NORM Management in the Oil and Gas Industry: From Production to Decommissioning

Abstract

The accumulation of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) during oil and gas production is a well-known phenomenon in mature markets with established legislation and disposal methods. In Brazil, MTE Regulatory Standard No. 37, issued in 2018, established the first labor regulation addressing NORM as an occupational hazard. Since then, oil companies have focused on managing waste disposal, with particular emphasis on NORM management. As Brazil anticipates an increase in decommissioning and dismantling activities, advancing methods, regulatory limits, and solutions for NORM management is critical. This article presents the specific regulations and the practical experience for radiological protection of workers and proper radioactive waste management within oil and gas installations. Through technical visits, dose rate monitoring, and legislative analysis, the study contextualizes the operational environment of exploration and production units, detailing health risks, waste characteristics, and storage requirements. The article also underscores the sector's complexity, emphasizing the variability in NORM accumulation across different installations and the necessity for targeted protective measures due to the potential exposure of employees during cleaning and inspection activities.