The machine (doggy pump) that draws crude oil from underground is constantly running. Like threshing paddy, the machine draws the oil and sends it to the tank through the pipe for processing. The machine only needs electricity to initially 'start', then runs on its own. It takes 10 seconds for the machine to pull the oil from the ground once and pump it into the pipe. The machine runs at this speed for 24 hours.

This scene is from Jewel, Dukhan, which is about 30 km from Manma, the capital of Bahrain. Where oil extraction was first started in 1931. The traditional techniques used then are still in use today. Also, Bahrain uses modern technology in oil refining. Here not only machines run 24 hours, workers also work 24 hours.

The team including Lalsingh Moktan, 27 years old from Sarlahi, Ishwarpur-1, reached the 'site' at 4 o'clock in the morning on June 19. In Bahrain, it is illegal to work in direct sunlight between 11:30 am and 3 am. From June to September, workers cannot be employed during the day. Then the duty time is changed. That is why the workers have to reach the site at 4 am.

Lal Singh has been working on scaffolding to connect pipes to large structures at Bahrain Petroleum Company (WAPCO) for three and a half years. I came to Office Boy. Didn't like it. Then I took scaffolding training. I got a scaffolding license after passing the safety protocol test, which I need to know and understand," he said, "only then can I work on scaffolding in the oil and gas sector." 

takes scaffolding as hard work. You have to get up at 3 am to get to the site at 4 am. A meeting is held before the work begins. Work is divided by who does what and where. On that day, the supervisor assigned Lalsingh's team to open the 'confined space' (inside the tank) scaffolding. 

Working inside the tank is considered very dangerous. In terms of danger, such work is classified as 'Risk Two'. On top of that, excessive heat is causing 'heat stress'.

Permission to enter 'confined space' is considered mandatory. Entry is permitted only after meeting security standards. Within a confined space, all four walls are closed. There is a small hole through which people enter. It is like entering a closed well with a cover. It is not known from where poisonous gas (HTS) leaks sometimes," he said. When the heat is too hot, problems like fainting and numbness of limbs are seen due to heat stress. I am afraid that I will die inside.'

Before going inside the tank, the workers including Lalsingh carry the equipment. A stretcher for rescue, a multigas detector to know which gas is mixed with the air, 'Self Contained Breathing Apparatus' (Scaba) for oxygen, two oxygen cylinders, whistle, harness, tripod etc. were prepared. If someone faints inside, they cannot leave immediately. First ensure your own safety. For that, two oxygen cylinders must be carried,' he said, 'We carry a whistle to inform about an emergency, a harness to avoid falling and a tripod to pull people.'

According to Lalsingh, this is a battle with gas and temperature. He said that the risk varies according to the field of work. By 6 am they were ready, but had not taken permission. No entry without permission.

After 6 o'clock the temperature started rising slowly. After the permission to enter the tank was delayed, the supervisor asked the team to open the scaffolding built in the oil storage tank. 11 Nepalis were involved in that work. Three people started opening it, others took hold of the pipe and put it in the car. It was 7:30 a.m. when the scaffolding was opened.

Shortly after that, the work permit came. However, the sun was shining. There was a condition where the sweat was soaked up to the socks. Virham Limbu, Gunjaman Tamang, Krishna Bahadur Tamang, Vikas Moktan, Prakash Bohra, Mukesh Jha, Shiv Khulal and driver Rishiraj Pant were appointed for 'Confined Space' under the leadership of Lal Singh. They reached the place considered to be the most dangerous. Lal Singh was in the role of 'Job Watcher'. Sangeet Kumar played the role of 'permit receiver'.

They tested whether there was gas in the 'confined space'. Oxygen 20.7 ppa, carbon dioxide zero, hydrogen sulfide (HTUs) zero. Another task was to measure the Lower Flammable Limit (LEL) of the gas. It was below risk when tested. Measuring the LEL level is considered mandatory as even a small leak in ironwork can cause a fire. There are enough incidents of people dying from HTUS gas. 

Nepalis going to work. They go on duty at 3 am and return to the camp at 12 noon. Photos : Home Karki/Kantipur

The gas detector was tested with the help of a rope and found STUS and carbon dioxide to be zero. After no gas leakage was seen from both, it was decided who would enter and who would stay out. Virham Limbu, Gunjaman Tamang, Krishna Bahadur Tamang and Vikas Moktan entered. In preparation for the rescue, Prakash Bohora, Mukesh Jha, Shiv Khulal remained ready outside. Driver Pant waited in the car.

was the unfolding of the scaffolding structure built within the confined space. They started going inside one by one wearing harnesses so as not to fall suddenly on the ground. Lalsingh was reminding his friends to inform him as soon as he felt weak. Inside, the process of opening the scaffolding was starting, the supervisor of the WAPCO company came and asked for a 'work permit'. Lal Singh showed permission. 

However, the supervisor did not allow the work. There is still a valve to replace. A 5-inch valve was used instead of a 3-inch valve. Because of this, the supervisor came saying that the pressure was not enough to pull the oil. The four people who were working inside were called out. The Lalsinghs stopped working until the valve was turned. By that time it was 8:30 am.

They went to a nearby sun shade and started to rest. This place is also designed to slow down the workers. A 25-25 liter water jar was placed there. As the temperature rises, the rule is to drink a glass every 15-15 minutes. However, it does not seem to be followed by most of them. In the morning, the hot air was blowing with the heat.

Sand particles are also mixed in the wind blowing across the open desert. With the hot sun on one side and the dusty air on the other, it was not a comfortable place to sit. Those who brought food went inside the car to eat. Most of them brought bread and vegetables.

Another team replaced the valve within an hour. Then it was the turn of the Red Lions. The gas was tested again at the time of entry. All conditions appeared normal. Then the workers started coming in. Lal Singh was sitting at the entrance from the tank and looking down. He was interrogating by walkie-talkie. Scaffolding was being pulled out. They were telling us not to drink the water there. Drinking water inside is risky. HTUs comes mixed with water,” he said.

It was three times hotter inside than outside. The risk of collapsing from profuse sweating was high. Around 10 o'clock another team arrived again. They asked not to re-attach the opened scaffolding saying that the pipe will be missing. We can't. Our work is being interrupted since morning. Tell the supervisor,” Lal Singh told the team. The

team called the supervisor and requested. After instructions from the supervisor, Lalsingh's team again started attaching the exposed scaffolding. Then came out again and started to rest. The other team left after 15 minutes. Then all four entered again. They cautiously unfolded the scaffolding. It took about an hour to open everything. Then all of them took out iron rods and came out. 9 people together loaded the vehicle. Checked if the luggage was left.

It was 12 o'clock when the cover of 'confined space' was closed. They then returned to the camp. From June to September we do not have a break between duties. There is no separate time set aside for meals. We will eat when we have free time,' said Lalsingh, 'Now we will go to the camp and cook and eat.' There are more than 3,000 Nepali workers working on scaffolding within the WAPCO project, taking risks like the Lalsinghs. Sometimes I wonder why I am playing with life. I am earning by betting my life," Lal Singh said, "This is for all the families.