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Introduction

Actions that should be taken in the event of pipeline damage

• Intervention can be delayed until regular planned maintenance.
• Intervention can be delayed until a more convenient time, there is time to complete engineering assessment and planning
• Intervention cannot be delayed and immediate repair by the use of repair clamps, sleeves etc.
• Intervention cannot be delayed and a repair by the use of cut out and spool replacement is necessary until a more permanent repair can be effected.
• Preparation of contract documents and procedures.

This various individuals who would be included in the repair operation the organisation chartswould presents those functional responsibilities necessary to coordinate the response to ensure that the completed repair is carried out in a timely manner. The client & contractors emergency team can be added to when needed but a minimum of the following needed for assessment:

• Pipeline Operations manager
• Inspection manager
• Pipeline Integrity Engineer
• Pipeline Repair Manager
• Contractors management team.

Action Review check list

An action review checklist should be developed to help the emergency response organisation develop actions and assignments for individuals with in the emergency team, and the contractors designated for the work. It is not exhausted with the actions but as a start to aid the emergency team in the development of the tasks required both prior to and during an emergency event.

Project Risk assessment

An HIRA (Hazard Identification and Risk assessment) must carried out before operations can be safely carried out.For diving operations the risk assessment is carried out to confirm that all hazards identified by the HAZID are reduced to acceptable levels in line with ALARP criteria.  There are a number of accepted methods for conducting the Risk Assessment but whatever the methodology used to assess the risks, the objectives remain the same, and these are:

1. To evaluate the hazards and analyse the hazardous event
2. To identify and analyse the associated event, consequence and probability
3. To determine and evaluate the associated risks
4. To identify the appropriate controls necessary to progressively reduce risk
5. To provide a basis for effective monitoring and review
6. To introduce controls and safeguards to reduce risks to ALARP
7. To introduce procedures for managing change
8. To record all findings
9. To review procedure
10. To inform affected personnel of the risks identified and the means by which the risks are controlled

Contractors may provide ‘generic’ risk assessments for routine activities.  This is quite acceptable and they can be used and referenced, but must be subject to review, taking into account location changes, planned simultaneous operations or any other variations that could introduce hazards not assessed in the generic assessment.

Mitigation of risks will be achieved by: -

• Careful inspection of the pipeline in the location of the damaged area.
• Strict adherence to work procedures and management of change process.
• Strict adherence to Permit to Work procedures and systems.
• Rigorous safety culture and surveillance processes.
• Careful selection and training of personnel.
• Careful monitoring of prevailing and forecast weather conditions and tidal flow.
• Strict NDE and QAQC process.
• As far as practicable, lifting methods will be used such that the energy due for each dropped object is insufficient to lead to loss of containment. This will be by minimisation of in-water weight or lifting procedures that minimise the height and time of the objects above the pipeline. This is particularly critical in the case of a hyperbaric habitat and sleeve installation.
• Careful monitoring of pressure and flow through the pipeline during the work and especially during the pipeline repair processes.
• The Control Room to advise the Diving Support Vessel immediately of any change in pipeline pressure and flow.
• Provision of additional personnel to assist the control room to control PTW, isolations and pressure/flow reporting processes on a 24/7 basis during the repair work scope.
• Dedicated client personnel to be in place on the DSV on a 24/7 basis during the repair scope.

Vessel Anchoring

Anchor patterns and procedures proposed for the intended operation, should be issued to client marine operations manager and the Pipeline Repair Manager as soon as practicable. The client should review the anchor patterns/procedures and agree any necessary changes to achieve a safe operations.

• Bathymetry over an area where the anchors will be laid. Water depths quoted to lowest astronomical tide (LAT).
• Man-made and natural obstructions or other hazards on the seabed.
• The nature of the seabed, e.g. soil strength for load bearing and anchor-holding

Pipeline assessment