Oil & Gas UK is today publishing updated guidelines for the safe packaging and handling of cargo to and from offshore installations, aiming to secure improvements in safety. The purpose of the guidelines is to help all parties dealing with cargo handling to avoid or reduce the associated risks through the adoption of common industry standards.

Robert Paterson, safety issues manager with Oil & Gas UK, explained: “The safe carriage of goods relies upon the correct packaging, securing, labelling and handling procedures. The guidance provides practical advice by pointing out key processes involved in the safe handling of cargo and recommended working practices. Non-conformance with these guidelines will result in cargo not being forwarded until the necessary remedial actions have been carried out.”

These guidelines have been updated by a workgroup involving vendors, haulage contractors, logistics service providers, vessel operators, aircraft operators and offshore operators, taking into consideration changes in legislation, good working practices and learning from incidents.

Tony Littler, ASCO Business Director for Northern North Sea who is chairing the workgroup, explained: “I have been involved with the cargo handling workgroup for over 10 years now because I believe in the contribution we make to safety. “The safety of our workforce is our ultimate priority and since the creation of the cargo handling guidelines, no one has been seriously injured.”

“The workgroup has taken a lot of time and effort to ensure that the guidelines are practical and effective. This is a truly global document that leads industry standards; I have gotten e-mails from as far as Houston and Abu Dhabi requesting a copy of these guidelines.”

The guidelines are available at www.ukooa.co.uk