Oil and gas industry not seeking HoS exemptions

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Dear Editor:

I have read the article on Hours-of-Service and the comments attributed to Dave Bradley of the CTA in the December 2007 editions of Truck News and Truck West.

Reference is made in the article to “exemptions for logging trucks and those operating in the oil and gas industries.”

I wish to make it clear that the oil and gas industry is not seeking exemptions from the regulations. I have spoken with Graham Cooper at the CTA and written to Mr. Bradley to express our concern at the characterization of our industry as having exemptions from the regulations.

There is provision in the regulations for an “Oilwell Service Vehicle Permit” which, if granted, does permit a driver to extend their shift under very limited circumstances. This can hardly be considered an “exemption” from the regulations.

The permit is not issued to every company operating in the oil and gas industry and companies that apply for the permit have to provide substantial proof that they are operating in a safe manner, have a fatigue management system in place and a good carrier profile.

Drivers covered under the permit have to have taken courses specifically designed for oilfield drivers. •

Patrick J. Delaney, CRSP Vice-president, health, safety and government relations Petroleum Services Association of Canada

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