Posted Thursday, 29 August 2013

DROPS Forum - Stavanger, 29th August 2013

Greg Reid opened the Forum and a Safety Brief was delivered. Introductions were given and an overview of the agenda was presented.

What is DROPS – Greg Reid, DROPS

Greg gave a brief overview of the objectives of DROPS which are 100% focused on the prevention of dropped objects. The Value / Supply Chain model was described, showing how dropped objects can be introduced and eliminated at all stages through the chain. The DROPS model – Identify, Assess, Eliminate, Substitute, Control and Monitor was explained and some examples of each were shown. Regional events happen regularly where members share lessons learned, new technology and best practices. The regional focus issues that are currently being worked on were described including Revision 3 of the DROPS Reliable Securing Booklet that will be available later this year. Also highlighted was a selection of the downloadable presentation and awareness material available from our website www.dropsonline.org

Dropped Object Prevention Devices – Eden Cantre, Dropsafe

Eden introduced Dropsafe, a product created as a secondary retention device to enclose and tether overhead fixtures, eg floodlights, speakers, CCTV cameras etc. Certain examples of hazards and incidents were shown, including a 25kg light could have fallen but was prevented from doing so because of the Dropsafe net. Another was a lamp on a crane boom and also a 27kg light assembly; both were prevented from falling and were shown hanging inside the Dropsafe safety net. The nets can be custom made and are fully traceable and independently tested. They are also temperature tested and the securing cable has a 750kg breakable strain. The product is designed to be used in all environments and in any area on a rig where overhead fixtures are located. A summary of the presentation is presented with these minutes, available for download here. For further details, please contact directly either sales@dropsafe.com, or info@dropsafe.com and visit www.dropsafe.com

Safe Bolting – Csaba Madru and Gosta Rydin, Nord-lock

Nord-lock presented their safe bolting system and unique tension-locking washers. Different examples of the most prevalent bolting systems were discussed, describing the mechanics and physics of their joint integrity, the failure modes that may beset them and the potential consequences of such failure. Nord-lock is working eliminate the possibility of these incidents recurring. The original and Nord-Lock X-series washers’ principles were explained noting the fundamental difference that they secure bolted joints with tension instead of friction. The Nord-lock system comprises of a pair of washers with cams on one side and radial teeth on the opposite side. Since the cam angle is greater than the thread pitch, a wedge effect is created by the cams, preventing the bolt from rotating loose.

A live demo presented different scenarios using various types of locking systems. Each was tension tightened and a vibrating simulation demonstrated how quickly the tension can be lost. However, with the Nord-Lock washers, the demonstration showed the following benefits / advantages:

Maintains high clamp load and thereby ensures the function of the joint
Quick and easy to install and remove with standard tools
Locking function not affected by lubrication
Reusable – in addition, Nord-Lock washers do not affect the reusability of fasteners
High corrosion resistance
Reliable locking, even for joints with short clamp length
Secures fasteners at both high and low preloads
No retightening needed

A training package for use of the washers is available online. For full details, please see their website www.nord-lock.com or email info@nord-lock.com

Safety Barricading – Josh Boord, BLH

Josh highlighted some statistics and consequences of dropped object incidents. He presented a novel safety guard / DROPS barrier concept that BLH Safety Solutions have developed. The guards are made from a plastic polymer formula and multi-fit to a wide variety of structures, such as handrails, scaffolding etc in order to prevent objects falling or passing and also to prevent access to moving or hazardous equipment. The barriers have a unique snap-lock system which means no bolts, screws or additional fasteners. The barriers also are anti-corrosive and cost effective as they need no on-going maintenance (eg checking for rust). The system installation was shown and described in more detail. The product has been independently tested and certified to a variety of standards including NORSOK and BS. The product testing includes wind, chemical, fire testing, UV light, and impact resistance. They are recyclable and environmentally friendly. The full presentation is available to download with the minutes. For further information, please visit www.blh-dom.com or email post@blh-dom.com

DROPS Globally – Allen Smith, DROPS

Allen shared some of his observations and experiences from promoting DROPS awareness around different parts of the world. He concluded that all regions acknowledge that DROPS is a real issue and there is an enthusiasm to understand how they occur and how to prevent them. DROPS is recognised for encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned and challenges and is seen as the leading source of reference for dropped object prevention. Allen highlighted the Reliable Securing booklet that is currently under revision and will be made available globally in Q4 2013. A few examples of potential dropped objects were shown and these demonstrated that the DROPS process of Identify and Eliminate works. Of the negatives, Allen noted that modified equipment is still an issue and more awareness of potential hazards is still required for new build and refits. Looking at the statistics, he noted that 3 new causes had entered the top 5 for reported incidents: poor housekeeping, corrosion and operator error/procedures not followed.

Open Floor and Any Other Business

Greg thanked Statoil for hosting the event and the presenters / exhibitors for their contributions. Attendees were invited to approach the Exhibitors / Presenters during lunch break to discuss any issues further. Greg wished Statoil every success with the continued programme of events in the afternoon session.

At Statoil’s request, presentations from the proceedings of their afternoon event have been included with these minutes for download

The Safe Rig project in Statoil_Prevention FO Conference_Jan Olav_edit

Fallende gjenstand presentasjon safe rigg konferanse_Norwegian Oil 26 Gas

Falling Object Conference 29.8.13_Ellinor Nesse_Statoil PRO

Statoil Prevention of Falling Objects Conferance CAN-AAK rev3

Falling objects presentation in Statoil_Ol 20A Engen

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