints internally then every 5th joint of entire string & any pump components
If pulling plugs / GLV or milling; monitor all pulled equipment or milled returns in tanks
If No NORM is found - Complete NORM Survey Form (Appendix A) and send with consignment
Record readings in drilling report and EDM i.e. No NORM was found
If NORM is found - Stop work, Refer to specific NORM Guideline (e.g. MSE.24 – Workovers)
Conduct tool box talk, set up Controlled Area & don approved PPE
Job becomes NORM job
Record contaminated equipment on NORM Generation Form (Appendix B)
Transport contaminated equipment to Bahja NORM Yard (Waste
Consignment Note) attaching Appendix B. Record findings in EDM and
drilling report

PIGGING
Debris or Pig detected < 5 cps above BG = No NORM
If 5 cps above background,
 Put on PPE
 Collect debris into a drum and take sample for laboratory analysis to determine
disposal method
 Once NORM Analysis result is back determine disposal location
  Complete Appendix B if required to be sent to the Bahja NORM Yard
 Include analysis result in Appendix B

TRANSPORTATION
 Use Waste Consignment Note, which would be
 Attach NORM Generation Form (Appendix B SP1170)
 NORM material must be secure and enclosed for safe transport
 Transport equipment / waste to Bahja NORM Yard.
All NORM contaminated equipment of sludge waste shall be transported using the PDO Waste
Consignment Note.
All equipment or sludge shall documented on the NORM Generation Form Appendix B and
attached to the Waste Consignment Note
NORM contaminated equipment removed from wells by well services contractors e.g. joints,
ESPs, cables, etc which will not be re-run, shall be collected from the well location by the
respective Integrated Services Contractor for Hazardous Waste (North/South) and taken to the
Bahja NORM Yard. The exception is well servicing activities in Bahja where the well services
contractor shall return the equipment to the Bahja NORM Yard.
In the event that the agreed Waste Contractor cannot reach the location prior to the hoist or
well service contractor moving to another location, the well service contractor shall transport
the equipment to the local Asset Waste Treatment Facility. The Asset is then responsible for
arranging transport to Bahja. Contaminated equipment shall never be left at the well site
unaccompanied. When completing the NORM Generation Form, the Hoist or Service Contractor
can group items such as 3 ½” joints and give a range of readings, however specific items must
be listed to quantify the amount of equipment.
ENCAPSULATION FOR TRANSPORT & STORAGE
NORM contaminated equipment and sludge is considered as hazardous waste, however for the
purpose of transport within Oman they will not be transported as Radioactive Materials as the
activity should not exceed 100 Bq/g (MD 249/97).
 The openings to contaminated valves, spool pieces and pumps shall be covered with
heavy duty (200 um) polyethylene plastic and labelled as NORM contaminated.
 Internally contaminated tubulars shall be end-capped and each tubular labelled.
 Any tubulars externally contaminated or with perforations must be plastic wrapped and
transported in a completion skid or basket.
 The maximum reading at any point on the outer surface of the vehicle shall not exceed
250 cps. (Approx 2.5 μSv/h).
 The maximum reading at one meter distance from the outer surface of any vehicle
carrying NORM shall not exceed 10 cps (0.1 μSv/h).
 The maximum reading at the driver's seat shall not exceed background.
 Sludge in skip waste bins shall be covered with shade cloth to prevent airborne particles
 Each driver of vehicles carrying NORM shall not drive for more than 4 hours without a
break and the total working hours shall not exceed 10 hours per day.
  After unloading, the vacuum truck, vehicle tray or skip shall be monitored by the NORM
yard operator for contamination before being released.
 The consignment must be securely packaged in a manner that effectively prevents
release of any NORM contamination during transport. Labels shall be fixed on the
exterior surface of equipment, drummed sludge or tippers during transport.

SUMMARY
 Treat equipment that conveys production fluids as NORM contaminated until monitored
 Refer to previous surveys or look for labels on equipment to identify NORM
contamination
 Follow the HSE Specification NORM SP1170
 Implement the NORM Guidelines into work procedures
 Wear the specific designated PPE
 Maintain good personal hygiene
 Keep records