Last week, EWTC hosted a webinar highlighting the Surface Operations Industry Guidelines, developed through the Well Stimulation Committee. The discussion, led by EWTC President Tim Tarpley, featured Ron Gusek, EWTC Vice Chair and President and CEO of Liberty Energy, and John Hutchison, District Manager at ProFrac Services. Together, they discussed why the document matters and what it represents for the industry moving forward.
The conversation centered on how the guidelines fill a long-standing gap in the sector by creating a single reference for handling surface operations. Built by people who do the work every day and combining technical knowledge with field experience, the guidelines represent an important step toward consistent, proactive safety practices across the industry. Gusek discussed the importance of the industry taking the lead on safety rather than waiting for outside regulation, stating that proactive standards like this put the industry in a stronger position and build public trust.
Hutchison emphasized how the guidelines create consistency between service companies and operators by more clearly defining hazard zones and improving communication before operations begin. He added that early collaboration with operators is key to building safety-focused relationships and ensuring everyone on-site is aligned. That kind of coordination, he said, helps prevent confusion and protects the crews doing the work.
The takeaway from the conversation was clear: progress in safety happens when the industry comes together to define what best practice looks like. The committee continues to lead on this effort, with more work ahead to strengthen safety practices across the sector, including new guidelines focused on gas handling best practices.
Jeff Emerick, Director of Government Affairs, writes about the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
