FieldNews
Subscribe
Compliance Glossary Term

Sloping (excavation)

A trench safety method where excavation walls are cut at a gradual angle to prevent collapse. Subcontractors must apply correct slope ratios based on soil type and provincial regulations. Non-compliance can halt work and trigger serious liability.

Related Terms

Ansi/isea 138

Compliance

The American National Standard for hand protection selection criteria. It gives subcontractors a structured method to match the right gloves to specific job hazards. Clients and prime contractors increasingly require documented compliance with this standard on worksites.

Nepa (national Environmental Policy Act) Review

Compliance

A U.S. federal environmental assessment required before major project approvals on public lands. Subcontractors may face work delays or scope changes while reviews are completed. Mobilisation schedules should account for potential NEPA-related hold periods.

ARO (Asset Retirement Obligations)

Compliance

Legally required costs to decommission and remediate a site at end of life, such as plugging wells or removing infrastructure. Operators budget ARO years in advance, which can create late-project work opportunities for subcontractors. Understand how ARO timelines affect contract scope, since decommissioning work often has strict regulatory deadlines.

API (American Petroleum Institute)

Compliance

The leading industry organisation that develops technical standards, safety protocols, and equipment specifications that subcontractors must follow when working on oil and gas projects. API certifications and compliance with API standards are often mandatory requirements in service contracts and can affect your ability to bid on projects.

Protest (customs)

Compliance

A formal dispute filed against a customs ruling, such as import duties charged on tools or equipment crossing the border. Subcontractors use protests to recover overbilled duties on temporarily imported gear. Filing deadlines are strict, so act quickly after receiving a customs decision.

NEP (National Emphasis Program)

Compliance

A targeted OSHA enforcement initiative focusing inspections on high-hazard industries or specific workplace dangers. Subcontractors in oil and gas or construction may face increased on-site audits under an active NEP. Being caught unprepared can result in citations, stop-work orders, and lost contracts.

Stay sharp on field operations

Industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe to FieldNews
A community project by Aimsio