Mol Norge – Handling of hazard and accident situations (second-line emergency response)

The audit was conducted on 5 and 22 March 2019.

Background

The PSA participates in selected preparedness exercises which the operators notify us of annually or quarterly. Participation in such exercises is a supervisory activity.

In March of this year, we took part in two different preparedness exercises under the auspices of Mol.

On 5 March, we carried out an audit of the mobilisation of their own emergency response centre. Based on observations made during the exercise, we summoned Mol to a meeting on 8 March, at which we gave feedback concerning competence, proactive emergency preparedness and communication (internally within the second line and externally). Based on our feedback, Mol decided to conduct a new emergency preparedness exercise, which we opted to observe on 22 March.

Second-line emergency response is staffed by the company ResQ on behalf of Mol.

Objective

The objective of the audit was to verify that Mol’s handling of hazard and accident situations (second line emergency response) is in line with the regulations.

Result

Under both exercises, Mol’s second-line emergency response management appeared to be insufficiently proactive. There was a lack of clarity about how the second line secured an overview of the situation and how they defined a strategy to make the best possible use of resources. In order for the second line to ask the right questions and define the right priorities for their own efforts and external resources, it is crucial that they have situational awareness, as well as knowledge and competence concerning ongoing operations and associated resources.

The audit identified one breach of the regulations. This concerned a lack of competence for handling hazard and accident situations and a failure by Mol to ensure that staff in the second-line emergency response organisation had the requisite competence to ensure that necessary measures were initiated as rapidly as possible in hazard and accident situations.

What happens now?

We have asked Mol to report to us on how the non-conformity will be addressed. The deadline for this is set to 21 May 2019.