Fundamentals of Purging for Safety and Occupational Health Professionals
In the natural gas industry, purging is a critical safety procedure designed to ensure that pipelines, equipment
and facilities are free of flammable gases before they are put into service or maintained. According to the
2018 AGA Purge Manual, proper purging minimizes the risk of explosions and fires. However, safety impacts
are significantly influenced by factors such as the materials involved, environmental conditions, process
control and instrumentation and the certification and training of those assigned to plan and execute the
purge. The implementation of proper procedures not only protects workers and the surrounding community
but also enhances the overall integrity of the natural gas infrastructure.
This course will walk through the purge process from beginning to end, addressing safety concerns and
challenges involved in each step. The course will also cover public and personnel safety evaluations for
general purging operations to help attendees develop risk management muscle memory.
Jay has worked in oil and gas for over 20 years in various capacities from upstream to downstream, from engineering to HSE. He currently holds a master's degree in mechanical engineering and is experienced in operations, engineering and health, safety and environmental management. His primary vocation is aiding risk profile management through the implementation of effective HSE programs based on intense operations understandings, which foster positive safety culture.
In this course, you will learn:
• About the dangers inherent in the purge process.
• How inadequate purging can lead to dangerous situations, including the accumulation of
explosive mixtures.
• How adhering to established protocols during purging operations helps mitigate risk.
• Why monitoring and testing are vital during the purging process, and how to perform those activities.
• The role of training in avoiding purge-related incidents and accidents.