Case studies: Chemical risk assessor: Sally

Sally is a chemical risk assessor at a laboratory in Scotland where she analyses applications from the oil industry with regard to the chemical impact of their production, drilling and pipeline processes.

I certainly entered this profession by a diverse route. My academic qualifications are as you would expect – a BSc in Applied Chemistry, followed by an MSc in Instrumental Analytical Chemistry (in 1999). During my postgraduate studies, I undertook a placement at a local hospital, developing expertise in gas chromatography and mass spectrometry and, after graduation, I worked for four years as a lab technician for an oil and gas laboratory company, analysing oil samples using gas chromatography.

My move into marine science came with an opening for a technical officer to conduct analysis of nutrients in seawater. This involved analysing samples taken at sea and analysing them both offshore and onshore. Marine science is not just about quantifying what is already in place in the oceans, but is also about analysing the impact of man’s intervention on natural processes, so in 2002 I was able to leave the lab-based analysis work and move to my current position analysing applications from the oil industry with regard to the chemical impact of their production, drilling and pipeline processes. These must be submitted and approved prior to work taking place in the North Sea with potential impact regulated by legislation. This is very much applied chemistry within a marine science context.

On a day-to-day basis, my work involves:

• Acting as a consultee to the Department for Enterprise and Climate Change, working closely with the oil industry, and analysing their Petroleum Operations Notices in advance of approval being given to the Department for Enterprise and Climate Change for the work to proceed;
• Using specific mathematical models to assess the potential risk to the marine environment of the chemicals used and discharged offshore;
• advising companies on how to minimise or negate the impact of their operations in production, drilling, pipeline activities and workovers in their Petroleum Operations Notices.
• Conducting investigation and analysis into the quantities of chemicals discharged from oil-related operations, which may pose a risk to the marine environment. The results are submitted to the OSPAR Commission;
• Advising the Department for Enterprise and Climate Change on chemical related issues to help minimise potential damage to the marine environment.

The day-to-day work I do helps to monitor and protect the marine environment. It helps to have:

• a mathematical brain when using the applied software so that the processes are fully understood;
• a pragmatic, analytical approach with great attention to detail;
• great communication skills and the ability to explain complicated scientific matters clearly and concisely;
• good IT skills, chemical knowledge and an up-to-date knowledge of the relevant legislation.

This position allows me to apply the chemical knowledge I’ve gained in a very practical environmental context. If you are thinking of working in this field, I’d advise you to develop your environmental and legislative knowledge and get as much experience as you can in the industry. Develop your IT skills and be able to demonstrate a real interest in the subject.