This audit was conducted in 2021.
Background
In recent years, the PSA has undertaken a number of audits concerning follow-up of alarm systems on drilling facilities, at onshore plants and on production facilities.
This work has found that these alarm systems fail to meet the company's requirements. Furthermore, other audits have identified high alarm rates and many standing alarms.
These findings suggest that deficiencies may be present in both follow-up of the systems and understanding of the impact high which alarm rates and many standing alarms may have on working conditions for control room operators.
The PSA audited the control rooms of most Norwegian offshore facilities and onshore plants in 2021.
Objective
The objective of the audit was to verify that the operator company follows up the alarm system and working conditions for control room operators in compliance with the regulations and the company's internal requirements.
Results
The audit identified two non-conformities. This included
- Inadequate follow-up of the alarm systems
- Inadequate analysis of the working environment in the control room
An improvement point was also identified relating to
- Collection, processing and use of data
What happens now?
We have asked Equinor to report on how the non-conformities will be addressed and for its assessment of the improvement point observed.
The reply deadline is set at 15 February 2022.