“The importance of safety in our industry and the severity of what can go wrong was brought home to us with a video about, and repeated references to, the Piper-Alpha disaster and the 167 deaths there.” - Alastair Allen, Project Engineer
Working in the oil and gas industry means that Atmos employees brave all types of different environments all over the world to install systems. On occasion, this can include offshore oil and gas rigs.
In order to travel to an offshore platform, it is mandatory for the engineers to complete the UK Basic Offshore Safety Induction Emergency Training (BOSIET). David Burhani, Alex Bielby, and Alastair Allen (pictured, left to right) successfully completed the course in Blackpool.
Of course, it’s unlikely that any Atmos employees would be involved in a serious offshore disaster, but when they happen, such incidents can be catastrophic.
Why is BOSIET training important?
In 1988, the Piper-Alpha oil and gas platform was destroyed in a series of explosions that killed more than 70% of the workforce on duty at the time. This is still considered the ‘deadliest ever oil rig accident’.
Engineers need to be sufficiently trained and mentally prepared to protect themselves in the event of a serious offshore incident.
What does the course involve?
The course content is divided into six categories:
A safety induction
Basic first aid, information about the different kinds of lifeboats found on rigs, and instructions for each of the practical classes.
Helicopter safety and escape (HUET)
Being dropped into a swimming pool (in a helicopter shell) and having to escape.
Dry compressed air breathing system (CA-EBS)
Learning to use breathing apparatus designed for use in helicopters.
In water rebreather
Using apparatus that recycles the users’ exhaled breath to utilize the most oxygen in situations where breathing supply is limited, such as in water.
Sea survival
Learning about the different kinds of life jackets, and life rafts.
Firefighting and self-rescue
Learning to escape smoke-filled containers, and moving around in the dark in a way that avoids collisions. This session also includes training on the different types of fire extinguishers.
After completing the three-day program, Alastair praised the course providers: “The training was really good fun. I really enjoyed the practical sessions.”
Learn more about BOSIET training here.
Fleetwood Offshore Survival Centre (FOSC), Blackpool and The Fylde College.