ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY

ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY:

Petroleum refining is one of the largest
industries and a vital part of the national
economy.
Potential environmental hazards associated
with refineries have caused increased
concern for communities in close proximity
to them.
This update provides a general overview of
the processes involved and some of the
potential environmental hazards associated
with petroleum refineries.
ENVIRONMENT HAZARDS OF REFINERY
Refineries are generally considered a major source of
pollutants in areas where they are located and are regulated
by a number of environmental laws related to air, land and
water.
Some of the regulations that affect the refining industry
include the following Laws, Rules and Regulations have been
issued under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act,
1997.
 RULES
National Environmental Quality Standards (self-monitoring and Reporting
by Industries) Rules, 2001
Provincial Sustainable Development Fund (Procedure) Rules, 2001
Pakistan Sustainable Development Fund (Utilization) Rules, 2001
Provincial Sustainable Development Fund (Utilization) Rules, 2003
Pollution Charge for Industry (Calculation and Collection) Rules, 2001
Environmental Tribunal Rules, 1999
Environmental Tribunal Procedures and Qualifications Rules, 2000
Environmental Samples Rules, 2001
Hazardous Substances Rules, 2000
Hazardous Substances Rules, 2003
 AIR POLLUTION HAZARDS
Petroleum refineries are a major source of hazardous and
toxic air pollutants such as
BTEX compounds
particulate matter (PM)
nitrogen oxides (Knox)
carbon monoxide (CO)
hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
sulfur dioxide (SO2)
 WATER POLLUTION HAZARDS
Refineries are also potential major contributors to ground
water and surface water contamination.
Some refineries use deep-injection wells to dispose of
wastewater generated inside the plants, and some of these
wastes end up in aquifers and groundwater.
These wastes are then regulated under the Safe Drinking
Water Act (SDWA).
 MATERIAL SATETY DATA SHEET
A Material Safety Data Sheet( MSDS) is a document that
contains information on the potential health effects of
exposure to chemicals.
It is an essential starting point for the development of a
complete health and safety program.
The OSHA standards requires them to develop and provide a
MSDS for each hazardous chemical they produce or handle
 HAZARDS RANKING
0= LEAST
1=SLIGHT
2=MODERATE
3=HIGH
4=EXTREME
MSDS COLOR CODES
 POTENTIAL HYDROCARBON AND
CHEMICAL HAZARDS
There are no hazards associated with the hydrocarbons and
chemicals used in the penex process when the unit is
maintained and operated in the proper manner .
it is during periods of opening equipment transferring
chemicals and sampling that particular care must be
excercised the following hydrocarbons and chemicals are used
in the penex unit,
 Benzene:
Benzene is present in the penex unit feedstock
benzene is a toxic hydrocarbon with 10ppm.
Caustic soda (NaOH):
Caustic soda solution is used in the stabilizer off gas
scrubber. persons handling caustic should have
rubber gloves and goggles. The eyes are particularly
vulnerable . caustic soda is poisonous.
Carbon tetrachloride:
This chemicalmay be used as a catalyst promoter.
Carbon tetrachloride in a highly toxic chemical with a
10ppm .
Perchloroethylene:
This chemical (C2Cl4) may be used as a catalyst promoter
. It is harmful by inhalation and ingestion.