Midland College Petroleum Professional Development Center now offers important RigPass and Basin United safety classesNovember 03, 2021

The Midland College Petroleum Professional Development Center (PPDC) is now accredited by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) to conduct RigPass and Basin United safety classes.

Several months ago managers from Pioneer Natural Resources approached PPDC Director Erin Van Evera-Welch about providing IADC safety training.  Pioneer is a member of the Executive Committee of Basin United, a collaboration of Permian Basin petroleum operators with the goal of eliminating serious oilfield injuries and fatalities.  Other members of Basin United include Chevron, Cimarex Energy, ConocoPhillips, Devon Energy, Diamondback Energy, Endeavor Energy Resources, ExxonMobil and its subsidiary XTO Energy, Halliburton, Marathon Oil, Occidental Petroleum (Oxy), Parsley Energy, Patterson Drilling, Plains All American Pipeline, Schlumberger and Shell Energy.

Since 2015, there have been 342 fatalities in the U.S. oil and gas industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics fatality data for oil and gas.  This includes 63 deaths in 2016, 81 in 2017, 94 in 2018 and 104 in 2019.  The statistics are getting worse, not better.

“It is important that the Basin be a safe place to work, and it is our mission to upskill and train oilfield professionals in all aspects of their jobs, including safety,” Van Evera-Welch said. “The training is for anyone who does business in the energy sector, such as electrical contractors, oilfield service companies, sand transportation companies, etc.  As an IADC accredited provider, staff at the PPDC will keep track of student enrollment and distribute certification cards to those who successfully complete each class.”

Van Evera-Welch explained that IADC curriculum consists of an engaging approach to safety training—not just a series of PowerPoint slides.  The Basin United classes are composed of two 8-hour training seminars that use virtual reality, videos and interactive sessions to explore lifesaving actions, safety responsibilities and processes for building and sustaining a healthy safety culture at worksites.

The IADC safety classes enhance the existing Risk Management Institute training that MC offers through a grant from Texas Mutual Insurance.  The PPDC also provides continuing education for other aspects of the energy industry, including engineering, land and geology classes.  Training is offered to individuals through scheduled courses or can be customized for employees of a single company.  Scholarships are available on an as-needed basis.  For more information, contact staff at the PPDC, (432) 683-2832.