This series of messages is aimed at keeping you informed of the operations of NOPSA. Please let us know if you would like to be added to the distribution list

 

PERSONNEL:

· We welcome Brian Richardson and Teo Giap Khaw, who have joined NOPSA as OHS inspectors.  Brian joins us from WA DoIR  where he was a pipelines inspector.  His previous roles have included QA and commissioning in the British nuclear industry.  Teo, a mechanical engineer,  joins us from a background of onshore refineries.  He has held senior positions with Shell throughout his career.

 

INDUSTRY MATTERS:

· NOGSAC has endorsed the HSR training course outline.   NOPSA is actively seeking submissions from registered training organisations (RTOs) to develop courses for NOPSA accreditation.  An explanatory note for HSRs is on the NOPSA website. 

· The Hon Ian Macfarlane MP, Federal Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, formally opened the NOPSA offices in Perth on 13 April 2005. Other dignitaries who attended the function were the Hon Alan Carpenter  MLA, Minister for State Development; Energy (WA), and the Hon Theo Theophanous, Minister for Energy Industries & Resources (Vic).  Representatives from industry, workforce, and unions were among the invited guests.

· NOPSA held meetings with DOTARS regarding the impending extension of maritime security law to offshore facilities.  A summary of the proposed changes is available on the DOTARS website.

· The operator registration process has been completed.  The operator registration has provided clarity regarding those who are in day-to-day control and management of facilities and their duty of care.

· Operators are reminded that they are obliged to provide a monthly incident summary to NOPSA.  A guideline for operators is provided on the NOPSA website.

· Operators are encouraged to use the draft safety case guidelines when preparing safety cases and to provide comments as to their suitability.

· NOPSA has provided training material regarding offshore legislation and the role of NOPSA to a local training provider.  This material is available from our training liaison officer

· We note a major operator in the UK was fined $2.25m after the death of two workers in a confined space following a loss of integrity of plant containing hydrocarbon.

· NOPSA had a booth at the APPEA Conference and gave a presentation.  The booth was well frequented. Updated Vision, Mission, Objectives & Roles and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available on our website.

· The CEO attended the first-ever conference of the International Regulators Forum in London on 30 March—1 April.  There were over 120 delegates representing the majority of the regulators with offshore petroleum responsibilities and the major industry operators.  It was agreed that regulation should reflect the global nature of the industry, common standards and legislation should be encouraged where possible, and the current informal network of regulators representing eight countries should be extended.

 

NOPSA BOARD:

· The second meeting of the Board was held in Perth on 11/12 April 2005.  The key items covered in addition to the CEO's incidents report were the consideration of NOPSA’s Corporate and Annual Plans, NOPSA’s corporate systems and its Enforcement Management core process.  The Board also agreed their Business Plan and Communication Strategy.  The next Board meeting is to be held in Melbourne on 15 June 2005.  Additional information on the Board’s role and its members can be found on the NOPSA website.

 

SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS REPORTED DURING THE MONTH:

· Small hydrocarbon leak due to gasket failure on an inlet manifold

· A fire on a diesel generator which was quickly extinguished

· Series of small gas leaks from a compressor

· Dropped object while backloading cargo

· Low voltage electrical shock incident whilst using portable equipment

 

JOHN CLEGG

Chief Executive Officer

NOPSA