Recognise the Problem
The combination of people working and at the same time living on top of a oil and gas rig is not evident. The objective of an offshore safety management system is an ultra-rapid intervention based on awareness, early detection, automated systems and minimum manual intervention.
The challenge, besides the safeguarding of the platform structure and integrity, is to assure the safe rescue and evacuation of the crew. The co-ordination of human actions and automated response of installations is a complex issue. Therefore, the main message is "Being Prepared".
The Approach
QRA-studies have been performed extensively during the past 10 years. The complexity and non - communicative nature of these studies make the effective translation into a comprehensive language for the crew extremely difficult, if not impossible.
Ultimately, FPC has come up with an answer for this seemingly unavoidable obstacle. We developed a new technique called NoKeos® that directly translates traditional risk analysis into a practical work instrument. The transfer into practical engineering and the assessment of the existing or required Life and Firesafety is accomplished in the course of time. Since time is crucial from a Life Safety point of view, FPC transfers fire growth - suppression - evacuation into time-related engineering criteria. This gives the analysis an extra dimension because weaknesses are exposed based upon interaction and parallel tracking of the three major elements that determine Life and Firesafety.
The results of NoKeos®are twofold :
- comprehensible and scenario based lay-outs for the development of fire detection and suppression installations
- tailor made response and intervention plans that form the basis for efficient new training programs
The Design
Application of NoKeos® allows for a more goal oriented design of automatic fire protection systems and dimensioning of fire water distribution lines and fire pumps.
Carefully selected detection methods, optimisation of number and location of fire/explosion detection devices, improved fire and alarm panels, selection of piping materials for fire water distribution are just a few design benefits that directly arise from this Performance Based Approach.
The data derived from QRA and the developed fire scenarios are translated into response plans which are practically supported, easy to use and exercised by the crew. NoKeos®, an FPC patented product, represents time related fire fighting and emergency plans that take account for human and equipment failure and suggest immediate corrective actions. This approach allows for general and scenario specific fire training, incorporating all potential mishaps and corrective actions.
NoKeos® is equally suitable for application in refineries, processing industry and terminals !
The Strength
FPC creates an overall firesafety philosophy that is effective, practical and easy to understand for management and operators on the platform. The foregoing is only possible because FPC employs former off shore safety operators who understand the operation and inherent dangers. This knowledge, combined with the in - house developed technologies and experience, guarantees that a competent team is established to evaluate risks and protect off-shore platforms and their crews against the perils of fire and explosion. |
