The Offshore Major Accident Regulator (OMAR) has published a new version of ON 54 Establishment of safety zones for sub-sea installations which was last updated in February 2007.
The main changes are:
– Contact details have all been changed to email addresses (previously postal addresses).
– Clearer information regarding when orders come into force depending on whether the installation is already on station (21 days after order signed) or not yet on station (when the installation arrives at the stated location) when the order is made. As a consequence ‘Operators must confirm arrival on location with HSE by emailing safety.zones@hse.gov.uk and NavWarnings@ukho.gov.uk for the promulgation of a Radio Navigation Warning.’
– Addition of the following paragraph under the ‘Applications’ heading:
‘Operators may apply to HSE for the removal of an automatic safety zone and its replacement by one made by an order for continuous protection during the dismantlement and decommissioning process. A safety zone will be created by Order. Operators must send confirmation to safety.zones@hse.gov.uk that decommissioning has been completed in accordance with the plan agreed with OPRED. HSE will then arrange for the safety zone to be revoked.’
– Addition of a new section entitled ‘Removal of subsea installations’:
‘Safety zones created by an Order can only be revoked by a subsequent Order. When subsea installations with a safety zone are removed, HSE must be informed. An email confirming that a safety zone is no longer required should be sent to safety.zones@hse.gov.uk.’
– Annex 1 regarding information to be supplied with an application indicates that this should all be done electronically over email (rather than by post). In addition, when providing information on water depth in metres the vertical datum, preferably LAT, should be stated.
Source: HSE & OMAR.