Petrofac Training to Pilot the new Minimum Safety Training Standards

Petrofac Training, the leading provider of competence-led training and consultancy solutions to the international energy industries, is to pilot the first of two new OPITO approved minimum safety training standards for employees working on installations operating in the North Sea. The Common Introductory Safety Training Standards pilot course will be held at Petrofac Training facilities in Altens, Aberdeen on 27-28 August 2008.

The OPITO approved Common Introductory Safety Training Standards course, has been developed in conjunction with Step Change in Safety, and agreed by the industry and Oil & Gas UK. The aim is to ensure the consistency of every employee’s competence in regards to safety across the industry. The pilot will test the draft introductory standard prior to final industry approval.

Using industry input and knowledge this new training course, consisting of nine modules, is targeted at new recruits within the industry. The course provides an appreciation of potential hazards that could be encountered offshore and addresses how they should be controlled. Familiar core topics are included such as risk assessment, safety observation and manual handling, as well as other very important safety elements such as mechanical lifting, working at height and platform integrity.

Petrofac Training’s regional director, Mike Comerford, says: “We are pleased to pilot this new course which we believe will help ensure a more consistent basic level of workforce safety competencies across North Sea offshore installations, making them a safer place to work.”

David Doig, chief executive of OPITO – the Oil & Gas Academy, agrees: “Providing a basic introduction to safety in the offshore environment will increase consistency in the level and nature of safety training received by personnel prior to going offshore; giving them an appreciation of the potential hazards they might face.”