NORM Awareness in the Oil and Gas Industry

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When people think of radiation, they may think of large-scale disasters, environmental catastrophes, or superheroes in comic books and movies. However, most of us are exposed to low levels of natural and man-made radiation every day. On an oil and gas site, workers can be exposed to higher levels of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM). NORM can build up in pipelines and on equipment, and high concentrations can pose a significant health hazard when they aren’t properly managed. NORM can be enhanced by human activity such as oil and gas extraction. This type of NORM is known as technologically enhanced NORM (TENORM), and can increase workers’ potential for exposure. Fortunately, most workers are in little danger when they take the right precautions. Learners who successfully complete this course should be able to recognize characteristics and effects of radiation and NORM, recognize NORM sources and handling procedures, and identify worker protections from NORM on oil and gas sites.