Position Overview
The Dangerous Goods Senior Specialist is the designated on-site authority to ensure safe, compliant, and auditable handling of Class 3 sour Crude to ensure 100% operational compliance with NFPA, API, ASTM, ITCO, RID/ADR and ADNOC Oil + Gas Standards. The Specialist acts as the primary risk manager during simultaneous handling of 200+ tanks, focusing on HS exposure prevention, static electricity control, and emergency response. The DG Senior Specialist will support and escalate any related non-compliances for immediate full compliance.
Roles and Responsibility
- Responsible for review, issue, and audit safety permits for hot work, tank entry, and loading/unloading activities.
- Enforce the use of continuous gas detection and SCBA. Monitor atmospheric conditions to ensure HS levels remain below 5 ppm (TWA) for personnel.
- Verify that all ISO and RID tanks are bonded and grounded per API RP 2003 and NFPA before any transfer commences.
- Conduct pre-fill and post-fill inspections of tanks for corrosion, structural integrity, and RID certification compliance.
- Lead Job Hazard Analyses and Risk Assessments for the specific DG cargo i.e. Crude, being handled (Sulfur: 3%, HS: 70ppm), including regular updates.
- Oversee Management of Change for any variation in crude blend/ other DG Classes or equipment.
- Update/review Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs) for DG Class 3 handling in congested rail environments
- Lead immediate response to HS alarms, spills, or releases. Coordinate evacuation and headcount.
- Conduct Root Cause Analysis for near-misses or incidents, specifically investigating corrosion or hydrogen-induced cracking etc. incidents .
- Liaise with local Civil Defense and site-based Hazmat teams regarding sour crude/other DG Class risks.
- Deliver Toolbox Talks and formal training on HS survival, SCBA usage, and flammable liquid and other DG Class handling.
- Conduct regular emergency drills (Spill, Fire, HS Release) simulating railcar/ISO tank failures
- Support the HSEQ training team in the production of training material and provide resources as required, including administration of training records.
- Support the Dangerous Goods and Loading Standards Manager in the management of the legal and other requirements for DG Handling, Filling and Transportation, to ensure ERF remains current and that the ETF leadership are advised of any relevant updates to the requirements.
- Responsible for the coordination of site-based audits with third parties and internal audits.
- Any other duties as required.
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
Academic Qualifications:
- Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor certified or bachelor's degree in occupational health & safety, Chemical/Mechanical Engineering, or Environmental Science.
- Solid experience in Oil Refinery/ Petrochemical processing environments (non-negotiable)
- 5+ years of progressive HSE experience specifically in Oil & Gas, Refining, or Petrochemical environments, process optimisation and equipment monitoring experience.
- Minimum 2 years of direct experience at a Rail Terminal, Bulk Liquid Storage, or Marine Loading facility handling Class 3 flammable liquids.
- Proven experience managing operations involving HS (Sour Service) or high Total Sulfur content crude.
- Educated to a high standard, preferably undergraduate or above, with the ability to write reports and undertake data analysis.
- Excellent English language skill both written and verbal. Knowledge of Arabic is preferable.
Professional Qualifications:
- Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor /or Similar
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Process Safety Professional (CCPSC)
- Full Driving license is essential
Experience:
- Ideal candidates will have at minimum 5 years of direct experience at a Rail Terminal, Bulk Liquid Storage, or Marine Loading facility handling Class 3 flammable liquids/ or, minimum 5 years Dangerous Goods Handling/Transportation in Rail, Road or Maritime.
Other Skills:
- Be ready to work in a High-risk industrial rail terminal. Exposure to extreme weather, loud noise, heavy machinery, and chemical vapors (HS).
- Must be able to climb ladders on rail cars, wear SCBA, and stand for extended periods on uneven surfaces.
- Full-time on-site. Must be available for emergency callouts
- Able to work within a culturally diverse workplace and recognise the sensitivities between different cultures.
- Adaptability and resilience to work in a harsh environment with most of the time being employed in desert locations.
- Be a person of trust and integrity.
