Australia Industries

Oil & Gas

Australia's oil and gas sector includes offshore platforms, onshore gas fields, LNG processing facilities, and downstream refineries. Workers face exposure to benzene (IARC Group 1 carcinogen), hydrogen sulphide (acutely toxic), and a range of hydrocarbon vapours. The remote location of many facilities requires self-contained monitoring programmes with rigorous QA/QC protocols.

4 Key Hazards Monitored

Key Hazards

Primary exposure hazards requiring monitoring in this industry sector.

Benzene

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IARC Group 1 carcinogen present in crude oil and natural gas streams. WES 1 ppm TWA. Biomonitoring (urinary trans,trans-muconic acid) often used alongside air monitoring. Zero exposure policy on many sites.

Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S)

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Naturally occurring in sour gas and produced water. Acutely toxic — 100 ppm can cause rapid unconsciousness. STEL 15 ppm, ceiling values critical. Real-time monitoring with electrochemical sensors alongside personal sampling.

Noise

noise

Compressors, turbines, generators, and process equipment in refineries and LNG plants. Continuous high-level noise requiring comprehensive dosimetry programmes.

Diesel Particulate Matter

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Diesel-powered equipment on drilling rigs and remote facilities. Elemental carbon sampling for DPM exposure assessment.

Common Analytes

Substances typically included in occupational hygiene sampling proposals for this industry.

Analyte	CAS	Relevance
Benzene	71-43-2	IARC Group 1 carcinogen — WES 1 ppm TWA
Hydrogen Sulphide	7783-06-4	Acutely toxic gas — WES 10 ppm TWA, 15 ppm STEL
BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Xylene)	—	Hydrocarbon vapour group — individual WES for each compound
n-Hexane	110-54-3	Neurotoxic solvent — WES 20 ppm TWA
Noise (LAeq,8h)	—	Compressor and turbine noise — WES 85 dB(A)

Typical Worker Groups

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

Process operatorsMaintenance techniciansDrilling crewLaboratory analystsTurnaround/shutdown workersTank/vessel entry workers

Regulatory Context

Offshore petroleum facilities are regulated under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (Commonwealth) with NOPSEMA as the regulator. Onshore operations fall under state WHS legislation. The WES apply to all petroleum operations. Major hazard facility requirements apply to refineries and gas processing plants under WHS Regulations Chapter 9.

Related Industries

Other high-hazard sectors in Australia where we provide occupational hygiene monitoring.

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