NVQ Diploma in Processing Operations:

Hydrocarbons (QCF)
UNIT PO (H) 16
Learner Outcome 1
Know how to check the required information
1.1 Can you explain how to access and interpret the following?
Shutdown instructions
Operations Instructions
Shutdown Instructions
Shutdown defines a planned general outage of the process systems and equipments that are major means
of production or service delivery for the purpose of significant maintenance and statutory checks.
Information regarding the shutdown of plant will be accessed from the plant control room, the production
superintendent/ permit office, the offshore conference room, the safety office or the offshore installation
managers office. Information regarding plant shut down can include but not limited to; shut down
procedures, shut down schedules, risk Assessments, standard operating procedures, isolation certificates,
PTW, maintenance logs, plant de-isolation procedures, equipment manuals and emergency shutdown
procedures, hand over logs, cause and effects charts etc
Principles of plant shut down include:
Before conducting a plant shut down, there should be a documented integrated management strategy
(IMS) to manage the shut down operation safely and economically. The IMS will stipulate the
requirements for a shut down program, shut down procedures, risk assessments, PTW, shut down work
scope etc. Also there should be clear definition of shut down responsibilities and competencies, proper
planning and coordinated procurement of desired materials & logistics, proper management of change
process & contractor management procedures that will include trainings, communications guidelines etc,
creation of a team organized to manage the overall shutdown planning process, establish a work
identification and work scope development process that cut across all departments and functions that are
involved and an adequate time for the detailed planning of all jobs included in the scope and to allow for
the development of a detailed schedule for the shutdown.
Also there should be shut down team in place that comprises of the production management, maintenance
management, planning and scheduling and engineering. The team's primary role is to manage the
planning process and provide a mechanism for the input and review of proposed activities from all
departments and authorise risk assessments and safe systems of work.
A shut down work scope may also be adopted from repetitive shutdowns, routine jobs (e.g. riser changes,
media filter replacement) or mandated by regulatory bodies (e.g. vessel inspections, relief valve tests) and
engaging vendors who technically understands the full scope of the proposed work for each job that is
proposed for the shutdown. One that cannot be neglected is the human resource to perform the shut down.
They should be available and competent i.e. Equipment specialists, manufacture representatives,
tradesmen etc. To add to this, a shut down cannot be said to be successful if it is full of safety crises as a
result a comprehensive risk assessment that identifies all the hazards for the stages of shut down should

be conducted and an audit & monitoring process put in place to ensure personnel safety during the
shutdown period. Finally a proper pre-start up/post shutdown program generated to ensure the plant start
up is safely conducted with a good procedure of checking at that all are has be worked on with respect to
the PTW, de-isolations cancelled and the plant audited for safe start up.
Operational instructions
All information relating to operating the plant in a safe mode without causing harm to the personnel,
environment and facility including Risk Assessment for all equipments can be accessed from the plant
control room, the production superintendent/ permit office, the offshore conference room, the safety
office or the offshore installation managers office. Cancelled, suspended and details active permit to
works can be obtained from the department supervisor, permit issuer or permit receiver. Material Safety
Data sheets for all chemicals stored or used on site can be located in the labs or directly were the
chemicals are stored. Process and Instrument diagrams can be located in the Central Control Room, along
with Standard Operating procedures, Company Policies and procedures, equipment operation manual,
Work control permits, shift hand over logs, plant monitoring logs, control room logs, maintenance logs,
task risk assessment, cause and effects charts and on the J-drive.
Detailed operations manuals, operational requirements, Environmental impact assessments, health and
safety manual, policies can be accessed from the Offshore installation manager. The manager has overall
knowledge and interpretation of this information and represents the companys interests on this location.

1.2 Identify the different sources of information?
All information relating to safety can be obtained from the site Safety Inspector or the Health and Safety
Executive. Information /safety notices and posters are displayed on notice and bulletin boards located on
site, on the plant and in the Office block section. Risk Assessments for all plant and equipment
maintenance tasks can be found in the Shift Managers office. Material Safety Data sheets for all
chemicals stored or used on site can be located in the labs or directly were the chemicals are stored.
Process and Instrument diagrams can be located in the Central Control Room, along with Standard
Operating procedures, Company Policies and procedures, equipment operation manual, Work control
permits, shift hand over logs, plant monitoring logs, control room logs, maintenance logs, task risk
assessment, cause and effects charts as well as the J-drive.
1.3 Can you explain how to interpret plant drawings and manuals?
Categories of drawings used on a hydrocarbon processing facility include; process flow diagrams (PFDs),
Piping and Instrumentation drawings (P&IDs), plant elevation and plot drawings.
Plot Plans are detailed maps (to scale) which shows the location of the main items of equipment on a
process system or platform. Elevation drawings are drawn to scale to show views of the process system or
platform as seen from a particular direction. Both plot and elevation drawings are used to identify
hazardous areas (zone classification), location of plant modules, escape routes and location of emergency
equipment and facilities (lifeboats, life rafts etc)

Process flow diagrams (PFDs) are drawings (not to scale) used in the hydrocarbon process industry to
indicate the general flow of plant processes and equipment. The PFD displays the relationship between
major equipment of a plant facility and does not show minor details such as piping details and
designations. A typical PFD of a single unit process will include the following; process piping, major
equipment items, control/major valves, connections with other systems, major bypass and recirculation
streams, operational data (temperature, pressure, mass flow rate, density, etc.), process stream names, and
mass balance data.
A piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID) is a drawing (not to scale) in the hydrocarbon process
industry which shows the piping of the process flow together with the installed equipment and
instrumentation. It is critical to demonstrate the physical sequence of equipment and systems, as well as
how these systems connect. The diagram also provides the basis for the development of system control
schemes, allowing for further safety and operational investigations, such as the hazard and operability
study (HAZOP). A typical P&ID of a single unit process will include the following; Instrumentation and
designations, Mechanical equipment with names and numbers, All valves and their identifications,
process piping, sizes and identification, vents, drains, special fittings, sampling lines, reducers, permanent
start-up and flush lines, flow directions, Interconnections references, control inputs and outputs,
interlocks, computer control system input, Identification of components and subsystems delivered by
other systems.
All the above types of drawings will have a title block (is located in the lower-right corner of the drawing)
that contains information about the drawing such as the name of the drawn object, drawing number, and
all information required to identify the part or assembly, the name and address of the command preparing
the drawing, the scale, authentication and drawing date.
Plant manuals can be categorised as parts manuals, maintenance manuals, equipment operation manuals
and can be used for obtaining parts specifications, parts drawings, performing plant maintenance and
plant operation.
When using manual or plant drawings ensure you have the right manual in front of you by checking the
drawing or manual model name/ number. Look for specific sections detailing the type of operation or
repair you are going to perform or the section of the system you are checking for. Look in the "Index" (for
manuals) of Legends (for engineering drawings) for keywords, equipment or phrases related to the
specific task or equipment as a quick search. Look for specific warnings on hazardous activity or safety
warnings highlighted in manuals/drawings. You can as well make any reference to specific tools, gauge,
or other specialized equipment that is required to perform your maintenance or repair from manuals






Learner Outcome 2
Know the plant environment
2.1 Can you describe the plant layout and its connection with other systems?
Plant layout refers to the arrangement of physical facilities such as machines, equipment, tools etc. in
such a manner so as to have quickest flow of material at the lowest cost and with the least amount of
handling in processing the product from the receipt of raw material to the delivery of the final product.
Normally a good plant layout has the objectives of proper and efficient utilization of available floor space.
On the FPSO it is achieved separating the well fluids into its various components and routing the gas
separated to the inlet cooler and then to the safety knock out drum and suction scrubber to remove traces
of water droplets before it is compressed. The compressed gas is sent to the gas dehydration module for
further drying and the part further compressed while the rest used for fuel gas and power generation. The
produced water separated from the well fluid is sent to the produced water treatment module where it is
treated to remove traces of oil from it before disposal. Part of the produced water is used as cooling
medium to cool the compressed gasses in the gas compression modules, the produced water also is used
in the Sea water injection pump motors and the glycol overhead coolers as a coolant. The oil separated is
preheated with stabilized oil from the crude/crude exchangers and heaters before entering into the IP
separated for further removal of gas and water. The oil separated under level control is sent to the
Electrostatic Treater flash drum to flash of entrained gasses before entering into the Electrostatic Treater
to finally remove water from it. The separated oil from the E-Treater is sent to the degasser for final
removal of gasses. The stabilized oil is pumped through the crude/crude exchangers and through the sales
oil coolers for cooling before storage. The gas removed from IP separator, Flash drum and degasser are
sent to the LP compression module for compression to the MP compressor suction requirement. Nitrogen
from the nitrogen generator skid is supplied to all areas within the plant for purging and blanketing.
Examples of such areas include the Flare Knock out drums, the oil separation module, Gas compression
modules, Produced water treatment modules, Power generation etc. Instrument is generated by the air
compression skid to operate all control valves within the facility as well as utility air for all air services.
To enhance more oil recovery from wells, the sea water treatment and filtration module is provided to
treat sea water to meet the sea water injection requirement prior to injection and finally part of the sea
water is tapped and further treated by the Reverse Osmosis unit for domestic use.






Learner Outcome 3
Know the function and operation of plant and equipment
3.1 Can you describe the equipment and its function, relevant to the plant?
Well Head Assembly
A well head is an assembly of equipment installed on top of the well bore from which casings and tubing
strings are suspended. The Well head assembly consists of a number of safety and control valves that
initiate Emergency Shutdown (ESD) or process control hence protecting the plant against threatening
conditions i.e. fire, high/low pressures, and high/low flow rate from the wells. These safety valves
include: sub-surface safety valves, lower master valves, upper master valves, kill wing valves:
The Sub-Surface Safety Valve (SSSV) is a fail close hydraulic valve, operated by signal from the
well head control panel to shut in the well in case of ESD
The Upper Master Valve (UMV): A fail close pneumatic valve, operated by signal from the well
head control panel in case of ESD or start up
The Lower Master Valve (LMV): Is a manual valve, used to isolate UMV for maintenance
The Production Wing Valve (PWV): Is a manual valve, opens crude flow to the well flow lines
Choke valve: Controls the flow rate from the well head to the well flow lines and manifolds
Manifold System
A manifold system is a set of valves, headers and flow lines that transmit crude from the well head
assembly to the separator trains. The crude flow line from the well head assembly splits into two streams
namely; the well test manifold and the production manifold. Each of the 2 streams is installed with
manual isolation valves (valve skids) that are used to switch flow into production/well test separators as
per the process plant production schedule. Both the production and test headers are incorporated with
independent (High Integrity Pipe Protection Systems) HIPPS safety systems to protect the equipment
downstream from the upstream well head pressures.

Separators
In the separator the crude is separated into 3 streams namely: oil, produced water and gas
The oil stream: Oil is separated over a weir into the condensate accumulation section of the
separator and leaves the separators vessel under level control to the oil flush drum
The produced water stream: Water separates/settles below the oil (by gravity settling) at the
gravity settling section and leaves the separator via level control to the produced water storage
tank.
The gas stream: Gas exits via the top of the separator vessel, through the pressure control valve
after which its metered before entry into the dehydration process
The Produced Water System
Produced water from the separation process in gathered into water treatment tanks where residual oil is
separated from the produced water through a gravity settling process, the separated oil is skimmed off and
channelled to the condensate header. The produced water free of oil is then pumped through polishing
filters where solid particles are removed, then the filtered water is discharged into water settling pits and
its subjected to further mechanical filtration and dilution treatment processes. Chemical treatment of the

produced water takes place in the water settling pits and the below are some of the additives for
conditioning the water:
Lime for raising pH
Lime/Alum for settling the suspended solids
Biocides for reducing microbes activity
Sodium hypochlorite as a biocide for reducing BOD&COD (chemical oxygen demand &
biological oxygen demand)
Flocculants for breaking emulsion and foam
The treated water can be re-used for plant processes such as process coolers, steam boiler, heaters etc
Tri-Ethyl Glycol (TEG), Gas Dehydration System
The gas stream from separator train is piped to the dehydration process where the gas is further stripped
off its moisture content a process called gas drying and it takes place in a TEG skid.
TEG skid comprises of a glycol contactor tower, where gas enters via the bottom and flows through a
cross current with lean glycol used to absorb any water vapour entrained in the gas. The rich glycol
(moisture saturated) is regenerated in a re-boiler vessel where it loses its moisture in form of steam and is
re-used as lean glycol (moisture free) in the glycol contactor tower. The moisture free gas leaves the top
of the glycol contactor tower via a reflux coil where it pre-heats the incoming lean glycol before its piped
to the gas metering skid then to the export line.

Electrostatic coalescers
The oil stream from separator train is piped to the demulsifying process where the residual water
contained in the water in oil emulsion is further separated in a process called de-emulsification and this
takes place in an electrostatic coalesce unit.

Electrostatic coalescers use large settling tanks containing electrodes that create electrical fields to induce
droplet coalescence in a water-in-crude-oil emulsion. The electric field created increases the water droplet
sizes, settling speed hence achieving complete de-association of the emulsion. As the water droplets are
very conductive, the induced electric charges upon them will create dipoles that attract each other causing
the water droplets to coalesce (to join into bigger droplets). These larger water droplets further coalesce
and eventually settle/separate out of the oil by gravitational separation process. The emulsion free oil then
leaves the top of the electro-coalescer where it is its piped to the oil metering skid then to the export line.

3.2 Can you describe the functioning of process control including instrumentation and process
logic controllers?
Instrumentation is defined as the science of measurement and control of process variables within a
production plant. An instrument is a device that measures and/or regulates physical quantity (such as
weight, density) or process variables such as flow, temperature, level, pressure. Output instrumentation
found on an oil and gas platform includes devices such as solenoids, valves, regulators, circuit breakers,
sensors, ESDs and relays. These devices control a desired output variable (i.e. flow, temperature, level,
pressure) and provide either remote or automated control capabilities. These devices are often referred to
as final control elements when controlled remotely or by a control system. Examples of final control

elements found on an oil and gas platform include transmitters, transducers, regulators, controllers,
temperature probes, indicators, gauges as detailed below:
Transmitters are devices that produce an output signal, often in the form of a 4 20 mA electrical
current signal, although many other options using voltage, frequency, pressure, hydraulic oil,
instrument air or Ethernet are possible. This signal can be used for informational purposes, or it
can be sent to a central control panel, local control panel, PLC, DCS, SCADA system, where it is
interpreted into readable values and used to control other devices and processes in the system.
Transducers are devices (sensors /detectors) that convert one form of energy to another. Energy
types include electrical, mechanical, electromagnetic radiation, chemical, acoustic or thermal
energy. Transducers are widely used in measuring instruments for pressure, temperature, level
and flow on the platform
Indicator (distance amplifying instrument), is any instrument used to accurately measure small
distances/signals and amplify them to make them more significant as process variables. Examples
of indicators include meters, gauges, thermometers
Controllers are a control loop feedback mechanism widely used in industrial control systems. A
controller basically calculates the difference between a measured process variable and a desired
set point. The controller attempts to minimize the difference by adjusting the process control
inputs/ process variable.
Alarms or system of alarm devices gives an audible, visual or other form of alarm signal about a
problem or condition of a process variable that have exceeded the controller set points, maximum
or minimum allowable operating parameters of any process. Alarms are incorporated into ESD
systems, low level and High level indicator systems
A programmable logic controller (PLC) or programmable controller is a digital computer used for
automation of electromechanical processes, such as control of machinery. Unlike general-purpose
computers, the PLC is designed for multiple inputs and output arrangements, extended temperature
ranges, immunity to electrical noise, and resistance to vibration and impact. Programs to control machine
operation are typically stored in battery-backed-up or non-volatile memory. A PLC is an example of a
hard real time system since output results must be produced in response to input conditions within a
limited time.
3.3 Can you explain how to operate integrated process systems, as appropriate to the plant?
Process Integration refers to the system-oriented, thermodynamics-based, integrated approaches to the
analysis, synthesis and retrofit of process plants. The goals of process integration is to
combine the use of materials and energy, and to minimize the generation of emissions and wastes. Note
that Process Integration is not limited to the design of new plants, but it also covers retrofit design (e.g.
new units to be installed in an old plant) and the operation of existing systems. Process integration is
aimed at optimizing process designs in order to get more money from their raw materials and capital
assets while becoming cleaner, more compact and sustainable.

The main advantage of process integration is to consider a system as a whole (i.e. integrated or holistic
approach) in order to improve their design and/or operation. In contrast, an analytical approach would

attempt to improve or optimize process units separately without necessarily taking advantage of potential
interactions among them.
For instance, by using process integration techniques it might be possible to identify that a process can
use the heat rejected by another unit and reduce the overall energy consumption, even if the units are not
running at optimum conditions on their own. Such an opportunity would be missed with an analytical
approach, as it would seek to optimize each unit, and thereafter it wouldnt be possible to re-use the heat
internally.
Process integration techniques are common in crude preheating process, re-flux, re-boilers and
regeneration systems in process plants.
Below are examples of process integration systems designed into the process plant:
Heat dissipated off the stabilised crude of the crude oil system and it is absorbed by the raw crude
from the HP separation system through interaction in the crude/crude exchangers
Residual heat from the exhaust of the turbine generators is used to generate heating medium for
the process and for use in the cargo tanks. Here there is a process integration between the power
generation system and the heating media.
Process integration is very suitable for oil and gas process plants since this is a continuous process in
which parameters can be continuous monitored and regulated without hindering adjacent systems.
Process variable control in integrated processes is achieved by employing set point signal controllers that
simultaneously monitor the signals from the two adjacent/ integrated processes. Here a signal measured
from one system (a set point signal) is fed into the controller that compares it with the measurement from
the adjacent process and if a discrepancy is identified between the two then a correcting signal is
generated by the controller to stabilise the integrated system.













Learner Outcome 4
Know how to shut down integrated process systems
4.1 Can you explain how to input and set shutdown settings, process variables and services?
A plant would be referred as operating under normal conditions when all its operating parameters are
controlled with in safe acceptable ranges that do not pose any potential risks as low as reasonably
practicable to personnel, equipment, production and environment. The offshore oil and gas is a
continuous process and plant conditions/ operating parameters must be regulated within certain limits.
The operating parameters that must be kept within certain limits are process variables and they are:
Temperature
Liquid Level
Pressure
Fluid Flow
Control of these process variables in a continuous process can be controlled by use of a control loop. A
typical control loop would constitute of 4 elements, namely:
The process variable
The measuring unit
The controller
The correcting Unit
The process variable is the factor of the process that must be brought under control in order to achieve
and maintain a desired value/ set point. The process variables are brought under control by use of set
points/desired values that configured into process controllers of the process systems i.e. Level controllers,
pressure controllers etc.
The Measuring unit measures the actual values of the process variables i.e. flow meters, gauges,
thermometers. The measuring unit obtains the measured values of the process variable
The controller compares the measured value of the process variable and the desired value/set points; if it
senses a deviation between the two it then sends a correcting signal to the final element in the control
loop, the correcting unit
The correcting unit receives signals from the controller and opens or closes (regulates) the process
variable, then the measured value is returned to the one indicated as a desired value. Correcting units are
usually level control valves, flow control valves, pressure control valves etc
Controllers are a control loop feedback mechanism widely used in hydrocarbon control systems to
basically calculate the difference between a measured process variable and a desired set point. The
controller attempts to minimize the difference by adjusting the process control inputs/ process variable.
Process controllers are fed with process desired values/ control limits or set points that imply the desired
normal conditions and tolerances the plant should operate at. In case the plant normal operating

conditions/set points are exceeded the controller will display alarms (first degree of protection) as initial
warnings of the situation, examples of these warning alarms include:
Level Alarm High-LAH
Level Alarm Low-LAL
Pressure Alarm Low PAL
These alarms will display in the control room or the field and notify the operators to adjust the system
back to normal operating conditions or within the desired set points. If the prevailing condition is not
adjusted by the control loop or remains unattended by the operators, the control loop will fail to maintain
control of the process variables and this may escalate into a potentially hazardous situation. For this
reason the control loop is further protected by a second degree of protection involving preset executive
alarms & switches that are tied into the Emergency shutdown (ESD) system. These second degree
executive switches & alarms include:
Level switch High High-LSHH
Level switch Low Low-LSLL
Pressure switch Low Low PSLL
These switches (HH or LL switches) once triggered by the extremity of the process variable will initiate
shut downs of systems and plant emergency shutdown.

4.2 Can you explain how to isolate plant and utilities from operating sources?
An isolation procedure is a set of predetermined steps that must be followed to ensure that plant and
related hazards cannot jeopardise the safety of those working on the plant. There must be an isolation
procedure for each item of plant, including the application of isolation devices, locks and tags, as
practicable. To isolate a plant and utilities from operating sources, I will prepare a marked out P&ID
indicating all energy sources and equipments to be separated. After marking out the P&ID, I will use it to
prepare the isolation certificate and hand it over to my supervisor and superintendent to sign their
respective signatories authorising me to go on with the isolation. When all is set, I will prepare the
isolation tags with prologs and then communicate to CCR of my intention to isolate the plant. After
approval from CCR, I will then carry out the following to isolate the plant:
Identify the plant involved and the corresponding energy sources.
Identify all other hazards.
Shut the plant down.
De-energise all stored energy sources by draining and venting and removal etc. where necessary.
Isolate and lock out all energy sources through opening and closing of applicable valves as per
P&ID.
Tag plant controls, energy sources and other potential hazards.
After all these, I will re-assess my isolations to ensure it is well isolated before handing over the isolation
certificate to my senior Technician and supervisor for verification.


Learner Outcome 5
Know how to minimise and deal with safety issues in the work place
5.1 Can you explain how to use Safe Systems of Work processes to:
Identify hazards
Mitigate or reduce risk to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP)
Safe systems of work are a formal procedure which results from systematic examination of a task in order
to identify all the hazards. They are put in place to ensure that all hazards associated with a task are
eliminated or risk reduced or mitigated to as low as reasonably practicable. Some of the safe systems of
work processes used on the facility to identify hazards and mitigate or reduce risk to as low as reasonably
practicable are; The Hazard Identification (HAZID) system: is a process that breaks a task down into
component parts for detailed analysis. This analysis helps identify hazards that could cause injury to
personnel, asset damage or loss, environmental damage and loss of production. Hazards require some
form of control in order to mitigate risks. During the early stages of commencing a task, a hazard
identification (HAZID) is done to identify all the hazards that can be easily recognised and eliminated and
if not the risk it posses to individuals or personnel exposed to it. After a HAZID is carried out to identify
all the hazards, a Task Risk Assessment is carried out to know whether these hazards can be overcome by
physically separating people from them. When the hazards cannot be eliminated, then control measures
have to be put in place to reduce the risk to ALARP. e.g. putting guards on equipment, personnel wearing
appropriate PPEs, obtaining Permit and having toolbox talks before starting a job. Risk ASSESSMENT
provides a basis for identifying, evaluating, defining and justifying the selection of control measures for
eliminating or reducing the risk. It provides the employer and employee sufficient objective knowledge,
awareness and understanding of the risk of major accidents at the facility, record knowledge of risk of
major accidents at the facility so it can be managed, e.g. if the employer intends to base the safety report
largely on the facilitys compliance with specific codes of conduct or standards, the basis of the codes and
their applicability to the facility. The purpose of the risk assessment sheet is to prompt the assessment
team to think about the different nature of health hazards and risk when rating likelihood and
consequences.
All incidents have to be reported being it an accident or a near miss. An accident or incident needs to be
investigated and the outcome reported to the team leader for it to be documented and actions taken on
them. The team leader will further report this accident or near miss to the safety department and
management for recording. All incidents will be investigated to prevent future recurrence of them.
Control measures are put in place to ensure personnel and process safety on the facility and is audited and
inspected intermittently to ensure they are serving their purpose. An audit is an in depth survey of one, or
a number of, aspects of the Management System. It will follow document trails, check the understanding
of the workforce and look for evidence to demonstrate whether or not the management system is
functioning properly and the undertakings given in the Health and Safety Policy are being met. An
inspection in a tour of the workplace to identify unsafe acts or conditions. To be done in the best way, the
inspector normally involves discussions with the workforce to understand and correct the root causes of
the unsafe acts and conditions. In this way, it is easy to avoid the same unsafe condition, for example
fire escape blocked by materials being repeated all the time. Toolbox talk is also a safe measure put in
place to ensure only competent people are made to lead a team when a task is about to be done. It explains

to all involved in a task the procedure to be used, the hazards identified and the control measures to be put
in place. The Permit to Work system is a formalised process to control work and access to identified
areas designed to prevent incidents in the workplace. The written system is used to control certain types
of work or work areas that are potentially hazardous and contains a permit to work document which
specifies the work to be done and the precautions to be taken. This process authorises work only after safe
procedures have been defined and they provide a clear record that all foreseeable hazards have been
considered.























Learner Outcome 6
Know how to work to organisational and operational procedures
6.1 Can you explain how to select, use and care for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The primary methods for preventing employee exposure to hazardous materials are engineering and
administrative controls. Where these control methods are not appropriate or sufficient to control the
hazard, personal protective equipment (PPE) is required. Usually a work area assessment is required to
determine the potential hazards and select the appropriate PPE for adequate protection. Employees must
receive training which includes the proper PPE for their job, when this PPE must be worn, how to wear,
adjust, maintain, and discard this equipment, and the limitations of the PPE. All training must be
documented. In the selection of PPEs, it is the duty of the employer to;
Identifying the appropriate PPE based on the hazards of the task/ work area.
Providing and paying for required PPE. Assure appropriate equipment is available
Enforcing the proper use of PPE
Maintaining PPE in a clean and reliable condition (clean, sanitary, replace worn or defective
parts)
Training employees (document the training) on the following: when PPE is needed, what PPE is
needed, how to properly put on, adjust, wear, and remove the PPE, useful life and limitations of
the PPE , Proper care, storage, and disposal of the PPE
PPEs includes;
Goggles-Eye protection against flying particles, acids or caustic liquids, welding arcs.
Hard Hat-Head protection against moving or falling objects, the possibility of bumping heads on
objects or equipment.
Safety Boots-Foot protection from chemical spills and sharp objects.
Overalls-Body protection as a safeguard against hazardous material spills, splashes, intense heat,
impact, cuts, infectious materials, and radiation exposures.
Ear Plugs-Hearing protection against exposed high noise levels.
Gloves- Hand protection from possibility of severe cuts, lacerations, or abrasions, punctures,
temperature extremes, and chemical hazards.

6.2 Can you describe the implications of statutory and organisational requirements?
The Oil and gas offshore industry is regulated through a permissioning regime. At the heart of this are the
Offshore Installations (Safety Case) Regulations 2005. The Safety Case Regulations require those who
have duties under the law, known as duty holders, to demonstrate that they have identified the major
accident hazards, assessed the major accident risks and implemented control measures and to ensure
compliance with all relevant statutory provisions. Other legislation that applies offshore includes the
Offshore Installations (Prevention of Fire and Explosion and Emergency Response) Regulations 1995, the
Offshore Installations and Wells (Design and Construction, etc) Regulations 1996, the Health and Safety
at Work etc Act 1974.

Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, sometimes referred to as HASAWA 74, is the fundamental
piece of health and safety legislation that applies to all work activities in the oil and gas sector. It requires
employers to ensure so far as reasonably practicable the Health and Safety of their employees, other
people at work and members of the public who may be affected by their work. The act is the foundation
of today's health and safety regulations and codes of practise and forms the basis for other/subsequent
regulations which focus on specific areas

HASAWA 74 places a general duty on; employers, employees, trainees, self-employed, manufacturers,
suppliers, designers, importers of work equipment, people in control of premises and everyone has a duty
to comply with the Act.
Employers' responsibilities
The Act places a general duty to 'ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare
at work of all their employees'. Employers must comply with the Act. They must:
provide and maintain safety equipment and safe systems of work
ensure materials used are properly stored, handled, used and transported
provide information, training, instruction and supervision - ensure staff are aware of instructions
provided by manufacturers and suppliers of equipment
provide a safe place of employment and a safe working environment
provide a written safety policy/risk assessment
look after the health and safety of others, for example the public
talk to safety representatives
An employer is forbidden to charge his or her employees for any measures which he or she is required to
provide in the interests of health and safety (for example, personal protective equipment).
Employees responsibilities
Employees have specific responsibilities too - they must:
take care of their own health and safety and that of other persons (employees may be liable)
co-operate with their employers
not interfere with anything provided in the interest of health and safety
Enforcement of Health and Safety legislation

For your type of business the Local Authority Environmental Health Officer will be your enforcement
officer. For manufacturing or large construction or industrial sites the Health and Safety Executive carries
out inspections.
The powers of an inspector include:
rights of entry at reasonable times (without appointments)
right to investigate and examine
right to dismantle equipment and take substances or equipment
right to see documents and take copies
right to assistance (from colleagues or Police)
right to ask questions under caution
right to seize articles or substances in cases of imminent danger
Enforcement action
1. Legal Notices - Written document requires person to do/stop doing something.
Improvement: say what is wrong and how to put right within a set time.
Prohibition: prohibits use of equipment/unsafe practices immediately.
2. Prosecution - Both employers and employees face prosecution.
Maximum 5000 in Magistrates' Court
Unlimited fine and jail in Crown Court.
Enforcement officers will give advice and explain anything you are not sure about
The main Health and Safety Regulations under HASAWA 1974, include:
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: The Management of Health and Safety
at Work Regulations 1999 generally make more explicit what employers are required to do to manage
health and safety under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Find out more
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992: Cover a wide range of basic health, safety
and welfare issues such as ventilation, heating, lighting, workstations, seating and welfare facilities
The Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations 1989: Requires employers to display a
poster telling employees what they need to know about health and safety
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (RIDDOR) Regulations 1995: Require
employers to notify a government body on certain occupational injuries, diseases and dangerous events
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002: Require employers to assess the risks
from hazardous substances and take appropriate precautions
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992: Require employers to provide appropriate
protective clothing and equipment for their employees
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998: Require that equipment provided for use at
work, including machinery, is safe.

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992: Covers the moving of objects by hand or bodily force,
includes partly mechanically assisted systems, and tasks employers to ensure adequate attempts are made
to eliminate handling activities or at least reduce their risk as far as practicably possible.
Noise at Work Regulations 1989: Requires employers to take action to protect employees from hearing
damage
Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992: Sets out requirements for work with
Visual Display Units (VDUs)
Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969: Pre 1974, but still relevant and requires
employers to take out insurance against accidents and ill health to their employees
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989: Requires persons in control of electrical systems to ensure that
they have been properly constructed, maintained and are used in such a way so as not to give rise to
danger or risk to life.
Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981: Require employers to provide adequate and
appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if
they are injured or taken ill at work. These Regulations apply to all workplaces and to the self-employed.
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998: The regulations aim to reduce the risk to
persons health and safety from the use of lifting equipment provided for use in the work place. It asks
questions on equipments strength and stability including fitness for purpose, also, its installation, methods
of use and its maintenance.
Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000: Requires the user of an installed pressure system, i.e. a
system containing a relevant fluid (such as compressed air or liquefied gas), at a pressure greater than
0.5bar (about 7psi) above atmospheric, must have a written scheme for periodic examination by a
competent person. This includes; establishing safe operating limits, provide adequate operating
instructions, ensure plant is properly maintained and keep records of the most recent examination and
supplied parts
6.3 Can you explain how to interpret operational requirements?
Operational requirements are those statements that "identify the essential capabilities, associated
requirements, performance measures, and the process or series of actions to be taken in effecting the
results that are desired in order to address mission area deficiencies, evolving applications or threats,
emerging technologies, or system cost improvements [1]." The operational requirements assessment starts
with the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and goes to a greater level of detail in identifying mission
performance assumptions and constraints and current deficiencies of or enhancements needed for
operations and mission success. Operational requirements are the basis for system requirements on the
FPSO and this includes;
Hand Over
All positions on the facility require formal shift and crew change handovers that contain a summary of all
relevant information and occurrences relating to their particular duties over the period of the shift. These
handover notes shall be read by the oncoming person and shall be used in conjunction with the verbal
summary of the departments status by the corresponding supervisor or head. It's the responsibility of the

person receiving the hand over report to ensure that the information recorded as part of the handover must
in most cases tally with the plant status. Additional background and historical information is available
from supporting documents after the formal handover is completed through:
Central Control Room logs.
Well/Equipment status logs
Plant/Equipment status logs
Process/Equipment parameter log
HSE Lessons learned
Permits/Certificates
Software Change Control Records
Correspondence by telephone, fax and e-mail


Policies and Procedures
Policies and Procedures files and documents will be found in the plant control room or dedicated
document control room in a location where everybody can easily get access to, these files will contain all
the information required to safely and environmentally operate the plant, everyone that works on the plant
will be trained on how to follow the procedures stated in the files, again, regular table top exercises would
be taken to keep staffs up to speed.