(WO) — The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) has partnered with the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) to launch an advanced fire prevention and electrical safety training program for oil and gas inspectors, strengthening field oversight aimed at reducing wildfire risks and improving operational safety.
Thirty RRC oil and gas inspectors from across Texas attended the inaugural Electrical Transmission and Distribution (ET&D) course Aug. 3-4 in Austin. The hands-on program provides training on evaluating the operation and maintenance of electrical power lines at well sites and production facilities, helping inspectors identify potential wildfire hazards and electrical safety issues in the field.
The 10-hour course covers electrical safety principles and hazard recognition in accordance with OSHA requirements. Participants who successfully complete the program earn an OSHA 10-hour certification with an ET&D endorsement.
“Preventing wildfires starts with proactive, informed inspection in the field, and our partnership with Texas A&M allows us to provide essential, life-saving training to our inspectors,” said Wei Wang, RRC executive director. “This effort highlights our strong commitment to protecting communities and natural resources throughout Texas, while also enhancing the responsible oversight that strengthens our state’s energy sector.”
The training also supports enforcement of Texas Administrative Code requirements governing the operation and maintenance of electrical power lines at oil and gas facilities and aligns with provisions of House Bill 143, approved during the 89th Texas Legislative Session.
The RRC said the initiative builds on internal inspector training introduced last year and is intended to enhance field safety, regulatory compliance and wildfire prevention across Texas oil and gas operations.
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