Experts Explain Risks of Respirable Silica Exposure to Permian Basin Oilfield Professionals

MIDLAND, Texas, Sept. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A panel of top industry experts gathered in Midland, TX on Tuesday, September 27 to spotlight new, stricter government standards regarding respirable crystalline silica and the dangers to frac site workers. Representatives from the safety & environmental, compliance, insurance and legal sectors all participated in the panel. The presentation was sponsored by AIRIS Wellsite Services.

Workers are vulnerable to respirable crystalline silica at virtually every frac site where engineering controls are not in place. Breathing silica dust can lead to devastating long-term health effects, including silicosis, chronic bronchitis and lung cancer.

"It was important for us to assemble a panel of experts working in this field so companies can be made aware the risk exists, and secondly, there are solutions available that can help protect both employees and business interests," said Brendan Ryan, CEO of AIRIS Wellsite Services.

At the event, titled "Answers & Insight: An Expert Panel on Respirable Crystalline Silica," experts from the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) presented findings from field tests. Samples collected from multiple work sites revealed the scope and significance of the issue. 79% of samples violated OSHA's new, stricter respirable silica exposure limits.

Effective engineering controls can put exploration and production companies and pressure pumpers in compliance with the OSHA standard, and mitigate the health risks to employees and the legal liability for operators.

"Educating and informing yourself is a critical element of making the right decision," said Ryan. "We hope those attending this panel – and others industry-wide – will be more inquisitive, explore solutions and become as informed as they possibly can."

Interested companies can learn more and contact AIRIS Wellsite Services at www.AIRISwellsite.com. AIRIS plans to host future informative panel discussions in Denver and Oklahoma City, and will be exhibiting at the Permian Basin International Oil Show in Odessa, TX on October 18-20, 2016.

About AIRIS
Founded in 2012, AIRIS Wellsite Services is a third-party provider of total silica dust control solutions to Operators and Pressure Pumpers. AIRIS provides these services through the operation of a fleet of high-efficiency particulate HEPA vacuum units. AIRIS is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and operates primarily in the Rocky Mountains, Mid-Continent, Northeast and Texas regions.

Contact:
Katie Sallee
(918) 728-7026
[email protected]

SOURCE AIRIS Wellsite Services

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