Gordon Davis, George Case, Elie Daher and Darrell Dowd

SPE 168450Solving Offshore Confined Space Entry Concerns with Safe Work Practices and Rescue Planning:

A Case Study

Gordon Davis, George Case, Elie Daher and Darrell Dowd

2

The Site

An operator in Angola planned a turnaround on one of their main offshore structures in September of 2013.

Fox FacilityPhysical Description:Vertical vessel 60’ S/S high x 42” to 36” I.D.

Description of Access and Egress: 4 x 18” manway

Figure 1. An offshore production platform in West Africa

168450 • Safe Work Practices and Rescue Planning for Vertical Column Work During Turnaround: A Case Study • Gordon Davis, George Case, Elie

Daher and Darrell Dowd

3

Industry Challenges on Rescue Planning

Figure 2. Regular training for local personnel

Not enough focus on planning of entry and rescue in confined space

Regular review of all Confined Space Entry and Rescue Plans needed to ensure validity

Rescue crews need regular training to stay knowledgeable and skilled



4

Site Specific Challenges

Operators and contractors were skeptic about local rescue capabilities due to previous incidents involving confined space rescue

Industrial rescue was a new contracted service.

Bring emergency planning and rescue skills to a higher standard

Figure 3. Offshore Column & Scaffolding



5

Rescue Planning Process



6

From stick diagram to the training ground

A previous project had proven the benefits of having a simulator to serve as training ground. The operator approved the fabrication of a simulator that yielded other unexpected benefits.

The completed simulator was 20 feet high, 36 inches in diameter, with 2 – 18 inch man ways at the 4 foot and 16 foot level

Figure 4. The mock-up simulator



7

First Rescue Plan: An Easy Rescue

Removing the 6” Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) provided an easy set up for a tripod. The cables could be run inside and accessed at the man ways.

The tripod was set up on top of the simulator and an easy rescue was demonstrated for the client

Figure 6. The first rescue concept

Figure 5. An offshore platform



8

Second Rescue Plan: A Not So Easy Rescue

We needed to factor in that they may not empty the entire tower all at once but that they may do it section by section without removing trays.

No internal tie offs

Our rescue mannequin was not happy

Complex rescue procedures require careful planning

Challenges:

Figure 7. Preparing to lower the rescuer



9

Final Rescue Plan

The final solution involved the rescuer shielding the injured worker with his own body as they were raised simultaneously. The Injured Person (IP) was passed over the rescuer’s head to exit the space.

A rope was tied around his wrists to gently keep his arms up and forward. The worker came out in what became know as the superman pose.

Figure 8 & 9. Angolan Emergency Rescue Technicians demonstrate the final rescue procedure.



10

Project Timeline

A rescue procedure is more than just another industry requirement. It is a detailed plan that prevents serious catastrophic events.

Safety companies must demonstrate the plan to operators or contractors. The parties review, evaluate and amend the plan until they are satisfied that it is safe, practical and repeatable.



11

Emerging Best Practices

Involvement of industrial rescue managers in major project planning meetings provide lead time and allow the development of tailor-fit solutions.

Strong commitment to knowledge transfer and ongoing training for local personnel through coaching.

Figure 10. Testing the final rescue plan.

Construction of simulator provided opportunities to practice and attain mastery of rescue skills.

Encourage input from all to foster teamwork.

Allow trial and error to develop a safe repeatable rescue plan.

Formal drawings, review of plan with crew prior to entry.



12

The Bottom Line

Turnaround was completed ahead of schedule with associated cost savings.

More than a story about designing a confined space rescue, this is a success story of a strong local content plan.

Improved confidence of the operator and contractor due to updated rescue skills.

Industry needs to focus on rescue and planning.

Fabricators were able to practice before shut in.

Parts were tested for fit and ease of installation.



13

Rising Oil and Gas Demand vs. The Great Crew Change

Engage your safety company early in the planning process. Not all rescues are carbon copies of each other.Recognize that some rescues are complex. Allow rescue companies and tradesmen to practice in realistic environments.Regular review of all entry and rescue plans ensure validity.Build a relationship with your rescue company based on trust.



Acknowledgements / Thank You / Questions

Gordon DavisManager Of Industrial Rescue, United Safety – Angola

United Safety LTD, Airdrie, AB, Canada, T1K 6J5, www.unitedsafety.net

Daher, E. and Critchley D. (2013) Excellence in Safety Performance Has No Multicultural Barriers: A Case Study. SPE – 163754-MS. Retreved from Http://www.unitedsafety.net/blog/2013/07/09/excellence-in-safety-performance-has-a-multi-cultural-barriers/

Emst & Young Global Limited.(2013) Angola More than an oil and gas story. Retrieved from http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/Angola:_More_then_an_oil_and_gas_story/$FILE/130219_SGF_TL_Angola_emai_version.pdf

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. (2010) Conference Precedents. Retrieved from http://www.opec.org/opec_web/static_files_project/media/downloads/50th_anniversary/Conference_Precidents.pdf

Prata,H. Serra, S.C. Honorato, J.P. et. Al (2013). Recent trends in the Angolan oil and gas Sector, Energy and Infrastructure. Retrieved from https://www.iflr1000.com/Imgs/africa13/46-51_angola.pdf

Ramos, M.L. (2011). Angola’s Oil Industry Operations. Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa. Retrieved from http://www.osisa.org/sites/default/files/angola_oil_english_final_less_photos>pdf

Safety and Health Magazine (2012) Confined Space Rescue (published online 1 September 2012). Retrieved fromhttp://www.safetyandhealtmagizine.com/articles/7722

http://www.unitedsafety.net/blog/2013/07/09/excellence-in-safety-performance-has-a-multi-cultural-barriers/

Gordon Davis, George Case, Elie Daher and Darrell Dowd

Documents

Transcript of Gordon Davis, George Case, Elie Daher and Darrell Dowd