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Upstream Oil and Gas
Exploration, production and well-related oil and gas industry applicability.
Newest 100 Documents
All 2,619 in search- 202619 Aug
Improvements Needed In Production Safety System Training
This alert reports offshore production safety training deficiencies identified through audits, written competency tests and fire drills. Findings include gaps in retained knowledge, certification, contractor training oversight and emergency preparedness. Operators and contractors are asked to consider reviewing training arrangements, verifying competence, improving lifesaving equipment familiarity and checking alarm audibility.
- 202619 Aug
Segregate Pyrotechnics and Verify Flare Type Before Emergency Drills
A worker suffered second-degree burns after mistakenly activating a parachute flare rather than a handheld flare during a fast rescue craft drill. The alert examines mixed storage, inadequate planning and training, and procedural non-adherence, recommending consideration of improved segregation, labelling, task-specific controls and alternatives to offshore pyrotechnic expending.
- 202612 Aug
Control Portable Electronic Device Use to Prevent Ignition Hazards Offshore
This alert describes inspection findings involving unauthorised cellphone use during offshore wireline operations and unrated electronic devices in a hazardous area without a hot work permit. It recommends that operators and contractors consider intrinsic-safety certification, conditional permit requirements, policy reviews and reinforcement of device restrictions during orientations.
- 202612 Aug
Crane Failure Highlights Crane Inspection Gaps
Two platform crane incidents involved failed sheave bearings, a falling boom and a dropped cable and load block. Inspection gaps included omitted pin removal and inadequate lubrication checks. The alert recommends considering revised inspection criteria, scheduled inspections, training to recognise mechanical distress and lift planning around vessel interfaces.
- 202612 Aug
Improper Use of Hand Tools and Unplanned Deviations from Job Tasks Results in Injuries
Two construction workers sustained facial lacerations during bolt removal: one from an ejected pneumatic rivet-buster piston during troubleshooting, the other from reciprocating-saw kickback after changing tools and removing a face shield. The alert recommends considering pneumatic isolation, manufacturer instructions, job safety analysis updates and stopping work when tasks or protective equipment require reassessment.
- 20261 Jul
Inspect A2B Systems and Wire Rope Terminations to Prevent Crane Hazards
A lift boat crane incident involved a detached anti–two-block weight, corroded wire rope and falling components. Recoiling rope struck a nearby diver, causing minor injuries. The alert recommends considering termination maintenance, pre-use and periodic inspections, adjusted replacement intervals in corrosive environments, and competence assurance under API RP 2D.
- 20261 Jul
Mechanical Failure of LACT Pump Caused Fire
An offshore production facility fire followed LACT charge-pump misalignment after motor replacement. Excessive vibration loosened casing fasteners, allowing oil leakage; coupling failure caused further damage. The alert identifies omitted angular alignment and incorrect bolt torques, and recommends manufacturer-compliant installation, personnel training, review of post-installation surveillance and investigation of abnormal operation.
- 20261 Jul
Verify Riser Fin Retention Systems Before Prompts Riser-Handling Operations
Two thermoplastic fins detached during slick-riser handling, creating dropped-object near misses. Findings identified inadequate retention tension, omitted torque verification and 48-hour re-torque, deficient refurbishment and inconsistent checklists. BSEE recommends manufacturer-specified securing checks, design improvements, procedural discipline, vendor acceptance assurance and dropped-object risk assessment.
- 20266 Jun
Poorly Maintained Crane Components Result in Multiple Personnel Injured During Transfers
Two offshore personnel-basket transfer incidents involved uncontrolled crane auxiliary-line descents and injuries. Investigations identified uncorrected component deficiencies in one case and inadequate hoist brake adjustment in the other. The alert recommends considering timely maintenance, loaded brake checks, wire-rope fouling checks, stop-work interventions, clearer transfer communications and verified medical evacuation arrangements.
- 202621 May
AW139 Tail Rotor Duplex Bearing Failure Discovered During Maintenance
AAIB investigates a tail rotor duplex bearing failure on AW139 G-CIMU, discovered during maintenance at Norwich Airport after offshore passenger operations. Forensic examination could not establish the initiating cause. Rig testing discounted removal damage, while flight-data analysis identified pedal-position trends. The report examines inspection limits, condition monitoring and critical-part regulatory assurance.
- 202615 May
Preventing sexual harassment in the offshore energy industry guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum duty holders on preventing and responding to sexual harassment as a psychosocial hazard. It addresses legal duties, worker consultation, proactive hazard identification, documented risk assessment, work design and leadership. Reporting privacy, investigation arrangements, worker support and review of prevention measures are also discussed.
- 202628 Apr
BSEE Safety Alert 516 - BSEE Identifies Compressed Gas Cylinder Hazards During Risk-Based Inspections
Following reported cylinder-failure explosions, BSEE inspected 20 Gulf assets and identified gaps in cylinder marking knowledge, inspection programmes, maintenance and contractor assurance. The alert presents findings on storage, corrosion and recharging, and asks operators and contractors, where appropriate, to consider improved labelling, documented inspections, overpressure protection and training.
- 202627 Apr
Prevent Fires by Inspecting Cords, Plugs and Welding Leads Before Use
This alert reviews three incidents involving melting welding leads, flames at a cord connection and a tubing bender plug with a loose prong. It warns against applying water to potentially energised conductors and recommends that operators and contractors consider pre-use inspections, suitable electrical protection, hazard assessment and safety briefings.
- 202631 Mar
Ageing assets and life extension
Guidance on managing ageing assets and extending facility life through lifecycle planning, performance monitoring and integrity assurance. It presents a plan-do-check-act self-assessment framework, ageing modes analysis, competence arrangements and independent verification. Regulatory duties and health and safety representative involvement are discussed, alongside a Northern Endeavour corrosion example.
- 202631 Mar
ALARP in the context of well integrity guidance note
Guidance for titleholders on demonstrating reasonably practicable reduction of well-integrity risks within well operations management plans. It explains gross disproportion, recognised good practice, well-specific risk assessment and precaution under uncertainty. Supported arguments, proportionate analysis and continuing control effectiveness underpin the demonstration; no single methodology is prescribed.
- 202631 Mar
Change to the titleholder with operational control of activities guidance note
Guidance for petroleum titleholders on maintaining regulatory compliance when operational control changes. It explains continuing obligations under well operations management plans and environment plans, revised submissions, coordination with NOPSEMA and NOPTA, information access and transitional arrangements. It recommends aligning acceptance of revised plans with the transfer of operational control.
- 202631 Mar
Hazard identification and risk assessment guidance note
Guidance for titleholders on assessing well integrity risks throughout the well lifecycle. It discusses subsurface assessment, independent design review, qualitative and quantitative analysis, FMECA, bow-tie methods and risk registers. Risk profiles inform monitoring and maintenance regimes, anomaly management, change assessment, and planning for well suspension and abandonment.
- 202631 Mar
Making submissions to NOPSEMA guideline
This guideline explains administrative arrangements for submitting regulatory documents to NOPSEMA. It covers cover sheets, electronic delivery, searchable PDF formatting, statutory timeframes and resubmissions. Detailed environment-plan provisions address publication, separation of sensitive consultation records, activity descriptions and maps, public-comment reports and financial assurance.
- 202631 Mar
Notification, reporting and recording requirements for incidents
This guidance explains NOPSEMA notification, written reporting and record-keeping requirements for occupational safety, well-control and environmental incidents. It addresses reportability thresholds, safety-critical control impairment, harassment and bullying, monthly operational returns and environmental records. Illustrative examples distinguish performance-standard breaches from permitted exceptions when determining whether notification is required.
- 202631 Mar
Oil pollution risk management guidance note
Guidance for petroleum titleholders on evaluating oil pollution risks and preparing emergency response arrangements under environmental regulations. It addresses worst-case releases, oil fate and trajectory modelling, ALARP demonstrations, response resources and jurisdictional interfaces, alongside environmental monitoring, personnel competence, exercises and continuing assurance of response readiness.
- 202631 Mar
Planning for proactive decommissioning
This information paper explains lifecycle planning for petroleum decommissioning, including progressive removal, permanent well abandonment and increasingly detailed permissioning submissions. It outlines regulatory expectations, alternative end states, long-lead procurement, continued maintenance and changing risk profiles, alongside environmental monitoring and completion reporting to demonstrate that obligations have been met.
- 202631 Mar
Safety case content and level of detail guidance note
Guidance for preparing and assessing offshore petroleum facility safety cases explains appropriate content and proportionate detail. It covers facility descriptions, formal safety assessment, safety-critical controls, performance standards and integrated safety management systems. Emphasis falls on standalone evidence, workforce participation, assessment uncertainty and substantiated ALARP arguments rather than reproducing supporting documents.
- 202631 Mar
Source control planning and procedures information paper
This information paper sets out regulatory expectations for offshore loss-of-well-control preparedness across environment plans, well operations management plans and safety cases. It covers capping-stack selection and deployment, relief-well design and dynamic kill analysis, plume modelling, subsea dispersant supply, water-column monitoring, response-time modelling, coordinated operations and readiness exercises.
- 202631 Mar
Staged WOMP submission process
NOPSEMA describes its preferred phased submission of well operations management plans, separating lifecycle management processes from construction, production and abandonment detail. The paper explains concept-selection and detailed-design submissions, risk registers, barrier acceptance criteria, change management and regulatory inspections, while allowing titleholders to retain their existing submission structure.
- 202631 Mar
Well integrity control measures and performance standards guidance note
Guidance for developing and implementing well operation management plans addresses selection, assessment and assurance of well-integrity controls throughout the lifecycle. It explains links between risk assessment and measurable performance standards, periodic effectiveness reviews, functional testing, procedural assurance, contingency measures and relief-well planning, with quality checks for documented control performance.
- 202624 Mar
BSEE: Crane incident leads to serious facial injuries
This flash summarises BSEE findings on a lifting pin failure during well abandonment aboard a lift boat, resulting in serious facial injuries. It describes stuck casing, excessive loading, incorrect sling positioning and unsuitable procedures, with recommendations addressing free loads, rigging plans, safe working loads and stop-work authority.
- 202618 Mar
Facility definition includes an associated offshore place guideline
Explains how offshore petroleum legislation defines facilities and associated offshore places, including vessel exclusions and regulatory boundaries. Describes operator duties, safety-case acceptance and revision requirements, validation arrangements and contractor risk-management assurance. Also addresses inspector powers, accident notification and conditions governing the safety investigation levy.
- 20262 Mar
Environmental Alert 002/2026
OPRED sets out interim expectations for oil pollution emergency planning for wells disconnected from offshore installations and lacking in-situ response capability. Responsible Persons are expected to demonstrate effective response arrangements without claiming unavailable offshore resources. Existing onshore plans submitted at OPRED’s request require no changes until further notice.
- 2026Mar
PON1 Guidance for Reporting Oil and Offshore Chemical Releases
Guidance sets out PON1 notification requirements for oil and offshore chemical releases during offshore oil and gas activities. It distinguishes releases from intentional discharges, specifies reporting responsibilities, timeframes and portal submission, and explains quantity determination and ongoing updates. Appendices address subsea systems, drainage, produced-water caissons, vessels, flaring and excessive powder venting.
- 2026Mar
Production PINCs
Numbered regulatory inspection questions address production safety systems, well barriers and casing-pressure diagnostics. Checks cover shutdown valve operation, gas and fire detection calibration, firewater pumps, pressure relief and protective devices on process equipment. Conditional approval requirements and specified testing intervals support inspection of production facilities and subsea components.
- 2026Mar
Shared G-PINCs (Mar 2026) — General
General regulatory inspection questions address facility identification, operational safety, approvals, incident reporting, engine safeguards and equipment marking. Welding and burning checks cover equipment condition, authorisation outside approved areas, fire-watch arrangements, gas surveillance and precautions around wells. Entries identify regulatory authorities and enforcement actions.
- 2026Mar
Wild Birds (Nesting) Advice Note v1 March 2026
Advice for UKCS oil and gas operators protecting nesting birds during installation decommissioning. It explains licensing routes and tests, bird management plans, survey timing and competence, and limitations of deterrent methods. An appended case describes combined deterrents at a Southern North Sea installation without establishing which measure chiefly prevented nesting.
- 202627 Feb
Well status and surveillance definitions
This information paper standardises well-status and surveillance terminology for the Commonwealth petroleum and greenhouse gas storage industry. Drawing on international well-integrity standards, it distinguishes abandoned, suspended, shut-in and operational wells, defines boreholes and wells, and describes continuous barrier monitoring and visual inspection.
- 202616 Feb
Environmental Alert 001/2026
OPRED clarifies offshore chemical permitting requirements for open and closed systems, including theoretically closed-loop hydraulics. Classification depends on potential discharge to the marine environment, rather than replenishment alone. The alert distinguishes registration and permit obligations, return-to-shore requirements and conditional permission to discharge registered chemicals drained from closed systems.
- 202613 Feb
BSEE: Miscommunication and trapped pressure causes injury during valve maintenance
An offshore valve-maintenance incident injured a worker when trapped gas pressure ejected a bonnet flange. This flash summarises BSEE findings on incomplete authorisation, inadequate isolation verification, miscommunication, unsafe scaffold use and omitted retaining nuts. Recommendations emphasise confirming zero stored energy, reviewing task assessments, following manufacturer instructions and considering two-person working.
- 20266 Feb
BSEE Safety Alert 514 - Verify Megger Testing and Termination Prep to Prevent Seawater Pump Motor Fires
A seawater pump motor fire followed termination repairs. Findings identified insulation testing at a lower voltage than required, resistance below the work-pack threshold and inadequate semiconductor-layer preparation. BSEE recommends considering adherence to repair instructions, verification of test arrangements and results, correctly rated testers and worker understanding of resistance units.
- 20265 Feb
BSEE Safety Alert 513 - Exterior Walkway Separates from Temporary Living Quarters, Putting Workers at Risk
Three workers escaped harm when an offshore platform’s third-floor walkway detached from temporary living quarters used for 23 years. The alert examines inadequate welded support, corrosion, material fatigue and inspection weaknesses. BSEE recommends considering long-term use in design, revised inspection programmes and non-destructive testing alongside visual checks.
- 20264 Feb
BSEE Safety Alert 512 - Crane Incident During Well Abandonment Operations Injures Worker, Reveals Safety Gaps
A lifting pin failed and struck a worker during crane-assisted casing removal for well abandonment. Findings identify obstructed casing, excessive loading, misplaced sling connections and unsuitable procedures. Recommendations address free loads, correct equipment and rigging, accurate safe working loads, hazard awareness and stop-work authority.
- 2026Feb
Pollution PINCs
This regulatory inspection guide presents pollution compliance questions with cited authorities and enforcement codes. It covers offshore discharges, well solids disposal, contaminant collection, sump operation and pollution inspections. Further checks address spill response equipment testing and monthly inspection, record keeping, and spill containment and drainage on artificial islands.
- 2026Feb
Well Workover
This regulatory inspection guide presents compliance questions for oil and gas well-workover operations. It covers prior approval, well-control fluid replenishment and measurement, crown-block safety checks, mud-pit level warnings, tubing and wellhead requirements, wireline leakage prevention, and pressure testing of newly installed lubricators against expected shut-in surface pressure.
- 202628 Jan
Securing compliance - Inspection conclusions and advice guidance note
NOPSEMA explains how duty holders should respond to inspection conclusions and five categories of compliance recommendations. The guidance distinguishes remedial action plans, direct actions, outcome-based responses, precautionary recommendations and better practice. It describes response detail, responsibilities, realistic deadlines, extension requests, progress monitoring and verification before actions are closed.
- 202627 Jan
Human Factors information paper - Critical task analysis
This information paper explains how critical task analysis supports identification and assessment of human error risk in offshore petroleum operations. It describes hierarchical and tabular task analysis, data collection, goal decomposition and plans analysis, then outlines risk assessment and a staged organisational approach to introducing the methodology.
- 202622 Jan
Preparing an environmental performance report
Guidance for titleholders preparing environmental performance reports under Australian offshore petroleum regulations. It explains submission intervals, supporting records and recommended reporting structure, including performance outcomes and standards, emissions and discharges, monitoring, incidents and changes to environment plans. Decommissioning reporting and example compliance tables are also covered.
- 2026Jan
D-PINCs (Operators Version - Jan 2026) — Drilling
A regulatory checklist for oil and gas drilling, linking numbered compliance questions to statutory authorities and enforcement actions. It addresses approvals, diverter configuration and testing, casing installation, cement placement, drilling-fluid management and monitoring. Further checks cover ventilation, gas detection, ignition prevention and retention of drilling and test records.
- 2026Jan
Decommissioning
A regulatory checklist for temporary and permanent well abandonment under Subpart Q. Questions cover prior approval, isolation of open-hole zones and perforated intervals, cement plugging, conditional pressure testing, plug integrity, residual fluid density and wellhead removal. It also checks installation of two independent wellbore barriers, including a mechanical barrier.
- 2026Jan
Well Operations
An inspection guide presenting compliance questions for well operations under Subpart G, with regulatory authorities and enforcement codes. It covers casing and liner integrity, surface and subsea blowout preventer configuration, pressure and function testing, maintenance and records, alongside specific requirements for coiled tubing and snubbing systems.
- 202522 Dec
Criteria for registration and deregistration guidance note
NOPSEMA explains how it assesses nominations and removes facility operators from its registers. The guidance centres on practical day-to-day authority, a single accountable entity and oversight of specialist contractors. It also addresses operator changes across facility life stages, notification requirements, representations before removal and statutory operator duties.
- 202522 Dec
Vessel facilities subject to external hydrocarbon hazards guidance note
Guidance on safety cases for vessel facilities exposed to external hydrocarbon hazards. It addresses facility descriptions, formal safety assessment, ignition prevention, gas detection, emergency shutdown and evacuation arrangements. Supporting analyses examine fire, explosion and emergency-system survivability, while the Montara case illustrates shortcomings in preparedness and external-hazard assessment.
- 202518 Dec
BSEE: Anchor-handling causes damage to subsea equipment and triggers gas release
An anchor wire snagged a subsea well during recovery by a dive support vessel, subsequently detaching an annulus valve and releasing gas. The flash summarises BSEE findings on inadequate planning, coordination and emergency preparation, with recommendations for consideration covering readiness checks, change management, communication and current-aware anchor-handling plans.
- 202510 Dec
Application of oil spill modelling in Environment Plans
Information paper on applying stochastic and deterministic oil spill modelling in offshore petroleum Environment Plans. It discusses input quality, non-mandatory exposure values for four oil phases, environmental consequence evaluation, response resources and monitoring preparedness. It distinguishes combined stochastic boundaries from individual spill footprints and addresses uncertainty and presentation of results.
- 202510 Dec
Crane operator competence guidance note
Guidance for Australian offshore petroleum facility operators on assuring crane operator competence. It explains operator responsibilities under objective-based legislation and recommends crane-specific competency systems covering training, assessment, reassessment and records. Simulator training and manufacturer input are options; certificates complement rather than replace the operator’s assurance responsibilities.
- 202510 Dec
Critical task analysis information paper
Explains how critical task analysis supports identification and management of human error risks in offshore petroleum operations. Describes hierarchical decomposition into goals, operations and plans, followed by tabular error analysis and risk assessment. Outlines stakeholder engagement, piloting, iteration and documentation when introducing the methodology.
- 202510 Dec
Psychosocial risk management guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum duty holders on managing psychosocial hazards and meeting health and safety obligations. It explains individual, job and organisational risks, their effects on human performance, assessment methods, and promotion, prevention, intervention and mitigation measures. Periodic review and a practical workload-management example illustrate reducing risk to ALARP.
- 202510 Dec
Qualifications of medical personnel on offshore facilities guidance note
Guidance on qualifications and competency assurance for medical personnel at offshore petroleum facilities. It sets out legislative duties, recommended remote healthcare experience and a risk-based approach to staffing. It discusses telemedicine, multiple-casualty resources, diving medical support and additional measures where dedicated medical personnel may be impracticable.
- 20259 Dec
Human error risk reduction to ALARP information paper
This information paper suggests an ALARP-based approach to human error risk in the Australian offshore petroleum industry. It treats error as a barrier-defeating factor and outlines critical-task identification, error classification, performance-shaping factor analysis and control evaluation, distinguishing prevention from recovery and consequence mitigation.
- 20259 Dec
Human factors in accident investigations information paper
This information paper outlines a human-factors approach to accident investigations in the Australian offshore petroleum industry. It treats human error as a potential control failure mechanism rather than a root cause, recommending cognitive error classification, interviews to identify performance-shaping factors, barrier analysis and targeted corrective actions.
- 20259 Dec
Safety case guidance notes cross reference
This two-page reference maps offshore petroleum safety regulations to sections of safety-case guidance notes. Its matrix links regulatory requirements with facility descriptions, hazard identification, risk assessment, ALARP, safety management systems, supporting studies, emergency planning and workforce involvement, rather than explaining individual control measures.
- 20259 Dec
Safety culture information paper
Explains NOPSEMA’s non-mandatory safety culture model, linking executive commitment and behaviour with leadership practices, organisational systems, working environments and safety outcomes. Drawing on Schein’s cultural layers, it uses contrasting fictional petroleum companies to illustrate how shared assumptions shape reporting behaviour and the effectiveness of safety improvement initiatives.
- 20255 Dec
Falling Corroded Crane Component Results in Near Miss
A corroded crane boom cable runner fell approximately 50 feet during maintenance on an offshore platform, landing approximately 20 feet from personnel. The alert identifies uncompleted inspection repairs, incomplete hazard identification and absent barricading, and recommends considering improved job safety analysis, supervision and maintenance follow-through.
- 20254 Dec
BSEE Safety Alert - 510 - Blackout and Weather-Driven EDS Incidents Underscore the Need for Stronger Operational Discipline
This alert examines two emergency disconnects on a dynamically positioned drillship: a blackout during damper maintenance involving the wrong control panel, and loss of position during severe weather. Both resulted in pollution. Recommendations invite operators to consider clearer controls, competence verification, closed-loop communication and proactive weather-related operational adjustments.
- 20253 Dec
BSEE Safety Alert - 509 - Miscommunication and Trapped Pressure Causes Injury
An offshore contractor was injured when trapped gas pressure ejected a bonnet flange during control-valve maintenance. The alert identifies unverified isolation, missing authorisation, miscommunication, unsafe scaffold use and omitted retaining nuts. Recommendations address zero-energy verification, collaborative job safety analysis, operational support, fall protection and adherence to manufacturer procedures.
- 2025Dec
Health Safety Insight 2025
Annual review of UK offshore energy health and safety, centred on 2024 performance with historical comparisons. It examines hydrocarbon releases, maintenance backlogs, injury trends, medical assessment outcomes and evacuations, including mental health. Offshore aviation analysis covers fleet utilisation, helicopter safety indicators and the inclusion of wind operations.
- 2025Dec
Office PINC List
An office compliance checklist pairs regulatory questions with cited authorities and enforcement codes. It covers operational approvals, structural records, financial security, well-control competence, spill preparedness, drilling and decommissioning. Further checks address pipeline maintenance and reporting, reservoir conservation, production measurement, and geological and geophysical permits and data submissions.
- 2025Dec
The Offshore Health Risk Management Inspection Guide
An umbrella inspection guide for assessing offshore dutyholders’ occupational health and industrial hygiene management. It uses a Plan, Do, Check, Act framework to examine strategies, health risk assessments, competence, control effectiveness and review arrangements. Performance descriptors link compliance findings to enforcement expectations and inform future regulatory inspection priorities.
- 202525 Nov
Safety management system guidance note
Guidance on integrating safety management systems with the offshore petroleum safety-case regime. It addresses control effectiveness, workforce competence, work authorisation, change management and continual improvement. Performance standards, monitoring and review underpin assurance, alongside organisational commitment and management of both major accident and occupational risks, including psychosocial hazards.
- 202521 Nov
Emergency planning guidance note
Guidance on emergency planning and safety-case requirements for offshore petroleum facilities. It addresses command arrangements, team competence, medical provision, equipment assurance, communications, evacuation analysis and emergency shutdown. It distinguishes regulatory obligations from suggested approaches and explains performance standards, drills, review and management of planning changes.
- 202513 Nov
Noise exposure standards guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum dutyholders on statutory noise exposure limits and reducing risks to ALARP. It explains ear-position measurement, instrument calibration, source reduction, hearing-protector selection and attenuation calculations, audiometric surveillance and reassessment. It also addresses enforcement and recommended acoustic benchmarks for accommodation and support areas on fixed and mobile facilities.
- 20257 Nov
Course Descriptor - Refresher HSR training for the offshore petroleum industry
This guideline sets minimum requirements for accredited refresher training for offshore petroleum health and safety representatives. It recommends a one-day course using peer collaboration and case studies, covering legislative updates, risk management and safety cases. Practical learning includes formal safety assessment of major accident events and visualising prevention and mitigation controls.
- 202531 Oct
Guidance note damage loss or removal of a technical or other control measure
Explains when operators must notify NOPSEMA of impaired technical or other control measures under dangerous-occurrence requirements. Reporting depends on failure to meet safety-case performance standards and whether those standards expressly permit the impairment. Illustrative examples distinguish reportable failures from permitted redundancy, maintenance tolerances and continued compliance.
- 202529 Oct
Hazard identification guidance note
Guidance on systematic hazard identification for offshore petroleum facilities and its integration with formal safety assessment. It compares HAZOP, task analysis, FMEA, what-if and tree-based methods, explaining their limitations. Workforce participation, documented assumptions, justified exclusions and ongoing review support assessment of major accident hazards and wider health and safety risks.
- 202521 Oct
ALARP guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum operators on demonstrating ALARP through safety cases. It examines reasonable practicability, design choices, good practice, standards and proportionate risk analysis. It also addresses uncertainty, justification of control selection, performance standards and ongoing assurance, distinguishing major accident assessment from the broader health and safety responsibilities of the safety management system.
- 202521 Oct
Risk assessment guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum operators on assessing major accident and wider health and safety risks. It explains qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative methods, likelihood and consequence analysis, control reliability and uncertainty. Safety-case documentation, ALARP arguments, workforce participation, assessment review and quality assurance underpin selection of appropriate controls.
- 202530 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 506 - Arc Flash Incident Highlights Critical Need for Voltage Verification During Offshore Electrical Maintenance
An offshore platform cable installation resulted in an arc flash and a minor thermal burn when an electrician used non-insulated pliers inside an energised motor control centre. The alert identifies deficient task analysis and communication, recommending de-energised working where feasible, insulated tools, arc-rated protection, coordinated cable movements and competency assurance.
- 202530 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 508 -Review anchor-handling plans now Incident damages subsea equipment triggers gas release
A diver support vessel recovering bow anchors snagged a subsea well with an anchor wire. Attempts to free it detached the annulus valve, releasing gas. The alert identifies deficient planning, contractor coordination and emergency readiness, and recommends that operators and contractors consider stronger pre-mobilisation checks, SIMOPS arrangements and anchor-handling plans.
- 202517 Sep
Completion of a OHS provisional improvement notice guideline
Guidance for health and safety representatives completing provisional OHS improvement notices. It explains identifying responsible duty holders, alleging a single contravention, recording supporting circumstances and setting compliance deadlines. It also covers optional remedial actions, distribution of notices and their suspension pending a requested NOPSEMA OHS inspection.
- 202517 Sep
UK HSE: oil company fined after serious failure of elevator
An IMCA safety flash describes three workers encountering water while descending in a lift on the FPF-1 platform for inspection work. They stopped the lift and returned safely without injury. Hardware failures, incorrect operating procedures and absent water alarms were identified; enforcement included a £300,000 fine and an improvement notice.
- 202511 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 507 - Improper Use of Equipment and Tools Increases Risk of Fires and Explosions Offshore
BSEE identifies recurring offshore tool misuse involving live electrical circuits, explosive atmospheres and high-pressure or high-temperature systems. Cases include unsuitable hand tools and a plumber’s plug used during welding. Recommendations address competence evaluation, tool ratings and tracking, maintenance, pre-work audits, qualified inspections and authority to halt unsafe work.
- 20254 Sep
Hand crushed during coiled tubing reel handling
A worker suffered severe hand injuries and partial amputations of three fingers while aligning a coiled tubing reel into a cradle. A securing frame shifted and trapped the hand. The flash identifies entrapment-prone design, inadequate instructions and incomplete risk assessment, recommending hands-free guiding, equipment familiarisation and improved toolbox talks.
- 20251 Sep
Acoustic impact evaluation and management information paper
This information paper advises on assessing and managing marine seismic survey effects on environmental receptors. It addresses acoustic source descriptions, sound propagation modelling, biological thresholds, cumulative effects and uncertainty. Guidance covers receptor-specific acceptability, alternative survey methods, fauna detection, model validation and adaptive management, while distinguishing encouraged advice from regulatory requirements.
- 2025Sep
1 - Big people in lifeboats and lifesaving appliances
Guidance for offshore dutyholders on accommodating increasing worker weight and size in evacuation and rescue arrangements. It explains statistical passenger design-weight calculations, capacity adjustments, seating and restraint suitability, and considerations for other lifesaving appliances and medical equipment. It also addresses verification, interim arrangements and safety-case changes.
- 202522 Aug
Petroleum activities and Australian Marine Parks guidance note
Guidance explains environmental assessment, authorisation and consultation requirements for petroleum activities affecting Australian Marine Parks. It addresses park zoning, Director of National Parks consultation, acceptable impacts and ALARP demonstrations, cumulative effects, environmental performance and incident notification. Appended questions clarify class approvals, separate permissions and prior usage rights.
- 202521 Aug
Avoiding fatigue guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum duty holders on preventing and managing workforce fatigue within the regulatory framework. It examines sleep debt, circadian rhythms and interacting organisational factors, outlining layered fatigue risk management through staffing, roster design, sleep opportunities, screening and training. It also addresses handovers, interrupted sleep, incident investigation and monitoring of barrier performance.
- 202519 Aug
Operational risk assessment guidance note
Guidance for offshore oil and gas operators on assessing temporary impairment of safety-critical controls and operation outside design limits. It explains hazard identification, qualitative or semi-quantitative risk evaluation, mitigation assurance, cumulative risk, responsibilities and restoration periods. Assessment must not justify predetermined continuation decisions or substitute for managing permanent changes.
- 202519 Aug
UK HSE: Motion Compensated Gangways Auto-Retraction
This IMCA flash summarises UK HSE concerns about unplanned retraction of motion-compensated gangways following power or control-system failures. It explains why simultaneous alarms provide inadequate warning and outlines required reviews of gangway arrangements and automatic-function testing, alongside recommended technical risk assessment and rigorous assessment of operator overrides.
- 202511 Aug
BSEE Safety Alert 505 - BSEE Risk-Based Inspections Reveal Increase in Slip-Trip-Fall Hazards on Offshore Facilities Inspections
BSEE reports findings from a Performance-Based Risk Inspection of 19 offshore assets following an increase in slip, trip and fall injuries. Findings address training gaps, obstructed walkways, sharp edges, simultaneous operations, safety boots and faded markings. Recommendations invite operators and contractors, where appropriate, to consider improved hazard checks, housekeeping, training and footwear maintenance.
- 20251 Aug
BSEE Safety Alert - 504 - Malfunction of Rental Generator's Engine Air Shutoff System
A rental generator fire on an offshore platform followed a closed right-bank air flap, allowing unburnt diesel and excess oil to accumulate and ignite with heat from the operating left bank. The alert recommends considering improved maintenance checks, alarm verification, training and procurement assurance, including independent testing of each emergency air flap.
- 2025Aug
Motion Compensated Gangways Auto-retraction
HSE warns that power failures or control-system errors can trigger unexpected retraction of motion-compensated gangways, exposing users to falls and moving parts. The notice requires reviews of gangway arrangements, design and automatic-function testing, and calls for adequate advance warnings and rigorous assessment of operator overrides.
- 202528 Jul
Environment plan content requirements guidance note
Guidance on preparing environment plans for petroleum and greenhouse gas activities submitted to NOPSEMA. It explains environmental descriptions, impact and risk evaluation, acceptable levels and ALARP demonstrations, performance outcomes and standards, implementation systems, monitoring, oil pollution response testing, consultation and incident reporting.
- 202528 Jul
Notification of end of operation of environment plan guideline
This guideline explains how titleholders notify NOPSEMA that an environment plan can end under regulation 46. It covers declarations confirming completed obligations, regulatory verification and acceptance, and the consequences for reporting, levies and activity authorisation. It also distinguishes obligations that cease from record-keeping and statutory duties that remain.
- 20259 Jul
Hose Recoil Strikes Banksman
During scheduled replacement of a potable-water bulk hose on a MODU, a crane lifted one end while the hydraulic reel paid out the hose for deck coiling and backload. The hose separated within a ferrule near the lifting point, recoiled towards the bulk loading station and struck the banksman.
- 2025Jul
Hydrocarbon Active Fire Protection
An inspection guide for offshore hydrocarbon fire protection, setting out regulatory expectations, success criteria and dutyholder scoring. It examines firewater pumps, ring mains, deluge coverage and chemical dosing, with emphasis on corrosion, marine growth, system availability, as-found testing and investigation of recurring blockages.
- 202520 Jun
BSEE Safety Alert 503 - Personnel Burned by Fire due to Improper Venting of Gas Starters on Engines
BSEE describes two flash fires during attempts to start gas engines driving pipeline pumps. Improperly secured or absent starter exhaust piping allowed gas to accumulate before backfires ignited it, burning workers. Recommendations address safe exhaust routing, component checks, training, startup and maintenance procedures, gas detectors and consideration of temporary fire watches.
- 202518 Jun
Powers of Health and Safety Representatives guidance note
Guidance explains health and safety representatives’ statutory powers at offshore petroleum facilities. It covers access to information, consultant assistance, requests to review safety management documents, provisional improvement notices and directions to cease unsafe work. It also describes inspection requests, appeals, protection against discrimination and coercion, and requests for prosecution.
- 202518 Jun
Workplace safety and consultation arrangements guidance note
Guidance on workforce consultation and representation at offshore petroleum facilities distinguishes statutory duties from suggested practice. It explains designated work group formation, representative selection, training and support, committee membership and meetings, information-access restrictions and dispute arrangements. An appendix sets out representative election procedures, including secret ballots and counting.
- 202516 Jun
Heat Stress Hazard Alert
This alert explains heat-related illness symptoms and occupational and personal risk factors for oil and gas extraction workers. It outlines employer, supervisor and worker responsibilities, covering acclimatisation, work–rest schedules, hydration, cooling areas, buddy systems, protective clothing, medical screening and training to recognise and respond to heat illness.
- 202512 Jun
Design notification guidance note
Explains design notification requirements for new or significantly altered production facilities and new greenhouse gas facilities. Covers notification triggers, design options, major accident risks, pipeline materials, decommissioning and site conditions. Clarifies independent validation, subsequent safety-case demonstrations and NOPSEMA’s assessment process, which produces written comments rather than acceptance.
- 202512 Jun
Environmental Alert 001/2025
This alert reminds offshore chemical permit holders that assessed usage and injection concentrations are binding limits. Inspections identified exceedances during abnormal operations and inadequate monitoring by well section during drilling. Operators must establish compliance-tracking mechanisms; these should be available offshore to chemical users.
- 202512 Jun
Frequently asked questions on operator nomination guideline
This FAQ guideline explains nomination and registration of offshore petroleum facility operators and proposed operators. It addresses who may nominate, NOPSEMA’s decision criteria, registration outcomes and statutory duties. It also explains how safety cases document responsibilities and how operators assure risk management by other parties controlling work.
- 202510 Jun
BSEE Safety Alert 502 -Fatigue Cracking of Three-Quarter-Inch Pipe Nipple Results in Gas Release
An offshore gas release followed fatigue failure of a threaded ¾-inch pipe nipple on a compressor suction scrubber, prompting platform shut-in and personnel muster. The alert discusses possible installation stresses, vibration and unsupported bridle weight, and recommends considering structural support, proper tightening, regular inspection, vibration monitoring and maintained dampers.
- 20259 Jun
BSEE Safety Alert 501-BSEE Identifies Bypassed Safety Device Deficiencies
BSEE inspections of five production platforms identified poorly documented safety-device bypasses, non-operational data historians and overly broad maintenance bypasses. Findings included pressure protection disabled during startup and unreverted ladder-logic changes. Recommendations address bypass logs, electronic records, interface visibility, construction changes and verification of procedural compliance.