NORM Management in Oil and Gas Production

What is NORM?Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) are radioactive elements such as uranium, thorium, radium, and potassium-40 that are naturally present in the Earth's crust. In oil and gas production, these materials can become concentrated through extraction processes, resulting in Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (TENORM). This occurs when human activities, such as drilling and fracking, bring these materials to the surface, where they accumulate in scales, sludges, and contaminated equipment.
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Health and Environmental Risks

Exposure to NORM can pose significant health risks to workers, including:
  • Inhalation of radioactive dust: Workers may inhale dust containing radium or other radionuclides during activities such as cutting, grinding, or sandblasting.
  • Gamma radiation exposure: Direct exposure to gamma radiation from contaminated equipment or waste.
  • Radon gas inhalation: Radon, a decay product of radium, can be released during drilling and pose a lung cancer risk if inhaled.
  • Contaminated water: Improper disposal of produced waters can lead to contamination of groundwater, which may affect local water supplies.

Exposure Control Plans: Keeping Exposure ALARA

At Western Health & Safety, we specialize in creating Exposure Control Plans that ensure worker exposure to NORM is kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA). This principle is fundamental in radiation protection and involves minimizing exposure through a combination of engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).Our Exposure Control Plans include:
  • Radiation Surveys: Regular monitoring to assess radiation levels and identify areas of concern.
  • Engineering Controls: Installing shielding and barriers to reduce radiation exposure in high-risk areas.
  • Administrative Controls: Implementing safe work practices, such as limiting time spent near NORM sources and increasing the distance between workers and radiation sources.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing appropriate PPE, such as respirators and protective clothing, to minimize exposure risks.
  • Training and Awareness: Ensuring that all workers are trained on the risks of NORM and the importance of following safety protocols to reduce exposure.
By following the ALARA principle, we help oil and gas companies protect their workers from the health risks associated with NORM while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
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NORM Waste Management

In addition to exposure control, Western Health & Safety offers comprehensive NORM waste management services:
  • NORM Assessments: We conduct thorough assessments of oil and gas production sites to identify areas of NORM contamination.
  • Waste Disposal Solutions: We provide safe and compliant disposal methods for NORM-contaminated materials, including produced waters, scales, and sludges.
  • Decontamination of Equipment: We offer cleaning and decontamination services for equipment contaminated with NORM to ensure it meets regulatory standards for reuse or disposal.

Why Choose Western Health & Safety?

With over 30 years of experience in industrial hygiene and hazardous materials management, Western Health & Safety is a trusted partner for NORM management in the oil and gas industry. Our certified team uses cutting-edge technologies and follows best practices to minimize exposure risks and ensure the safe handling of radioactive materials.
​If you are concerned about NORM contamination at your oil and gas facility, contact Western Health & Safety today for a consultation. Our experts will work with you to develop a customized Exposure Control Plan that meets your specific needs and keeps worker exposure ALARA.
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