Nova Scotia Offshore Area Petroleum Geophysical Operations Regulations (SOR/95-144)

• 12. (1) Where an air gun is test-fired on the deck of a vessel or platform during a geophysical operation, the operator shall ensure that the person who is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the air gun is present during the test.

• (2) Where a test referred to in subsection (1) is carried out, the responsible person referred to in that subsection shall ensure that

  • (a) before the test-firing, a siren is sounded to alert all persons aboard the vessel or platform of an impending air gun test-firing operation, in time to allow evacuation of an area within an 8 m radius of the test-firing site;

  • (b) not more than one air gun is test-fired at one time;

  • (c) before the test-firing, an inspection is done to ensure that the area within an 8 m radius of the test-firing site is clear of unauthorized persons;

  • (d) all pipes and hoses connected to the air gun that are subject to high pressure are secured or equipped with safety chains to prevent whipping of the pipes or hoses when air pressure is injected into them;

  • (e) the air pressure in the air gun is below 500 psi; and

  • (f) the person in charge of the vessel or platform is advised that the test is being carried out.

• (3) During a geophysical operation, no air gun shall be test-fired while the air gun is in the water if there are divers within 1,500 m of the air gun.

• (4) During a geophysical operation, no air gun shall be test-fired on a vessel or platform without the approval of the Chief Safety Officer.

13. Where an operator who is conducting a geophysical operation uses or intends to use a gas exploder as a seismic energy source, the operator shall ensure that

• (a) no person smokes, welds or brazes in any area that is in close proximity to any gas cylinders or inflammable liquid tanks;

• (b) gas storage areas are properly ventilated;

• (c) all valves and fittings used on a gas cylinder are approved by the manufacturer of the cylinder for use on the cylinder;

• (d) all equipment used for handling explosives is approved by the manufacturer of the equipment for the handling of explosives;

• (e) every gas cylinder and inflammable liquid tank is stored in an area set aside for that purpose and signs warning of the hazard of explosion are posted in conspicuous locations in that area;

• (f) every propane or butane cylinder is stored at the greatest possible distance from any oxygen cylinder or inflammable liquid tank; and

• (g) every gas cylinder is protected from overheating.

14. Where an operator who is conducting a geophysical operation uses or intends to use an electrical seismic energy source, the operator shall ensure that

• (a) the charging and discharging circuits of the electrical seismic energy source are equipped with circuit breakers;

• (b) the electrical cables of the electrical seismic energy source are protected from damage and are adequately insulated and grounded to prevent current leakage and electrical shock; and

• (c) the electrical seismic energy source, when tested, is fully immersed in water.