BSEE Safety Alert Number 510 (Blackout and Weather-Driven EDS Incidents Underscore the Need for Stronger Operational Discipline) provides a SEMS-related analysis.
Recently, two separate Emergency Disconnect Sequence (EDS) events occurred on a dynamically positioned drillship. Both incidents resulted in pollution events and required emergency actions to protect personnel, equipment, and subsea infrastructure. The investigations identified significant human factors contributing to the events, underscoring the need for improved operational discipline and procedural compliance across the offshore industry.
Two separate incidents are described.
SEMS Analysis
Following are the SEMS management elements. The ones that deserve attention with respect to this incident are highlighted.
- General
- Safety and Environmental Information
- Hazards Analysis
- Management of Change
- Operating Procedures
- Safe Work Practices
- Training
- Mechanical Integrity (Assurance of Quality and Mechanical Integrity of Critical Equipment)
- Pre-startup Review
- Emergency Response and Control
- Investigation of Incidents
- Auditing (Audit of Safety and Environmental Management Program Elements)
- Recordkeeping (Records and Documentation) and additional BSEE requirements
- Stop Work Authority (SWA)
- Ultimate Work Authority (UWA)
- Employee Participation Plan (EPP)
- Reporting Unsafe Working Conditions
