BackDROPS FORUM - Houston USA, 3rd May 2011
Greg Reid of DROPS Global opened the Forum, gave a Safety Brief and introductions were made.
DROPS Introduction and Update – Greg Reid, DROPS Global
Greg opened the meeting. DROPS is a member funded organisation that distils, identifies key learning’s and shares them around the world. The DROPS organisation now has over 100 members. Our products to date include the DROPS calculators, DROPS Training, Inspection Procedures, Awareness posters, Newsletters, Reliable Securing, and DORIS (Statistical Database). Further information on all products is available from our website. You can download Best Practices and Guidelines, Posters etc. from here. All are free to download from this website.
We also learned of the focus areas that are happening in DROPS chapters around the world. These currently include Prevention of Subsea Dropped Objects, Marine Safety, DROPS Training update.
Dropped Object Prevention – Ben Tobias, Tobias Safety Services
Ben gave us a background introduction about himself and introduction his company Tobias Safety Services. This company specialises in a variety of safety aspects that include innovative PPE, safety equipment rentals and sales and training needs. They have now developed new work clothes that have anchor points and lanyards that help in the fight to prevent dropped objects.
For further details, you can contact Ben directly by email or visit the Tobias Safety Services Website .
DROPS – A Potted History – Greg Reid, DROPS Global
As the audience consisted of many new faces and companies, we gave a history of DROPS. DROPS exist as an organisation for over ten years now and a potted history of what we have done and how far we have evolved was described. Follow this link to download the presentation.
DROPS in the Supply Chain – Bob Thompson, Chevron
Bob gave a presentation that demonstrated that a dropped object can manifest itself anywhere in our working environment. The perception is that dropped objects are mainly a drilling problem, but the statistics we have tells us otherwise. Some examples of actual incidents were shown and causes given. The message is clear, dropped objects can happen anywhere, at any time, and we can prevent them. Follow this link to view a version of the presentation.
Common Inspection Guidelines – Allen Smith, DROPS Global
Allen gave an overview of the Common Inspection Guidelines that were developed by one of the UK focus groups. Dropped Object Surveys and Inspections are a key element of dropped object control and prevention management systems. These surveys provide added assurances that all potential dropped object hazards are identified, assessed and recorded such that control measures and corrective actions can be recommended and implemented within the Asset’s Management System.
Many specialist access and inspection organizations offer ‘Independent Dropped Object Surveys’ to the oil and gas sector, in addition to qualified derrick or mast and substructure inspections and surveys. Each organization employs their own unique tools and techniques to identify and record potential dropped objects in and around the derrick and other areas of the installation. For many, the process incorporates further integration of the survey findings and recommendations into the client’s own maintenance management systems, ensuring corrective actions are implemented and monitored as appropriate.
Follow this link to download the DROPS Dropped Object Survey and Inspection Guidelines.
Best Practice for Safe Use of Tools at Height – Greg Reid, DROPS Global
One of the Focus Groups for 2010 in the UK has recently issued a Best Practice for Safe Use of Tools at Height that has been developed over the past year. This Guideline is an aspiration of DROPS and highlights of the document were covered by Greg.
Follow this link to download the DROPS Best Practice for Safe Use of Tools at Height.
A language-free DVD on Tools at Height was shown to the audience. This is a training tool that has been developed to help raise the awareness. Further details are available from Go-Home Safe directly. Please visit the Go Home Safe website.
DORIS – Allen Smith, DROPS Global
Allen introduced DORIS, the DROPS statistical database of dropped object incidents that members use to enable the DROPS organisation to analyse the areas of concern.
Follow this link to view DORIS.
To register as a user, please contact doris@dropsonline.org .