Global leader in Dropped Object prevention warns that Drops risks are not being fully accounted for in Oil & Gas decommissioning
Amsterdam, 9th October 2019 – The offshore Oil & Gas sector urgently needs a comprehensive strategy to ensure that the risks of Dropped Objects (Drops) are mitigated effectively prior to and during decommissioning. If mismanaged, Drops may result in safety risks for personnel, elevated operational costs, and environmental and reputational damage.
This is according to Dropsafe, the global leader in Drops prevention, serving sectors including Oil & Gas, Offshore Wind, Mining, Marine and Power Generation. Dropsafe highlights that offshore Drops risks may have been exacerbated due to the prolonged periods rigs spend idle at sea or ‘stacked’ prior to decommissioning activity.
The scale of decommissioning work required in key markets such as the North Sea presents both a significant challenge and opportunity for businesses in the offshore sector. There are 600 oil & gas platforms in the North Sea, of which 470 are scheduled to be decommissioned over the next 30 years.[1] 50% of the assets decommissioned up to 2040 in that region will be from the U.K., adding up to over 470,000 tonnes of infrastructure which must be cost-effectively and safely removed.[2]
Humidity, saltwater and adverse weather all cause significant corrosion, which can lead to fixtures and equipment on offshore platforms becoming loose or otherwise compromised. During the labour-intensive dismantling of these platform, the structure is subjected to vibrations, impacts and jolting as the heavy components are taken apart.
Personnel and equipment on site are therefore exposed to an increased risk of Drops incidents – in the form of both ‘dynamic’ Drops such as tools and equipment, and ‘static’ Drops such as light fittings.
Dropsafe has identified 5 key risk areas that decommissioning contractors must target to tackle Drops effectively:
Mike Rice, Commercial Director of Dropsafe, says: “The benefits of robust Drops prevention are clear. The decommissioning industry has worked hard to improve its reputation, but decades of progress could be lost if companies are seen to be unsafe employers and unresponsive to environmental concerns.”
“Continuing proactive and thorough Drops prevention throughout the entire lifetime of the rig, from construction to cold stacking to decommissioning, makes financial sense. The efficiency benefits to be gained from this are significant, because a full range of Dropped Object prevention solutions can be installed together – meaning reduced logistical costs.”
Dropsafe will be attending the Offshore Energy conference in Amsterdam on 8-9th October 2019, exhibiting at stand 10.017.
[1] Source: https://www.veolia.com/
[2] Source: https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/