Summary

Comment 2011 Focus Issues Subsea Dropped Objects Tools at Height Guidance Middle East Chapter Far East Forum …

DROPS – A Potted History : As part of “Step Change in Safety”, and among the raft of focus areas identified for improvement was that of dropped object prevention. A small workgroup was formed comprising several operators (BP, Shell, ExxonMobil etc) and several drilling contractors (KCA Deutag, GSF etc). The group identified the drilling sector and in particular the derrick as the source of most dropped object incidents. They recognised that the problem was huge and not restricted to the UK. Feeling limited under the “Step Change in Safety” banner, they agreed to establish an independent workgroup and they sought assistance with the implementation and facilitation of the new workgroup.

DROPS – A Potted History : 1998 The DROPS Workgroup was duly established. The mission was agreed – “to ultimately deliver a permanent and 'second nature' dropped objects prevention strategy within the Drilling sector”. A structure and operating model was established for the group. This saw BP initially take the helm and the initial focus was on identifying best practice. Around 20 companies formed the initial membership. Regular forums were held and small action groups formed to identify and implement improvements in the Drilling Sector.

DROPS – A Potted History : 1999 A pilot inspection and management system developed by BP and KCA Deutag was recognised as an excellent way forward This became the basis of the DROPS Management System we still have today, ie derrick zones, inventory, control and mitigation measures, inspection checks, picture books, review and improve. The guidelines were duly published and made available throughout the Industry.

DROPS – A Potted History : Still focused solely on the Drilling Sector, DROPS buy-in and membership steadily grew and began to embrace other European regions with new members joining. The model of regular forums and small action groups looking at individual improvements continued and many new DROPS products emerged from the Group; DROPS Calculator, Tour of Duty Workshop, Poster Campaigns, Checklists, etc.

DROPS – A Potted History : 2003 Statistics showed that efforts had delivered significant improvements in the drilling sector – Drilling was no longer the worst performing sector! DROPS recognised that the focus had to change from Drilling only to cover all operations. The Chevron/DROPS “Through the Supply Chain Roadmap” was developed highlighting the challenges in every phase of our supply chain. Emphasis slowly began to change from Static to Dynamic dropped objects, eg collisions, interference, moving equipment, cargo handling.

DROPS – A Potted History : Now with a membership of around 40 companies DROPS focused on all sectors of the Industry and not just Drilling. The emerging new DROPS products had far broader impact, eg DROPS Roadmap, Forklift Pocket Dangers, Cargo Handling Guidelines, etc. Through the efforts of Statoil, our Reliable Securing standard was published, for the first time giving recommendations and best practice for the primary AND secondary retention of equipment held at height. $30million

DROPS – A Potted History : 2007 The DROPS Training course was launched and cascaded throughout the membership. The Marine Sector began to engage more with DROPS with new marine members joining and a new cross-industry exchange opening. DROPS put emphasis on showcasing technologies and products that can help us improve, eg Go Home Safe Workshops, Safe Bolting Technologies, etc

DROPS – A Potted History : 2008 / 09 The focus turned to globalising DROPS across all regions of the world. DROPS Forums and Training Sessions were hosted in USA and in Asia. New members joined from both areas. Independent groups for DROPS USA and DROPS Asia were established, both with their own Steering Committees and objectives, to bring regional direction and focus on the DROPS movement. Products emerging from DROPS included the updated Reliable Securing Standard, SGB’s Cost of Accidents DVD, the Hazard Hunt toolkit, Rogues’ Galleries etc. Scotland 0 – 1 Holland

DROPS – A Potted History : 2010 DROPS to focus on Common Inspection Standards (global), Subsea Dropped Objects, Seasonal DROPS Campaigns. DROPS USA and DROPS Asia to formally kick-off their programme of Forums, establish focus issues and focus teams. DROPS to be introduced to Middle East Region.

Next DROPS Forums 29 November 2010Baker Hughes Education Centre, Dubai UAE 02 December 2010 Marcliffe at Pitfodels, Aberdeen UK