Offshore verification needs to move with the times and improve its contribution to safety according to global risk management company, DNV GL.
In a paper to be presented at SPE Offshore Europe 2019 this September, DNV GL will reveal, for the first-time, details of its project to develop the next generation of verification to manage risks relating to major accident hazards.
The organisation is piloting a new verification approach that utilises digital technologies, particularly data mining techniques and smart software that were not available 30 years ago when verification was first introduced to the UK.
DNV GL believes that this approach will improve the benefits contributed by the independent verifiers to offshore safety by taking a more focused approach towards assessing management of risks without increasing cost to the duty holder and while more effectively meeting the intent of the current legislation.
Several North Sea operators have been working closely with DNV GL to review how the verifier can improve its contribution to the management of offshore safety.
Jack Downie, Head of Development and Innovation, UK Verification Services at DNV GL and author of the paper said: “Through discussion with many duty holders, we know that there is a common understanding that the current verification system has not evolved in line with industry’s new reality. Much has changed in the last 30 years; our collective understanding of major accident hazards and the contribution made by safety and environmental critical plant and equipment has improved, safe systems of work are more advanced, computerised maintenance management systems have developed and offshore communication and technology is unrecognisable compared to the 1990s.
“Our paper at SPE Offshore Europe will present a critical review of the verifier role and whether it still meets the original intent of the process that was created by Lord Cullen through the Safety Case Regulations (1996).”
