The Complete Guide to the Alaska Safety Handbook (ASH): How to Access, Study, and Apply It

If you are planning to work in Alaska's oil and gas sector—especially on the North Slope—the Alaska Safety Handbook (ASH) is the single most important document you need to understand. Created through a collaborative effort among major operators like ConocoPhillips, Hilcorp, and ExxonMobil, the ASH standardizes health, safety, and environmental protocols across all Alaska oilfield operations.

Whether you are preparing for your North Slope Training Cooperative (NSTC) certification or onboarding with an oilfield service contractor, knowing how to get, study, and apply the handbook is essential for a safe and successful career.

What is the Alaska Safety Handbook?

The ASH serves as the definitive safety manual for field personnel in Alaska. Rather than having different safety policies for every rig or camp site, operators agree on a single, uniform set of safety regulations.

Key sections covered in the manual include:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Cold-weather gear, eye/face protection, and site-specific safety equipment.

Control of Hazardous Energy: Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols and electrical safety.

Permit-to-Work Systems: Standardized procedures for hot work, confined space entry, and critical lifts.

Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) & Chemical Safety: Working around hazardous materials and understanding SDS datasheets.

Environmental Stewardship: Tundra preservation, spill reporting, and waste management standards.

How to Obtain a Copy of the Alaska Safety Handbook

There are four primary ways to get access to the official manual:

1. Order a Physical Copy Online

Official Distributor: The Alaska Safety Alliance (ASA) handles the print distribution of the handbook.

Cost: $15.00 USD for a compact, weather-resistant pocket book.

Where to buy: Purchase directly through the Alaska Safety Alliance Shop.

2. Access the Free Flipbook / PDF Preview

The Alaska Safety Alliance hosts digital viewer versions (flipbooks) of the manual directly on their website.

Major operators also provide digital PDF reference sections through their contractor onboarding portals.

3. Enroll in the ASA Companion Online Module

If you want a structured breakdown of the handbook before stepping foot on a rig, ASA offers an e-learning course called the NSTC Alaska Safety Handbook Module.

Cost: $45.00 USD.

Format: Self-paced online course that guides you through navigating and applying the handbook's rules in real-world scenario tests.

4. Receive a Free Copy During Onboarding

Most employers provide a free physical copy during your mandatory NSTC Unescorted Safety Course or company-specific orientation prior to your first flight to the North Slope.

Why the ASH Matters for Your Career

Mandatory NSTC Requirement: The core NSTC training curriculum relies directly on the regulations laid out in the ASH. Passing your certification requires a clear understanding of its guidelines.

Standardized Compliance: Knowing the handbook ensures you can seamlessly transfer between different contractors, operators, and field sites without needing to re-learn basic safety systems.

Stop Work Authority: The ASH grants every worker—regardless of experience or title—the explicit right and responsibility to stop any operation if an unsafe condition arises.

Conclusion: Getting Ready for the Slope

The Alaska Safety Handbook is not just a reference manual—it is a daily operating requirement for anyone working in arctic oilfield environments. By grabbing a copy early, studying the core modules through the Alaska Safety Alliance, and mastering its safety standards, you ensure that you show up to your first hitch field-ready, confident, and prepared for a successful FIFO rotation.

Safety Tips: Never pay anyone for job application, test or interview. A genuine employer will never ask you for the payment in any case.