Changes in testing procedures in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon disaster
UK Oil and gas production regulations are to be tightened in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon crisis in the US.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has been quick to state that the existing systems in place for the consistent monitoring of North Sea oil rigs is ‘fit for purpose’. Rigorous safety regulations, set up in the aftermath of the Piper Alpha disaster in 1988, are amongst the most stringent in the world.
In spite of this confidence, Chris Huhne, the energy secretary announced a tightening of inspections in the wake of the disaster in the US. He said: “Initial steps are already under way, including plans to double the number of annual environmental inspections by the DECC of drilling rigs and the launch of a new industry group to look at the UK’s ability to prevent and respond to oils spills.”
The DECC currently employs six inspectors to monitor standards on the UK’s 24 drilling rigs and 280 oil and gas production facilities. There is talk of the number of inspectors increasing to eight to cope with the demand.
The long-lasting environmental and financial impact of the Deepwater Horizon crisis on the communities in the Gulf of Mexico and beyond is becoming increasingly apparent. The search for new oil supplies to replenish diminishing global reserves means greater risks have to be taken by private oil companies. It is crucial that the regulation of these activities is maintained, and the complacency that seems to have been the cause of the disaster in the US doesn’t spread like a slick across to the UK.
Qualsys Ltd have worked with large organisations within the energy sector for a number of years. Successful partnerships with Chevron, Hydratight and Mojo Martime have given us a unprecedented understanding of the rigorous nature of compliance in this sector.
To understand how EQMS can help with the increasing pressures to comply then please browse through the features and benefits pages. To get in touch with us for a demo of EQMS capabilities click here.
For information about Qualsys contact Robert Oakley on +44 (0)114 282 3338.
Email robert.oakley@qualsys.co.uk
13th July 2010
What is EQMS?
EQMS is the proven compliance management system that makes your organisation more agile and productive.
Contact us
Drop us a line with any questions you might have about the EQMS system and the ways it can help your organisation.
EQMS in your industry
Clients from a wide range of industry sectors have enjoyed the many benefits of placing EQMS at the core of their business.
How our customers use EQMS
- As their business continued to grow, Brightwell Dispensers found it increasingly difficult to manage their paper-based Quality culture and systems. It was clear that they needed an online-based Quality Management solution to help them move forward.
- Read more about how Brightwell Dispensers uses EQMS
- Doncasters was searching for a system to help them efficiently operate a large number of special processes and track and maintain compliance with regulatory and customer defined standards and specifications.
- Read more about how Doncasters uses EQMS
Unrivalled support
Our expert support team works with you every step of the way to ensure that you get the most from EQMS by placing it at the heart of your business.
