Health, Safety, and Environment in the Management of Hazardous Wastes in an Oil Refinery in Tehran Province Based on the Oil and Gas Producers Association Guide

Background: Health, safety, environment (HSE) - management evaluation (ME) is a managerial tool used to control and improve the health, safety, and environmental performance in development programs and industrial projects or organizations. The present study aimed to evaluate HSE in the management of the hazardous wastes of an oil refinery in Tehran province, Iran based on the guidelines of oil and gas producers association OGP. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a HSE questionnaire and a checklist were completed based on the basic information of the organization, HSE documentation, and interviews with those involved in HSE-ME and waste management. The questionnaire was prepared based on the OGP guide and validated by a panel of HSE experts. Results: The refinery had favorable conditions, and all the items presented in the questionnaire were in the C and D ranges. In addition, the checklist results were indicative of favorable HSE and waste disposal conditions in the refinery. On the other hand, the physical, chemical, and biological risk of exposure to waste was not properly assessed in the company, which was a major setback to waste management. Conclusion: The refinery employees had moderate knowledge level regarding HSE-ME. Therefore, attempts must be made by the management of the organization in order to improve the issue through correct policies.