This covers a large subject, but I'm going to mention three which you should always be aware of while on a Platform or an Installation.

Alarms are on all installations and platforms for obvious reasons, in the event of an emergency everyone within the installation must be able to differentiate the different sounds and take appropriate action. Generally what happens is the alarm will sound and you will also get information over the tannoy system to what action to take, either from the OIM or the control room. All the information will be given to you in your induction either on the installation or before you fly out. The OIM generaly likes to have a welcoming chat on your arrival at the rig. Offshore rigs and platforms will generally have regular drills to practise both core crew and contracted personnel, either weekly or twice weekly, depending on the work load at the time. Often these drills take place first thing in the morning or just after dinner at nightime, so that if there is any nightshift working they will also be able to take part. Within most installations there are three different types of alarm.

1.     General Alarm.    2.     Prepare to Abandon Platform.     3.     Toxic Gas.

General Alarm     Intermittent sound of constant frequency. Amber flashing light. What generaly happens is: All personnel stop work and make work area safe. Either follow the commands by the tannoy system or make your way to your muster point. If you are in your cabin you should take your grab bag with you.

Prepare to Abandon Platform     Constant sound of variable frequency. Basically a warbling effect. Amber flashing light. The drills are generally the same make work area safe and report to your muster point or as directed by the tannoy system. If in cabin take your grab bag. You cannot mistake this alarm as it is constant noise, and you will find that after most drills this is sounded to test the alarm and to let all personnel exactly what it sounds like. If there is a need to evacuate a platform, there are always enough spaces for everyone in the escape capsules which are capable of travelling over the sea for a long distance. They are kept fully stocked with emergency equipment and provisions at all times and regularly tested. The prefered method of evacuation will always be by helicopter first and boats second.

Toxic Gas     Constant sound of constant frequency. Red flashing light. Drills are the same stop work make work area safe make your way to your muster point or as directed by the tannoy system. If in cabin take grab bag.

Personal safety on an installation is everyones business and periodically reviewed. Hence to say that you must have a certain amount of protection called PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) before you start work on an offshore installation. These items include:

Safety Helmet - Safety Footwear - Hearing Protection - Eye Protection - Flame retardent long sleeve overalls - Hand Protection

In addition to the above mandatory safety items depending on what task you are doing you may have additional protection, to conform with Health and Safety Legislation, which will always be displayed on the installation.

Rig safety goes hand with personal safety, and every company will have its own rules laid down and normally handed to individuals at the induction or when you have your chat with the safety representative. Some examples which a company will enforce are:

Never cross barriers or remove barriers without permission. Tools should not be carried in pockets, toolbelts or toolbags should be used. Horseplay or practical jokes are not permitted. Walk don't run. Knives must only be used in accordance with the platform knife policy. Hold the handrail at all times when using stairs both inside and outside the accommodation. No jewellery to be worn. Having matches in your possession is strictly forbidden. There are many more which you will come across.

This is just a small sample of some of the rules that you will come across while on an installation, and is by no means exhaustive. Many companies policies are very similar and after you've been to a few installations you will soon remember the majority.

These safety rules are for information only and not to be taken in the pretext that they apply to any particular installation. Every company has its only policies that will be explained to you either during induction or during a meeting with the OIM or safety representative. None of the above information maybe used for instructional purposes, but is purely for your guidance only.

As an end note Safety in the North Sea is getting stricter by the year, which can only be a good thing. But you will find that because of the added safety factor things do take a little longer in some cases to complete the job.

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