Summary
The goal of this project is to measure and compare offshore safety performance among IRF
participants by collecting and comparing incident data based on a common set of criteria.
The Overview and Guidelines document is ready to be released
3. KP3 Asset Integrity Progress Report
Summary
An update was provided of what has occurred since the report was published.
A workgroup has been set up with Step Change in the UK, which is undertaking work on issues raised by KP3.
An agreement was made to set up a programme for senior management to receive training on the concept of barriers and control of major accident hazards. This has been well received and addresses the gap in management competence.
The KP3 report has created more impact than any single inspection that took place over these three years, and created industry and political awareness of the problem. Installation integrity is currently the number-one topic for all oil companies.
4. Health & Safety trends, in particular ‘integrity management’
Summary
Presentations from members focused on the following priorities for the coming year:
Technical and operational integrity, including life extension of facilities
Seeking opportunities for the use of new technology improving the HSE performance.
Looking at specific groups that are exposed to specific risks
Intensifying efforts in working with industry in preventing environmental harm
5. Accident Investigation Procedures
Summary
Members discussed and compared the following:
Definition of “an incident”
Circumstances which might trigger an investigation including criteria and overall approach
Reporting of incidents to Boards
Compliance/enforcement tools and the criteria for their use
Differences in legislation in other countries
Training and investigation policies
6. Lessons learned from incidents
Summary
Members discussed this topic in detail, including “lessons learned from a prosecution
perspective” and “what investigation reports tell us”. The following lessons learned were
highlighted:
Time consuming to review incidents and extract meaningful data
Unfamiliarity of inspectors with criminal law
Requirement for dedicated resource
Challenges with different Courts
Interfaces relating to responsibility unclear
Unclear definitions of safety critical systems
Lack of competence in investigation techniques
Insufficient transfer of experience between shifts and between offshore and onshore
Corporate knowledge learning is missing or totally absent
7. How to handle a “new” reality
Summary
The broad picture of increasing numbers of operating oil companies introduced a debate on the issues involved.
Observations:
Competence capacity
New operators with no experience
Changes in the relationship between operators and contractors
Tripartite cooperation suffers
Proposals:
Review work methods and instruments of enforcement
Define roles and lines of responsibilities
8. Safety Zones
Summary
This discussion related to concerns that zones are running close to shipping lanes causing issues with legislation, safety etc. Information provided by various country members included
Advantages of specifying safety zones
Operator interest in establishing safety zones
The regulations under which zones are set, and the difference in administering these in each country.
9. Safety concerns/challenges re the issue of Carbon Capture Storage (CCS)
Summary
Presentations updated the meeting on approaches to this topic by various countries. These
included:
Working with industry and industry associations to review all issues involved
Australian Government initiative in setting up an institute to assist in driving viable projects around the world
Reviewing the knowledge gaps and their assessment, including storage potential
Managing long term liability issues; environmental effects; reduce emissions and account for emissions avoided.
10. Independent Review of NOPSA’s Operational Activities
Summary
The legislation, under which NOPSA administers the Health and Safety provisions, requires that an independent review of the effectiveness of its operations is conducted every three years.
The first review occurred early in 2008.
It was concluded that NOPSA has made good progress in building a safety regulatory regime and authority of world class calibre.
A copy of the report is on the NOPSA website www.nopsa.gov.au
11. IRF Review of the Draft MOU with International Standards Organisation (ISO)
Summary
It was noted that it was not possible to proceed with an IRF/ISO MOU due to the informal
standing of IRF.
12. Dealing with “idle iron”
Summary
Idle infrastructure is a financial liability to operators and possibly governments, and may also
pose potential environmental and navigational risks. Discussions related to wells, platforms and facilities which have not been producing for some time.
Recommendations:
Develop a regional plan which sets milestones for idle iron removal and clarifies
decommission.
13. NSOAF CEOs Conference)
Summary
This conference was set up because it was felt that the 20th anniversary of Piper Alpha and the focus on leadership in the North Sea countries was an opportunity to bring the two together. The theme of the day was leadership, and presentations focused on:
Installation integrity
Management of competence
Impact of new technologies and consequent challenges
Benefits of regulators and industry working together
14. Other presentations
A number of presentations were provided, including the following:
The use of KPIs
Lifting operations
Learnings and perceptions from the Piper Alpha disaster
Working with industry trade associations
Update on progress on the development of the regulatory framework for offshore safety in Brazil
Update on C-NLOPB’s work to streamline their regulatory regime and corresponding organisational development
Update on the New Zealand offshore regime
Proposal for offshore alternative energy and alternate use regulations
Proposed Norwegian regulations for petroleum activities offshore and at land facilities
15. 2010 IRF Conference
Summary
Host: Canada
Location: Vancouver
When: - October 2010.
16. IRF Membership
Summary
Membership of IRF was discussed and current arrangements were confirmed, with a possibility of some limited expansion.
17. 2009 Annual Meeting
It was agreed that New Zealand will host the next meeting, with Auckland suggested as a venue. Possible date October 2009.
