FieldNews
Subscribe

Daily oil & gas and construction news for subcontractors

ComplianceGlossary Term

Overhead Contact Systems

OCS (Overhead Contact Systems) are electrified wire networks suspended above roadways or rail lines to power heavy equipment or vehicles. Subcontractors working near OCS must follow strict clearance protocols to avoid contact hazards. Awareness of OCS boundaries is essential for crane operators, rig movers, and elevated work crews.

Related Terms

H2s (hydrogen Sulfide)

Compliance

A toxic, flammable gas found on many oil and gas sites that poses serious health and safety risks to field workers. Subcontractors must ensure all personnel hold valid H2S Alive certification before mobilising to affected sites. Failure to comply can result in immediate removal from site and contract penalties.

Well Licensing

Compliance

A regulatory approval issued by provincial authorities before drilling or completing a well can begin. Subcontractors should confirm a valid licence is in place before mobilising, as work cannot legally proceed without it. Delays in licensing directly affect your crew scheduling and contract start dates.

Moratorium

Compliance

A government or operator-imposed halt on specific activities, such as drilling or fracking, in a region. For subcontractors, this means work orders stop and contracts may be suspended without pay. Always review force majeure clauses before mobilising to areas under active moratorium discussions.

Presidential Permit

Compliance

A U.S. federal authorisation required for cross-border infrastructure like pipelines or transmission lines at the Canada-U.S. boundary. Subcontractors on these projects cannot mobilise or break ground until the permit is secured. Delays in approval directly impact your project schedule and contract start dates.

Leak Detection and Measurement

Compliance

The process of identifying and quantifying unintended releases of gas, liquid, or vapour from pipelines, valves, or equipment. Subcontractors are often hired to perform LDM (Leak Detection and Measurement) surveys using specialised tools and sensors. Accurate reporting is critical, as findings directly affect regulatory compliance and operator liability.

Stop-Before-Strike

Compliance

A mandatory work pause requiring crews to verify no buried utilities or underground hazards exist before digging or drilling begins. Subcontractors are typically contractually responsible for completing all locates and documented checks before breaking ground. Failure to comply can void insurance coverage and expose your company to full liability for strikes.

Stay sharp on field operations

Industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe to FieldNews
A community project byAimsio