Safety-critical elements (SCE) are defined as the installations whose failure will either cause or contribute substantially to a major accident,or which can prevent,or limit the effect of a major accident hazard.Based on technology and management methods,with ensuring SCE are well,it can reduce the risk of the entire process system and improve safety performance effectively.Because of dangerous materials,installations and complex process,the risk in oil &gas field is more than other industries.Based on the method safety-critical elements,it can find the critical installations in the safety management rapidly and systemic.Then,with the train and manage of operator and manager,it can ensure the safety in the production of the oil &gas field.Compared with other methods in the safety management,using the method SCE is more pertinence,system and completeness.The used of SCE can be discussed as a method in the safety management or assist the safety management.