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Compliance Glossary Term

Civil Liability

The legal obligation to compensate another party for damages or losses caused by your work or negligence. For subcontractors, this typically arises from property damage, personal injury, or contract breaches on a job site. Adequate general liability insurance is your primary protection against civil liability claims.

Related Terms

Chain-Of-Custody

Compliance

A documented record tracking who handled materials, samples, or equipment at every stage of a job. Subcontractors must maintain this trail to prove proper handling and avoid liability disputes. It is commonly required for soil samples, hazardous materials, and serialised equipment.

Caught-In Hazard

Compliance

A workplace danger where a worker's body or clothing becomes trapped, pinched, or pulled into moving machinery, equipment, or materials — common on oilfield and construction sites where subcontractor crews work near rotating equipment, conveyor systems, or heavy moving loads. Subcontractors are responsible for identifying and controlling these hazards through proper guarding, lockout/tagout procedures, and site-specific hazard assessments before work begins.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Compliance

An emissions control device fitted to diesel-powered equipment that traps soot and particulate matter from exhaust. Subcontractors must ensure DPFs are maintained and operational to meet Tier 4 emissions requirements on regulated job sites. Failing inspections or bypassing filters can result in equipment being pulled from service.

ROW (Right-of-way)

Compliance

A legally designated corridor of land where pipeline, power line, or infrastructure work is permitted to occur. Subcontractors must obtain ROW clearance before mobilising equipment or beginning ground disturbance. Working outside the approved ROW can trigger stop-work orders, fines, and contract liability.

Greenhouse Gas Inventory

Compliance

A documented record of all GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions generated by your operations, including equipment, vehicles, and fuel use. Prime contractors increasingly require subcontractors to submit one for project bids. Accurate tracking helps avoid compliance penalties and supports contract eligibility.

Venting

Compliance

The controlled release of gases from pipelines, vessels, or equipment during maintenance, commissioning, or decommissioning work. Subcontractors must follow site-specific venting procedures to remain compliant with environmental and safety regulations. Improper venting can result in work stoppages, fines, or removal from site.

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