ESSO AUSTRALIA APPROACH TO OFFSHORE SAFETY CASES

Abstract

Following major incidents and a worldwide trend to a more structured approach to managing offshore safety, the Australian Government has regulated for the preparation of Safety Cases for all new offshore projects which commence design work after 1 July 1992. The Safety Case is required to demonstrate that safety management systems are adequate to ensure design, construction and operation of the installation are safe, that potential major hazards have been identified and appropriate controls are provided to ensure that risks are as low as reasonably practicable, and that adequate provision has been made for safe evacuation, escape and rescue. The safety case should be prepared using a balanced approach that results in a practical and value-added case.

This paper summarises the approach adopted by Esso Australia in the preparation of safety cases for two new Bass Strait developments. It specifically covers the development of detailed internal guidelines for use in preparing safety cases, the safety case structure, content and emphasis, and includes examples to illustrate the key aspects of the Esso Australia Safety Case approach. The methodology described provides an effective means of achieving the objectives of a safety case.