Searose FPSO Manual Handling Study
Husky Energy
Background
Manual handling in offshore installations can be a hazardous activity. When the installation is in motion on the sea, as is the case with FPSOs (Floating Production Storage and Offloading), the risk can be increased. Canadian company, Husky Energy were concerned that the design of their Searose FPSO increased the need for manual handling and made some of the handling operations more complex.
Project
As part of their risk reduction programme, Husky commissioned us to review current operations and to offer practical recommendations for risk-reducing measures.
The aim of the study was to:
- Identify the main areas of manual handling risk
- Provide practical solutions to either eliminate manual handling (e.g. through the provision of mechanical aids) or minimise risk (e.g. through the adaptation of the handling environment or item to be handled).
- Reduce the incidence of risk through manual handling.
- Assist Husky Energy in providing evidence of proactive risk reduction measures to the regulatory authorities.
Implementation
To deliver the project our team made a site visit to Searose which is located in the White Rose field approximately 350km off the cost of Newfoundland, Canada. We conducted an extensive walkthrough of the installation covering maintenance, production areas, marine, galley, accommodation, and the helideck. We conducted numerous user interviews to gain an understanding of the detailed task requirements and interviews with Safety Representative and review of accident book.
Back on-shore, we assessed the handling environment on Searose using SAMMIE CAD Human Modelling Analysis to assess vision, reach and postural analysis and a biomechanical risk assessment of working postures. In parallel we also used the MAC Lifting Equation to identify and prioritise the manual handling risks associated with lifting and carrying.
Outcomes
Specific recommendations were offered, covering each individual activity, plus also some general recommendations as follows:
- Provide ‘simple' lifting aids - hand trolleys, small chain hoists, slings etc
- Provide forklift for use in reasonable weather conditions.
- Requiring suppliers to deliver items packaged so as not to require forklift unloading.
- Requiring suppliers to deliver in limited package size/weight.
- A thorough training regime to include awareness, process and technique.
- Reappraisal of management process to encourage efficient attention to any Manual Handling hazards identified.
For more information
Visit Husky Energy at www.huskyenergy.ca