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NLIS 2
December 15, 2000
(Mines and Energy)


The following is being distributed at the request of the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board:

C-NOPB reviewing offshore pipe-handling systems to reduce dropped pipe incidents

The Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board has begun work on a study of pipe handling procedures and equipment in the offshore oil and gas industry in an effort to reduce the potential for dropped pipe incidents and improve overall safety in the workplace.

As part of this process, the C-NOPB will convene a workshop with offshore operators and contractors to discuss incidents of dropped drill pipe and ways to reduce their occurrence. This workshop, which will be held early in the new year, will include discussion of the use of manual pipe handling and safe use of automated pipe handling equipment.

This initiative has been taken as a result of the C-NOPB review of dropped pipe incidents at the Hibernia platform earlier this year. Two incidents resulting in dropped drill pipe occurred on the Hibernia platform on May 18 and May 24, 2000. The C-NOPB was notified within the required 24-hour period following each occurrence, and investigation reports were received from Hibernia on June 1 and 2 respectively.

There were no injuries nor significant equipment damage, and both incidents were classified as "near misses". However, it appeared to C-NOPB safety officials that the incidents had potential for significant consequences. Further, it was noted that both occurred within a six- day period and were the most recent in a number of incidents involving dropped drill pipe, casing, tubing and other pipe used in the drilling and completion of wells. Most of these incidents occurred when using automated pipe-handling systems. These systems are required to be used in the Newfoundland offshore industry because they are considered to provide a safer work environment than manual pipe handling procedures in a hazardous element of offshore activity. Nevertheless, incidents both at Hibernia and in other operations in this jurisdiction, and in other areas of the world, indicate a need for a review of the safe use of pipe handling equipment.

Consequently, the C-NOPB decided to further review Hibernia�s response to these incidents and to examine the procedures for operation of the automated pipe handling systems.

Safety officers from C-NOPB visited the Hibernia platform immediately following receipt of the Hibernia investigation reports in early June and interviewed workers and management personnel involved in the incidents. This initial review was completed within a month, and the C-NOPB was satisfied that appropriate remedial action had been taken by Hibernia. Board staff then proceeded to conduct research and detailed analysis of the circumstances surrounding the incidents to identify root causes and to ensure that the experience gained would contribute to further improvements in offshore safety.

This review process has now been completed, and the chief safety officer (CSO) has advised the board of his findings. The board accepts these findings and is proceeding to act upon the CSO�s recommendations for further examination of automated pipe handling systems in the offshore oil and gas industry.

Media contact:

Hal Stanley
Chairman, C-NOPB
(709) 778-1456

Howard Pike
Chief Safety Officer, C-NOPB
(709) 778-1412

Edsel Bonnell
Public Information Coordinator
(709) 778-1440

2000 12                         15 3:30 p.m.


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