AUSTRALIA'S FIRST SAFETY CASE

Abstract

Significant changes have occurred to the Australian offshore legislative approach to safety following the Piper Alpha disaster and the COSOP Report. Operators of new facilities are now required to demonstrate that they have addressed all of their safety obligations through the preparation of a Safety Case.

This paper outlines the new legislative responsibilities and describes the preparation and assessment of the Design and Operational Safety Cases for the Wandoo Production Test. Their format and content are presented, and some of the benefits and difficulties associated with both the preparation and review are discussed.

These Safety Cases are the first considered under the new Australian legislation.