FEATURE ARTICLE
This is an activity with far greater risk than taking a bus to work and stepping off at the right stop. Many of the technicians had no experience of being at sea let alone stepping from a moving craft in open water onto a ladder on a fixed transition piece. It clearly highlighted the need to practice and to experience in a controlled environment in benign conditions.
MARITIME KNOWLEDGE AND PROCEDURES While they are not working on a vessel, technicians need to be familiar with maritime procedures to ensure their personal safety and wellbeing as well as that of those working with them. Other than the daily safety briefing, technicians
COLLABORATION WITH PETANS ECTS developed its MST course with Petans, the well known training provider for offshore safety training. By working in partnership, the two organisations have taken into account existing guidelines and best practice. There are minimum safety training requirements for offshore oil and gas workers and some of the safety training is equally applicable although some needs adjustment to meet the wind sector’s requirements.
RENEWABLEUK INDUSTRY CONSULTATION
The industry trade organisation RenewableUK took these concerns onboard when it developed its standard for MST with industry consultation. The requirements of the new standard require that two days are necessary to cover all the elements but for the next two years,
CONSIDERATION FOR SAFETY TRAINING The problem is that while transfer training is not a legal requirement and at this time only few training centres can provide a course, there is potential danger that some employers may consider safety training not essential. This could be particularly true in some countries where there is no existing offshore industry. It has been observed that developers from countries with an oil and gas industry have a tendency to be more health and safety conscious when working offshore.
FLEXIBILITY, RECOGNITION AND AGREEMENT
As the industry matures, the requirements for safety training will change and the industry needs to allow flexibility in the provision of training courses so it seems unlikely that agreement will be reached on international training standards. An alternative option is for recognition of standards from different countries. Trade organisations, such as RenewableUK, are presently working together to facilitate
candidates who hold a current MCA approved Personal Survival Training (PST) certificate are exempt from certain elements of course and therefore could complete a MST course in one day. It should be noted that the standard also requires a current RenewableUK Working at Height & Rescue – Wind Turbines certificate which is a two day course.
may have no other knowledge of vessel procedures. The lack of maritime knowledge has resulted in some technicians being anxious during transit and later refusing to transfer to the turbine when considered safe to do so by vessel crew.
this. The offshore wind sector is an international business and it would be disappointing if the provision of high quality safety training is delayed due to the inability of the industry to agree on standards.
The Gardline Group
www.gardline.com
e = See enhanced entry online = See video library online
Petans Safety Training
www.petans.co.uk
e = See enhanced entry online
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 15
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