July 22, 2024

Ensuring Best-in-Class Water Transfer Services through Training

Training has always been integral to Keystone Clearwater Solutions providing best-in-class water transfer services for the oil and gas industry. With employment growing—the number of people employed in hydraulic fracturing services in the US increased 2.9% on average over the five years between 2018 and 2023—the need for comprehensive training is vital for safety and production efficiency.

In this often hazardous industry, with many entry-level, labor-intensive positions that do not require experience, a significant number of new employees have never been on a pad site before. A survey of Keystone Clearwater’s recent new hires found that 45% had no prior experience in the oil and gas industry while 28% had just 1-3 years of experience. Only 7% had more than 5 years of experience in either water transfer services or the oil and gas industry and there is no consistency with training.

“I have been at several different companies in the industry and what Keystone Clearwater is providing their new hires is on a completely different level in terms of preparation. Nobody else is doing this anywhere,” said one new hire after completing the training program.

What makes Keystone Clearwater Solutions’ training program different?
Keystone Clearwater Solutions has developed a robust hands-on training program with established training stations to provide measurable results for safety and operations. The comprehensive program aims to reduce incidents and prepare employees for safe operations. By providing team support and opportunities for improvement, employee retention may also be increased.

With company-wide supervisor input, the hands-on program addresses training needs for hand and power tools, equipment, and situational experiences. A scripted educator’s guide and curriculum for the training stations ensures consistency for each cohort and compliance with standard operating procedures. Keystone Clearwater Solutions’ water transfer services training program emphasizes safety and incorporates OSHA standards and regulation. Results are measured with pre- and post-tests so data driven decisions can be made to improve the program.

Recent training stations for water transfer services have included:

• Safe Rig-Up Practices – Safely rigging up valves, hoses, pumps, etc.
• Pump Training – Catching prime, proper pump operations, and troubleshooting.
• Rock Catcher and Filter Pod – Cleaning out and changing, plus best practices.
• Hands-On Tool Usage – Introduction and situational practice for tools used daily.
• Truck Spotting and Offloading – Spotter safety, manifold / offloading, driver awareness, assisting water truck driver training, and reduction of negligent spills.

Lenny Zucco, Keystone Clearwater Solutions Training and Development Manager, shared, “I am extremely passionate about the training program we are building here at Keystone. In the everchanging industry, we are taking a modern approach to training and are setting higher expectations for the education of our newest employees. This program will only become more robust in the future, and we are quite proud of it!”

Feedback from supervisors and employees has been extremely positive. “It was obvious to me that you all care about our success, when we had the training team, safety, AND operations there supporting us and teaching us firsthand what to expect out there. Makes me feel like I made the right choice coming here to work! Thank you!” said one new hire after completing training.

Best-in-class water transfer services in Appalachia and the Permian Basin
With a trained and experienced workforce of more than 700, Keystone Clearwater Solutions provides best-in-class water transfer and management solutions for the oil and gas industry in the Mid-Atlantic region and Texas. To learn more about our team, our fleet of equipment and operational and automation services, visit KeystoneClear.com.

Keystone Clearwater Solutions companies include our FieldForce Equipment Sales, Services, & Rental division and strategic partners Hydro Recovery LP and Coral Reef Partners solar solutions.