Ladders to have fall-protection system, C-NLOPB orders Suncor
The Canada-newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) on Tuesday issued an order to Suncor Energy to ensure that a fall-protection system is used for all vertical ladders greater than six meters in length that are not fitted with a protective cage, at or near the Terra Nova Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.
The order, issued by the chief safety officer, follows the C-NLOPB’S review of Suncor’s investigation report into the Dec. 30 incident that resulted in a worker being injured on the FPSO. Suncor’s investigation report was received by the C-NLOPB on Jan. 12. The Suncor Energy employee had fallen from a ladder inside a tank while conducting gas testing. The individual was treated on site then transferred onshore by helicopter for further medical assessment.
An order to suspend production-related operations on the Terra Nova FPSO had been previously issued by the C-NLOPB on Dec. 19 in response to another issue.
“The task being undertaken by the injured worker was safety-focused and was not included in the scope of suspended activity,” a C-NLOPBS new release stated at the time.
The C-NLOPB’S review of this matter continues, including follow up offshore by safety officers who are currently onboard the FPSO.
Production-related operations on the Terra Nova FPSO were previously suspended and the suspension will continue until the regulatory non-compliance identified by the chief safety officer in the Notice to Suspend issued on Dec. 19 has been addressed.