Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

QP’s HSE policy is based on sound principles and includes compliance and applicable national and international environmental legislation, industry standards and best practices, managing HSE with the same value as all business operations and promoting a positive HSE culture within the company and Qatar. We promote sustainable development, the efficient use of natural resources and energy and respect for the environment. QP seeks to achieve the highest level of HSE management systems and recently voluntarily pursued and received accreditation to the highest international standards for our quality management system (ISO 9001)
Our goal is a healthy, safe and clean environment for our employees and the people of Qatar.

GLOBAL WARMING
QP is implementing two major programs to substantially reduce emissions that contribute to the greenhouse effect and climate change. A study of all offshore and onshore facilities was recently completed to identify approaches to eliminate normal gas flaring from all operations. Once the program is implemented, the previously flared gas will be utilized and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will be significantly reduced. At Mesaieed, QP will be installing sulphur reduction equipment and using new processes to substantially reduce sulphur dioxide emissions at gas processing facilities.

Emissions due to leaks in equipment such as valves, pumps, pipes and flanges at refineries are defined as “fugitive emissions”. A detailed survey was recently completed at QP facilities, and the results will form the basis of a repair program to eliminate GHG emissions from these sources.

GROUND WATER MONITORING
QP has implemented several waste management and other environmental protection programs at its facilities to eliminate soil and ground water contamination. In addition, wells have been installed on Halul Island and at the Duhkan and Mesaieed Industrial Areas to monitor and assess the ground water quality. If contaminated ground water is detected, it can be treated to remove contaminants and clean water can be returned to the environment.

AIR QUALITY MONITORING
QP implements an extensive air quality monitoring program within and surrounding its facilities to characterize emissions, verify compliance with air quality standards and identify areas where improvement is necessary. The air quality data has many additional values, such as forming the basis for developing policies and implementing practices and technologies to better control and limit emissions and also measure their effectiveness.

QP is installing continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) at its facilities to determine compliance with Qatar air emission standards on a continuous basis. Data from the CEMS will also demonstrate emissions reductions, effectiveness of air emission controls and contributions to improve ambient air quality.

The Research & Technology Department of Qatar Petroleum was set up in 2009 to: Plan and execute R&D needs for existing business and new business opportunities and initiate, lead and support initiatives toward acquisition, development and retention of new knowledge that will deepen and broaden the technical capabilities of QP.

Its functional responsibilities and activities include:

• Collaboration with technical and operational directorates and departments of QP to identify areas in which research is needed in order to meet strategic business requirements
• Planning, execution, coordination and management of QP’s research and Technology portfolio and projects aimed at addressing the business needs
• Coordination of the planning, execution and implementation of joint research projects between QP and external companies, universities and private research institutes
• Collaboration with other departments within QP to access and acquire new knowledge and search for, identify and verify technologies that could be applied to the QP business
• Supporting QP business departments in field and plant trials for testing and qualification of new technology solutions
• Maintenance and operation of the QP R&D Centre and laboratories, including infrastructure, facilities and equipment at Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP)