1. Introduction to the Unescorted Course
Since Camps and Safety is the first module of the NSTC Unescorted Course, it includes a minute Introduction to the Unescorted Course followed by the Camps and Safety Module. The Introduction to the Unescorted Course slides include:
Introductions: Introduce yourself and welcome attendees to the training. Ask for brief introductions e.g. name, company, and work site on the North Slope.
Administration and Safety: Identify the safety procedures for emergencies including earthquake, fire, and evacuation. Explain smoking areas, breaks, lunch times and other classroom policies or ground rules.
Safety Minute: Conduct a brief safety minute.
Review the list of modules within the Unescorted Course and explain that this is an awareness level course.
Circulate the roster so participants can sign in.
Course Number NSTC-03
Revised 5–2017

2. Introductions Name Company
Assigned work site on the Slope or at another industrial site in Alaska
Are you new to Alaska?
If not, have you been to the North Slope? If so, how long ago?

3. Administration and Safety
Emergency guidelines for fire, earthquake or bomb threat; evacuation routes, and assembly area
Restrooms and designated smoking areas
Breaks and lunch
Safety minute

4. NSTC Unescorted Course: 6-Pack + H2S/FeS
Camps and Safety
Alaska Safety Handbooks (ASH and BP ASH)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
HAZCOM
HAZWOPER
Environmental Excellence
Hydrogen Sulfide/Iron Sulfide
Explain that these modules will be covered during this 8 hours of training. Emphasize that although the Unescorted 6-Pack and Hydrogen Sulfide/Iron Sulfide are two separate courses, they are taught together so that those who need H2S/FeS will have it documented on their NSTC card.

5. Safety Training
The NSTC Unescorted Course is an awareness level course designed as a basic introduction to working safely on the North Slope.
The NSTC card is not an official training record, but it is required in order to receive a badge for entry into North Slope operating fields.
Most facilities require a site-specific orientation and additional site specific training.
Explain that the NSTC Unescorted Course is an awareness level course and fulfills only the minimum training requirements necessary to go to work on the North Slope or at other industrial sites in Alaska.
Additional Required Training: Many job tasks require specific training and/or professional certifications. It is up to the supervisor and employee to discuss the proper level of training prior to beginning any actual work.
NSTC Card: Explain that the NSTC card has space for recording additional NSTC courses only. It is not an official training record, but workers must have it with them at all times. Encourage them to make a photocopy in case they lose it. The only official training record is the course roster. NSTC cards can only be replaced by the company or the instructor of record.

6. North Slope Camps & Safety Orientation
Course Number NSTC-03

7. Introduction

8. Goal
To introduce participants to the unique working conditions at Alaska’s North Slope oil and gas facilities and explain the safety culture currently in practice.
Review the goal and objectives so participants know what they are expected to learn.

9. Objectives Participants will be able to:
Describe work life in the North Slope oilfields including geography, facilities, and working conditions.
Explain the North Slope safety policies, culture, and expectations for working safely as a team.
Discuss safety training requirements and resources.

10. Working on the North Slope

11. Geography: North Slope
Where is the North Slope?

12. Geography: North Slope
In fact, its not much of a slope at all.
Sorry – It’s not that kind of a Slope.

13. Geography: North Slope
Here’s why - The “North Slope” is a broad drainage field between the Brooks Range and the Arctic Ocean.

14. Geography
On the surface, the land is snow covered almost 10 months of the year.
Due to its arctic location, the ground is frozen under the surface to an average depth of feet, in a condition known as permafrost.
In the summer when the top 2 feet of soil thaws, the ground cover called tundra supports over 250 species of plants, but NO TREES.
Over 230 species of birds and numerous other wildlife such as bears, fox, caribou, and musk ox call the area home.
Due to its arctic location, the North Slope area is unlike anything that can be seen or experienced further south.
The northern climate supports roughly 9 months of winter, with a very brief spring, summer, and fall.
In the summertime, only the top few feet of ground thaws out, and only for a few months. Under that “active layer” is a deep, rock-hard layer of ground that is frozen solid year round, known as “permafrost.” This prevents anything that requires deep roots from growing, thus there are no trees.

15. Weather
The weather varies from balmy summer highs in the 60’s and average winter lows around -20 F, with extremes in both directions. Annual precipitation is a dry 4.5 inches, with an average snowfall of 33 inches.
The North Slope climate is extremely dry so drink lots of water to stay hydrated and use moisturizer for dry skin.
Refer to the Wind Chill Chart, page 104 in the 2014 BP ASH and page 188 in the 2014 ASH.
2014 BP ASH, page104; 2014 ASH, page 180

16. Ownership
Most of the oilfield lands are leased from the State and Federal governments and operated by a consortium of oil-producing companies.
Much of the housing and operations are located within the lease boundaries, with many contractor companies basing their operations just outside of “the lease” in the town of Deadhorse, Alaska.

17. Transportation: Aviation
Shared Services Aviation is owned by BP and ConocoPhillips specifically for transporting workers to, from, and around the North Slope oil fields.
Flight reservations are made through company representatives.
Other flights to the North
Slope are available through
commercial airlines.

18. Transportation: Aviation
Check-in information and flight schedules are posted on the Shared Services Aviation website at
Hand out the Shared Services Baggage Information brochure and review information for departure and arrival on the North Slope.
Regular Shared Services flights depart Anchorage International Airport for the North Slope and land in either Deadhorse or Kuparuk. There are also commercial and charter flights into Deadhorse and Barrow with connections to the villages and other oilfield sites by smaller aircraft.
Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before flight time as the lines are long and boarding begins early. Picture ID is required to secure your boarding pass. Make sure that your bags are tagged for the correct destination.

19. Transportation: Arctic Clothing
Appropriate clothing required for travel October 1 to May 1 includes:
Heavy coat or jacket,
Warm gloves or mittens,
Winter cap, hat, or hood which covers the ears,
Warm substantial footwear (including warm socks) with sturdy outer sole.
Refer to 2014 BP ASH, pp , 48, and 54 and 2014 ASH, pp. 19, 50 #13, and for appropriate clothing required for travel October 1 to May 1 on the North Slope. Inappropriate clothing is also listed on page 54 in the 2014 ASH and on p. 48 in the 2014 BP ASH.
2014 BP ASH, pages 31-32, 48, 55; 2014 ASH, pages 19, 50, 54-55;

20. Transportation: Ground
Once you’re on the Slope, buses, shuttles, pool vehicles, and department-assigned vehicles will take you wherever you need to go.
Baggage Claim: If you are being met by someone, you can claim your checked luggage at the airport. All other luggage routed to the camps will be delivered for pickup there.
Shuttle Buses: Shuttle buses will be waiting outside the airport to transport workers to the various operating fields and facilities. Bus destinations are located on signs in the back window and the window located next to the front door of the bus.
Seat Belts and Safety Glasses: Passengers and drivers in any vehicle (including buses) equipped with seat belts are required to wear them while operating or riding in that vehicle. Vehicle and equipment drivers and passengers are required to wear safety glasses with side shields. Safety glasses are also recommended for those seated in the first four rows of a bus (See ASH, Items #3 and #8, page 48).

21. Transportation: Ground
Occasionally, transportation around the Slope becomes more interesting…
The vehicle on the left is a hovercraft used for travel across the water and ice. The vehicle on the right is a Rolligon used for tundra travel. The large balloon tires minimize long-term damage to the tundra.

22. Driving Conditions The roads up North are … Mostly like this …
But nice for about two weeks!

23. Driving Conditions: Foul Weather
Phases: Visibility
Levels: Road Conditions—BP
Phase I: Caution, reduced visibility
Level I: Caution
Phase II: Restricted, convoy only
Level II: Restricted
Phase III: Closed, critical or emergency travel only
Level III: Restricted travel
Refer to 2014 BP ASH, p. 52 (Phase Weather/Road Conditions Operating Procedure under Foul Weather Contingency Plan) and 2014 ASH, pp Phases I–III refer to visibility and are followed in all operating fields. Levels I–III refer to road conditions with specific examples for each. Levels are referenced in the BP ASH procedures only.
2014 BP ASH, page 52; 2014 ASH, pages 52-53

24. Driving/Vehicle Safety
A valid driver’s license is required.
Drivers need to conduct a 360º walk-around prior to driving.
From October to May, drivers must carry heavy winter survival gear in their vehicles.
Safety glasses with side shields are required for all occupants.
Seat belts must be worn at all times.
Refer to the 2014 BP ASH, pp. 16, and the 2014 ASH, pp ; for review of all vehicle safety guidelines. Failure to follow any of these driving rules is grounds for termination of employment.
2014 BP ASH, pages 16, 52-55; 2014 ASH, pages 48-52

25. Driving/Vehicle Safety
OBEY ALL SPEED LIMITS!
Headlights are on while driving.
Drivers may not use cell phones or 2-way radios while the vehicle is in motion.
Vehicles must safely yield to wildlife without creating additional road hazards.
Drivers must yield to all emergency vehicles, pull over, and stop until the vehicle has passed.
Vehicles meeting or passing working heavy equipment must slow to 15 mph. For public roads, adhere to the posted speed limit. (ASH, p. 5)
Vehicles must slow to 5 mph when personnel, vehicles, and/or equipment are staged on the road.
2014 BP ASH, pages 16, 52-55; 2014 ASH, pages 48-52

26. Driving/Vehicle Safety
Vehicles meeting or passing working heavy equipment must slow to 15 mph.
Vehicles must slow to 5 mph when personnel, vehicles, and/or equipment are staged on the road.
Driving is only permitted on designated roads – no unauthorized tundra travel.
2014 BP ASH, pages 16, 52-55; 2014 ASH, pages 48-52

27. Camp Facilities Shared rooms and showers Cafeterias and snack rooms
Laundries
Small commissaries
Recreation and workout areas
Aid stations and medical clinics
Review the general amenities provided in the camps and the need to live as safely in camp as you would on the job.

28. Camp Life and Health Have consideration for others in your facility
Day and night sleepers
Use of shared areas
Personal hygiene protects against the spread of disease
Use hand washing stations and/or gloves
Wear slippers to avoid athlete’s foot
Report to the clinic when sick
Emphasize the importance of 1) having consideration for others who live in the same facility, and 2) that personal hygiene protects everyone from the spread of disease. Use examples of your own.

29. Working Safely as a Team

30. Security Concerns
Most North Slope site are similar to small, remote communities, and therefore safety is paramount and good business.
Operator companies expect compliance with all rules and have zero tolerance for violations.
Security is provided by private companies under contract to field Operators.
They provide a variety of services including policy enforcement, vehicle traffic safety enforcement, incident investigation, wildlife deterrence, etc.

31. Security Concerns
All personnel requesting entry to a North Slope oilfield are subject to search for contraband.
Searches may involve the x-ray of baggage, carry- on luggage, mail, freight, etc.
Contraband is not allowed on company properties, leases, or flights.
Contraband includes, but is not limited to:
Alcohol, illegal drugs, marijuana, prescription drug abuse, weapons of any sort, weapon replicas, etc.

32. Expectations and Accountabilities
Working safely is a condition of employment.
Every worker is expected to follow all operating rules contained in the Alaska Safety Handbooks (ASH and BP ASH) and the Environmental Field Handbook.
Report near misses, accidents or incidents.
2014 BP ASH, pages 11,16,18, 32; 2014 ASH, pages 3-4, 9;

33. Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
The Operator and Contractor companies work as a team to create safety processes including:
Pre-job hazard assessments and daily safety meetings.
Work permit systems.
Safety observations and audits.
Emergency procedures and incident reporting.
Review the Risk Assessment Procedure, and the Pre-Task Planning Assessment Handout in the Participants Handouts Packet.

34. The Primary Goal of North Slope Operations
No harm to
people,
the environment,
or facilities.

35. But, What About the Job Deadline?
Those you care about, and those who care about you, want you home alive.
Show the 15 minute video Working Safely as a Team here.