Abstract
This paper presents the background, approach and overview of the Phase 1 results of a five-phase Joint Industry Project proposal. Research commenced in 2006, to establish the need and methods to reduce Oil & Gas workforce exposure risks. The reports prepared throughout Phase 1 will become the shared property of the JIP participants. Not all details can therefore be disclosed within this paper. Presentation of the paper is intended to offer the opportunity to operators and organizations to be directly involved or associated in other ways with this initiative.
The advancement of technology in the area of PPE, integrated communications and emergency response systems will contribute to safety in petroleum industry areas such as; worker confidence in self and co-worker safety; remote vital signs health monitoring in conjunction with personnel tracking; non-reliance on human reaction and training for respiratory protection in toxic atmospheres; remote audio-visuals, relevant scenario data acquisition and optimized dissemination for effective emergency response.
The JIP is focused on bringing together all technologies within a single integrated solution. It will develop further the concept established during Phase 1, taking account of the established PPE performance standard criterion, to protect personnel while effectively and efficiently communicating reliable data for situational awareness. It is being shown that significant risk reduction benefits are achievable at all upstream E&P sites and facilities, whether in arctic or tropical locations and whether subject to technological hazards between construction and HPHT sour operations. Reducing the risk of incurring casualties during emergency response is a predicted achievable project objective.
Only by taking a green-field approach was it possible to identify the problems associated with existing PPE and communication methods so as to target a fully integrated solution that isn't currently available.
