Ensuring Compliance with Workspace Training

Dan Phelps, one of our senior inspectors and SEMS consultants, discusses how workspace training can improve overall compliance and safety by ensuring that your crew is operating under the latest regulatory guidelines.

What is the purpose of workspace training?

Workspace training is used to familiarize rig personnel with the Potential Incident of Noncompliance (PINC) guidelines. These are checklist items used by BSEE inspectors to pursue safe operations on the Outer Continental Shelf.

How can workspace training be used to improve compliance?

OTC recommends that all personnel present on the rig undergo training so that they can have a working knowledge of the governing regulations and federal requirements currently in place thus allowing them to potentially identify and resolve any possible items of noncompliance. Essentially, this enables the entire ship to conduct informal self-inspections of workspaces in the prevention of job-specific incidents of non-compliance.

Who is responsible for conducting the training and assessments?

One of our experienced OTC inspectors will conduct the training and assessment in a two-phase process:

1. Phase 1 – a one to one and a half-hour classroom training presentation
2. Phase 2 – a walkthrough inspection with personnel in their respective workspaces to identify items of non-compliance as a result of the classroom training

Participants would then have the opportunity to ask questions regarding regulatory findings and receive clarification where they would otherwise be unable to with a BSEE inspector.

How does OTC’s workspace training program work?

An OTC inspector will work with rig managers to coordinate and develop a schedule for conducting the classroom presentation and onsite inspection to review and train rig personnel on the BSEE inspector checklist.

 How does OTC identify areas that need improvement?

Our inspectors, many of which are former MMS/BSEE/USCG inspectors, have more than 100 years of combined experience with regulatory compliance inspections and the governing bodies used to enforce standard regulations and policies. Our professional team is trained to inspect your facility under the same criteria as a BSEE inspector to identify and prevent any Incidents of Noncompliance.

How long does the entire workspace training process take from start to finish?

The time it takes to complete both portions of the workspace training program varies based on participation, but typically, the presentation is about an hour to an hour and a half, and the walking inspection is anywhere from 40 minutes to one hour.

Are there any accompanying materials or tools left for the workspace training participants?

When we conduct a training program, we provide the offshore facility personnel with guidance materials including:

• BSEE library which is comprised of a range of publications
• BSEE national checklist for drilling operations and for the abandonment of wells
• 30 Code of Federal regulations
• OSHA and Coast Guard regulatory guidelines
• BSEE-specific NPDES environmental inspection form

With the ever-evolving world of guidelines and regulations, it is imperative to have a trusted team of experts on your side. The number one goal of OTC is to improve efficiencies and streamline our clients’ operations. Our unique workspace training program is designed to ensure your crew can confidently address compliance and safety requirements throughout the duration of rig operations.