Although most requirements are performance-based, the regulations also contain prescriptive demands where Havtil judges these to be necessary.
What are the advantages of performance-based regulations?
One important benefit of performance-based rather than specific requirements is that technological progress does not outstrip the regulations. The alternative might be regulations which need constant revision to keep pace with new technology and solutions.
Performance-based requirements also emphasise the responsibility of the individual company for planning and executing its operations in a way which meets the safety goals.
What are guidelines?
Guidelines have been provided in order to avoid misunderstandings over what is required to comply with the regulatory requirements. These often refer to recognised Norwegian or international industry standards specifying requirements in such areas as structures, equipment or procedures.
A regulatory requirement is considered to be met if a recommended solution of this kind is adopted. While opting for a different approach is fully possible, documentation must then be provided to show that it meets the requirement at least as well as the recommended solution.