Background
Reg 5 audits provide independent assurance to all licensees that they are fulfilling the requirements of Safety Case Regulations and the relevant statutory provisions.
Not all licensees or non-operating partners in the energy industry are fully aware of their obligations under Regulation 5 of the Safety Case Regulations when it comes to Installation Operator requirements.
In addition to creating potential regulatory exposure, licensees may be missing an opportunity to seek sufficient assurance that the appointed operator is effectively managing Major Accident Hazard risks throughout the asset life cycle.
The brief
Waldorf Production is an independent oil and gas operator, headquartered in Aberdeen. In preparation for the decommissioning of several of its assets in the UK’s Southern North Sea, which has now transferred the licensee operator role, appointed Scapa Energy to conduct a Regulation 5 audit to ensure that the contracted Installation and Well Operator, Petrodec, who had been appointed to manage the decommissioning and dismantlement of these assets could demonstrate sufficient capability and capacity to meet their regulatory obligations.
While the risk profile of the asset was different because hydrocarbons are not being produced and the wells are disconnected, there are, however, still many hazards to manage.
Having previously worked with both Waldorf and Petrodec Scapa Energy was trusted by both companies to deliver an independent and in-depth audit.
Our approach
Our audit for Waldorf Productions provided clear and actionable insights on management system effectiveness, key risk control processes and actual site practices
We were invited to partner with them because of our tailored Reg 5 capability model, our operational experience, leadership experience, and ability to empathise with the context of late life operations. These were key factors in delivering a successful audit.
Our observations and findings also acted as helpful levers for continual improvement.
The outcomes
Waldorf and Petrodec welcomed the audit findings, which highlighted a range of strengths, and other feedback that will enable them to further strengthen their capability.
Jürgen Joosten, QHSE Manager at Petrodec, added: “It is always exciting when others review your Integrated Management System. Although we are ISO 9001/14001/45001 certified, there might always be some gaps or improvements that can be made. Scapa Energy went thoroughly through our IMS and interviewed several employees on-and offshore, also assessed the activities, which all helped to improve our ways of working. The provided Reg 5 audit is not only a proof of compliance for the operator, Scapa Energy also provides different insights and shares industry practices.”