Question: Where can I find what chemicals are in the products I used to make the hydraulic fracturing fluid?

Answer:

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard requires that employers provide their workers with training and information about hazardous chemicals used in the workplace. Employers must provide training and information to workers in a manner and language that the worker understands. Employers must prepare and implement a written hazard communication program, provide training and information on the hazards of silica and other chemicals used in the workplace, and provide workers access to Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) on silica sand and other hazardous chemicals they are exposed to during hydraulic fracturing operations.

Question: Are there other issues of concern?

Answer:

In addition to silica hazards, workers may be exposed to other worksite health hazards that can include exposure to diesel particulate and exhaust gases from equipment, high or low temperature extremes, high noise levels, and overexertion leading to sprains and strains. In addition, fatigue may be a concern due to long working hours.

Hydraulic fracturing sites also have safety hazards similar to those at other oil and gas drilling sites, including:

• Being struck by moving equipment, including motor vehicle accidents (primarily when traveling to and between well sites), tools, and falling objects.
• Poor lighting.
• Being caught in pinch points (such as hammer union wings and hammers, pump iron, and racks).
• Falling from heights.
• Being struck by high-pressure lines or unexpected release of pressure (for example, mismatched or worn hammer unions, line failure).
• Fires or explosions from flowback fluids containing ignitable materials (e.g., methane) and other flammable materials stored or used at the well site.
• Working in confined spaces, such as sand storage trailers, frac tanks, and sand movers without taking the required precautions.

See OSHA's Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing eTool website for more information on safety and health hazards at oil and gas extraction sites.