28 September 2004 - Two New Research Reports by HSE Dealing With FPSOs-FSUs and Working at Height Using Temporary Access Systems
RR261: Structural Reliability Framework for FPSOs/FSUs
The Civil and Aeronautical engineering and
Nuclear Power industries have, for some time, had a number of different
regulations, based on structural reliability theory and now, the
ship/offshore field have implemented this procedure within their own
regulations.
The Structural Reliability Analysis (SRA) tool calculates any probability of
failures within a structure which takes account of all random variables
involved in the structural design of ships. This provides a better approach,
rather than an approach which is specified without probabilities.
Since the early 1990s, there have been publications from Classification
Societies, suggesting the benefits in using reliability analysis techniques
(Bureau Veritas 2000) to analyse structures which have been recently
incorporated and accepted by some as a means of supplementation for their
existing regulations analyses structures.
The report can be accessed by clicking the following link: RR261 - Structural Reliability Framework for FPSOs/FSUs
RR268 - Developing a prototype decision aid for determining the risk of work systems at height when using temporary access systems
Structural and procedural inadequacies in
access to height risks, either by falls from people or objects has been
suggested in past research, that the basic risks are not controlled
efficiently enough within industry and the injury rate is disproportionately
high where access to height is required.
The method of computer based learning guidelines for the support of safe
practice working at height in a readily accessible format for all workers is
one means of presenting information and guidance.
The reports' aim is to develop and test appropriate decision aids for
workers involved in temporary access to height. Also within the report, a
large sample of temporary access to height accidents and incidents, which
were reported to the HSE over a ten year period, is described. It provides
rootcauses and safety management deficiencies.
Temporary access scaffolding and work on roofs were two areas which emerged
as particularly well represented.
The report can be accessed by clicking the following link: RR268 - Developing a prototype decision aid for determining the risk of work systems at height when using temporary access systems
Article by Alexandra Johnston
