A Highly Interactive Training Course On

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

Protecting Workers, Assets, and the Environment from Radiological Hazards in Petroleum Operations

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

CLASSROOM

03-07 Nov 2025
Dubai
$5,950
28 Sep-02 Oct 2026
Dubai
$5,950
21-25 Dec 2026
London
$5,950

ONLINE

02-06 Feb 2026
Online
$3,950
Certificate
  • Coventry Academy Certificate of Attendance will be provided to delegates who attend and complete the course

Training Overview

Training Overview

In oil and gas operations—ranging from exploration and production to refining—Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) can accumulate in scales, sludges, produced water, and equipment. Though these materials originate from natural geological sources, their concentration during industrial processes can elevate them to hazardous levels, posing serious health, safety, and environmental challenges. NORM is commonly encountered in upstream drilling sites, pipelines, separators, and downstream infrastructure such as refineries and storage terminals.

With increasing regulatory scrutiny and a growing emphasis on worker safety, a thorough understanding of NORM and its safe management is essential. The Radiation Safety & NORM Management in Upstream and Downstream Oil & Gas training course provides oil and gas professionals with comprehensive knowledge of radiation safety practices specific to the industry. Participants will learn how to identify, monitor, assess, handle, transport, and dispose of NORM in accordance with international standards and local regulations. The course empowers attendees to implement effective radiation protection measures, reduce operational risk, and foster a proactive safety culture throughout all stages of oil and gas activities.

What are the goals?

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to: 

  • Understand the origin and behavior of NORM in upstream and downstream oil & gas processes
  • Recognize radiological hazards and their implications for worker health and environmental safety
  • Conduct NORM risk assessments and implement appropriate radiation protection measures
  • Comply with international and national regulations concerning NORM
  • Apply techniques for detection, measurement, monitoring, and record-keeping of NORM exposure
  • Safely manage NORM-contaminated equipment, waste, and facilities
  • Promote continuous improvement in radiation safety culture and environmental stewardship

Who is this Training Course for?

This training course is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit: 

  • Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Managers and Officers
  • Drilling and Production Engineers
  • Radiation Protection Officers
  • Facility and Operations Supervisors
  • Environmental and Waste Management Specialists
  • Regulatory and Compliance Personnel
  • Industrial Hygienists
  • Maintenance and Inspection Technicians

How will this Training Course be Presented?

This training course uses a mix of practical and interactive teaching methods to maximize participant engagement and knowledge retention. Sessions include instructor-led lectures, group discussions, real-world case studies, and hands-on exercises.

The Course Content

Day One: 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 Two: 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 Three: 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 Four: 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 Five: 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
Anderson
Aztech Training
Aztech Training
COPEX
COPEX