Radiation Safety & NORM Management in Upstream and Downstream Oil & Gas

Upcoming Sessions

Classroom sessions
Online sessions

Course Introduction

Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) are present in the earth’s crust and can become concentrated during oil and gas exploration, production, transportation, and refining activities. Over time, NORM may accumulate in scale, sludge, produced water, and processing equipment, creating radiological hazards that require careful control. These materials are commonly encountered in upstream operations such as drilling, well intervention, pipelines, and separators, as well as in downstream environments including refineries, storage terminals, and waste handling facilities. Without proper management, NORM can pose serious health, safety, and environmental risks to personnel and surrounding ecosystems.

As regulatory requirements tighten and awareness of radiation risks increases across the industry, effective NORM management has become a critical operational responsibility. The Radiation Safety & NORM Management in Upstream and Downstream Oil & Gas Training Course provides participants with a structured understanding of radiation fundamentals, NORM behavior, and practical control measures. This training course covers detection, monitoring, risk assessment, safe handling, transportation, and disposal of NORM-contaminated materials in alignment with international standards and industry best practices. By completing this course, participants will be equipped to support compliant operations, strengthen radiation protection systems, and contribute to safer oil and gas facilities across the full value chain.

Key focus areas of this training course include:

  • Understanding how NORM forms and accumulates in upstream and downstream oil & gas operations
  • Identifying radiological hazards associated with NORM contamination
  • Applying radiation safety principles to protect workers and the environment
  • Managing NORM-contaminated equipment, waste, and facilities safely
  • Aligning operational practices with international radiation safety guidelines

Objectives

By the end of this Radiation Safety & NORM Management in Upstream and Downstream Oil & Gas Training Course, participants will be able to achieve the following objectives:

  • Develop a clear understanding of the origin, characteristics, and behavior of NORM within oil and gas processes, including drilling, production, refining, and waste management activities.
  • Identify radiological hazards associated with NORM exposure and evaluate their potential impacts on worker health, operational safety, and environmental protection.
  • Conduct effective NORM risk assessments by analyzing exposure pathways, dose limits, and operational scenarios relevant to upstream and downstream facilities.
  • Apply international and national regulatory requirements related to radiation safety and NORM management, ensuring compliance with permits, licensing, and reporting obligations.
  • Use appropriate techniques for NORM detection, measurement, monitoring, and documentation to support informed decision-making and regulatory audits.
  • Implement safe handling, storage, transport, and disposal practices for NORM-contaminated equipment, materials, and waste streams.
  • Promote continuous improvement in radiation safety practices and environmental stewardship within oil and gas operations.

Training Methodology

This training course is delivered using a balanced and practical methodology designed to enhance understanding and retention of radiation safety and NORM management principles. Instructor-led sessions provide a strong technical foundation in radiation fundamentals, regulatory frameworks, and operational controls, ensuring participants clearly understand both theoretical and practical aspects of NORM management. Course content is directly linked to real upstream and downstream oil & gas environments to maintain relevance and applicability.

Interactive elements such as group discussions, case studies, and guided exercises allow participants to explore real-world NORM challenges, including monitoring, compliance, decontamination, and waste management scenarios. Hands-on exercises focus on interpreting survey data, understanding monitoring tools, and applying risk assessment techniques. This blended approach ensures participants leave the course with practical skills that can be applied immediately to improve radiation safety performance and regulatory compliance at their facilities.

Who Should Attend?

This Radiation Safety & NORM Management in Upstream and Downstream Oil & Gas Training Course is designed for professionals involved in operations where NORM exposure may occur or where radiation safety responsibilities are assigned. It is particularly valuable for individuals responsible for maintaining safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible oil and gas operations.

This training course will greatly benefit:

  • Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Managers and Officers
  • Drilling and Production Engineers working in NORM-prone environments
  • Radiation Protection Officers and safety coordinators
  • Facility, Operations, and Maintenance Supervisors
  • Environmental and Waste Management Specialists
  • Regulatory and Compliance Personnel involved in radiation oversight

Participants attending this course will gain practical knowledge to support radiation risk control, strengthen safety systems, and ensure effective NORM management across upstream and downstream operations.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Radiation and NORM in the Petroleum Industry

  • Basics of ionizing radiation and radioactive decay
  • Classification and properties of NORM
  • How and where NORM forms in oil & gas processes
  • Common NORM isotopes in oil and gas: Radium-226, Radium-228, Lead-210, Polonium-210
  • Real-world examples of NORM issues in upstream and downstream operations
  • Introduction to international standards and guidelines (IAEA, IOGP, etc.)

Day 2: Health, Environmental Risks, and Monitoring Techniques

  • Biological effects of radiation exposure on workers
  • Environmental impacts of NORM release or mismanagement
  • Radiological risk assessment: pathways, dose limits, and exposure scenarios
  • Principles of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)
  • Detection and monitoring tools: gamma survey meters, dosimeters, sample collection
  • Interpreting NORM survey data and radiation mapping

Day 3: Regulatory Framework and Compliance in NORM Management

  • International regulatory frameworks (IAEA, ICRP, IOGP)
  • Country-specific regulations: permits, licensing, thresholds
  • Responsibilities of license holders and operators
  • Record-keeping and reporting obligations
  • Worker training and rights under radiation protection laws
  • Communication with regulators and stakeholders

Day 4: Operational Controls, Decontamination & Waste Management

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) and protective measures in NORM zones
  • Engineering and administrative controls
  • Handling, transport, and storage of contaminated materials and equipment
  • Decontamination processes: chemical, mechanical, and procedural
  • Waste categorization, packaging, and disposal routes
  • Case study: Decommissioning NORM-contaminated facilities

Day 5: Building a NORM Safety Culture and Emergency Response

  • Integrating radiation safety into HSE management systems
  • Conducting site-specific NORM safety audits and gap assessments
  • Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for NORM tasks
  • Emergency preparedness and response planning for radiation incidents
  • Training and communicating with frontline personnel
  • Final group exercise: Designing a site-specific NORM management plan

Providers and Associations

Anderson
Aztech Training
Coventry

Certificate

  • COPEX Certificate of Attendance will be provided to delegates who attend and complete the course

Material published by Copex shown here is copyrighted. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized copying, distribution, use, dissemination, downloading, storing (in any medium), transmission, reproduction or reliance in whole or any part of this course outline is prohibited and will constitute an infringement of copyright.

Whats Makes Copex Courses Unique?

COPEX Training is your gateway to professional growth, with over 20 years of experience turning potential into success. Each year, we deliver over 1,000 courses in 50+ countries, earning a stellar 98% satisfaction rate. Trusted by global giants like BP, the United Nations, and HSBC, we partner with top certification bodies to provide career-focused training that empowers individuals and drives organizational breakthroughs. Our mission? To transform the way professionals learn and grow in today’s fast-changing industries. Through expert insights, cutting-edge methods, and hands-on approaches, we equip you with the skills and confidence to tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and thrive in your career.

Led by a passionate leadership team and supported by a network of world-class trainers, COPEX Training connects professionals worldwide with life-changing opportunities. We are committed to excellence, ensuring every participant leaves with the tools, expertise, and confidence to conquer an ever-evolving world.

Related Categories

Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Petroleum

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Our cancellation policy varies depending on the circumstances presented. Generally, cancellations must be initiated in formal writing at least 14 days prior to the commencement date of the training course. Further, the option to shift an existing registration to another training course on a later date is possible. Otherwise, a full refund will be initiated.

Our training courses courses are being held at five-star hotels in prime and iconic destinations across the globe. Cities such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dubai, Geneva, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, London, Houston, New York, Paris, Vienna, Zurich, etc.

Our training courses will run for 5 hours per day. The standard daily timing is from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm including the coffee/tea breaks and lunch.

The training course fee can be settled by either:

  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card

Published training course fees are inclusive of the training venue, training manual, writing materials, lunch and coffee breaks with refreshments over the entire duration of the training course.

Upon successful registration, processing window will take not more than 24 hours from the time of registration. An email including the registration confirmation, invoice and joining instructions will be sent to the provided email address.

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