A Utica Shale well that XTO Energy Inc. and its contractors lost control of on February 15, 2018 was still spewing raw methane three weeks later in Ohio’s Belmont County. About 24 people were working at the Schnegg pad in York Township when contractors lost control of the well as they were pulling plugs and finishing up completion operations.

Oilfields are huge fire hazards with tight quarters and plenty of fuel. Have a plan in place to immediately deal with any fire and to ensure that all workers are accounted for. In areas where exits may be difficult, fire alarms and suppression systems must be in place and tested regularly.