The controlled burning of excess natural gas at a wellsite or facility. Subcontractors working on-site must follow strict flaring protocols, as ignition hazards affect work permits and safety zones. Flaring activity can also trigger regulatory hold points that delay field operations.
Flaring
Related Terms
Osha (occupational Safety and Health Administration) Recordable Incident
ComplianceA work-related injury or illness that meets specific criteria requiring formal logging under OSHA regulations, including cases involving days away from work, restricted duties, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness — a metric that directly affects a subcontractor's safety record and can impact their eligibility for future contracts with operators and prime contractors.
High-Energy Hazard
ComplianceAny source of stored or released energy that can cause serious injury or death, such as pressurised systems, suspended loads, or live electrical equipment. Subcontractors must identify these hazards before starting work and follow site-specific isolation procedures. Failure to control high-energy hazards is a leading cause of fatalities in oil and gas and construction environments.
811 (utility Notification System)
ComplianceA mandatory call-before-you-dig service that locates buried utilities before excavation begins. Subcontractors must notify 811 a set number of days before breaking ground. Skipping this step creates serious liability and can void site permits.
Stop-Work Order
ComplianceA formal directive halting all or part of a worksite operation due to a safety, contractual, or regulatory concern. Subcontractors must comply immediately, regardless of who issues it. Downtime caused by a stop-work order may affect billing, crew scheduling, and contract timelines.
CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist)
ComplianceA credentialed professional who assesses and controls workplace health hazards such as chemical exposure, noise, and air quality. Subcontractors may be required to retain or consult a CIH to meet site entry or regulatory requirements. Their sign-off can be mandatory before work begins in confined spaces or hazardous environments.
Utility Locate
ComplianceA pre-dig service that identifies and marks underground utilities before excavation begins. Subcontractors are typically required to obtain a locate before breaking ground. Failure to do so can result in liability for damages, project shutdowns, or regulatory fines.
Latest Compliance News
EPA Clarifies Flaring Rules for New Oil Wells Built After May 2024
The EPA has updated federal regulations to allow limited routine flaring of associated gas at new oil wells under certain conditions, offering operators more flexibility where infrastructure constraints exist.
2 months ago WorkforcePermian Gas Prices Go Negative as Flaring Surges and Downstream Shortages Grow
Natural gas prices in Texas have turned negative in some areas, forcing producers to flare excess supply while other markets face shortages. Here's what that pricing disconnect means for field service subcontractors.
3 months ago ComplianceEPA Pushes Back Asbestos Rule Deadline, Reopens Comment Period
EPA has reopened public comment on its proposed asbestos risk management rule, delaying publication until June 2027 as it seeks more data on legacy asbestos exposure and disposal.
yesterday ComplianceSurvey: Two-Thirds of Construction Firms Now Have SIF Prevention Programs
A Construction Safety Research Alliance survey finds most construction firms have adopted serious injury and fatality prevention programs, while high-energy control assessment adoption continues to climb.
2 days agoRelated Guides
When a Jobsite Incident Happens: What Field Workers Need to Know Before Signing Anything
What to do after a jobsite injury or incident, what your rights are before signing incident reports, how workers' compensation works, and how to protect yourself on multi-employer worksites.
Compliance GuideOSHA Citations on Multi-Employer Worksites: What Subcontractors Need to Know
Learn how OSHA's multi-employer citation policy works, why subcontractors get cited for hazards they didn't create, and how to protect your company on operator-controlled job sites.
Compliance GuideHow to Read and Negotiate an Oilfield Master Service Agreement (MSA): A Subcontractor's Guide
Learn which MSA clauses actually matter for oilfield subcontractors: indemnity, insurance, payment terms, and change orders. Know what you're signing.
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