Home
Petrofac News 1700X397
01 November 2010

Petrofac First to Attain Approval for New OPITO Major Emergency Management Course

Petrofac, the international oil & gas facilities service provider, has become the first provider in the world to gain approval for the new OPITO approved Major Emergency Management Initial Response Course, through its Training Services business.

Petrofac Training Services has been delivering Major Emergency Management (MEM) courses for almost 20 years, but this is the first time any provider has launched a course that has been developed with and approved by the industry.

The four-day course, which received formal approval in August, acts as an introduction to MEM and is designed to provide the first stages of knowledge and experience in emergency management. Replicating the same sights, sounds and stresses experienced during an emergency, it helps ensure delegates are better prepared to command an emergency situation.

The course is only currently available from Petrofac and is being delivered from the purpose built state-of-the-art simulators in the company’s Scottish training facilities in Montrose and Aberdeen; although there are plans to increase the availability of the course outside of the UK including the Asia Pacific region.

OPITO issued the new Major Emergency Management Initial Response standard in March of this year. The standard concentrates on the role of Emergency Managers. In response to this, Petrofac Training Services developed a course which focuses on the key roles and responsibilities of Emergency Managers from pre-planning to stress management, but also practical steps such as decision making, communication and delegation. On successful completion of the course delegates receive a gap analysis appraisal and OPITO attendance certificate.

Jim Cameron, OPITO standards & approvals director said: “There have been various training courses designed to train workers in emergency management but this is the first standard to be compiled and agreed by the industry. Delivery of consistent training in this crucial role will greatly assist the industry prepare for the unexpected. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Petrofac Training Services for their invaluable role in helping to design the course and congratulate them on being the first organisation to become OPITO approved to deliver it.”

Gordon Caird, regional director, Europe, Petrofac Training Services said: “Oil industry workers operate in difficult and hazardous environments and we are committed to ensuring that our customers attain the highest levels of safety and emergency response capabilities available in the industry today. It is important that those designated as Emergency Managers within the industry are properly prepared for, and trained to deal with emergency situations. This new course is the first step of this process.”