March 1992
Institute of Corrosion
Conference Paper
Survey of Microbiological Hazards and Risks Associated with Offshore Oilfield Operations
The Control of Substances Hazardous to the Health Regulations 1988 (COSHH) includes any substance which creates a hazard to the health of people at work. A substance should be regarded as hazardous to health if it is hazardous in the form in which it occurs in the work activity, whether or not its mode of causing injury is known, and whether or not the active constituent has been identified. Substances hazardous to health include micro-organisms and allergens as well as chemicals.
Other COSHH-related consequences of micro-organisms can arise from their metabolic products. Many micro-organisms produce chemicals that can represent a hazard even though the organisms themselves do not. A good example is the hydrogen sulphide generated by sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Although reservoir souring and microbially enhanced corrosion are usually seen to be the major concern, the health and safety aspects of the hydrogen sulphide produced are of prime importance and must inevitably be included in the regular COSHH assessment of operations.
This document was produced in order to identify potential risks to workers from exposure to micro-organisms during normal oilfield operations. Its primary purpose is to inform the non-specialist of these potential risks and should act as a reminder that micro-organisms should be included when COSHH risk assessments are made in the working environment.