§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Minister of Power what provisions govern the safety of persons employed on oil rigs operating in the North Sea contained in the licences issued to operators, by his Department.
§ Mr. MasonEach licence issued to search for and get petroleum (including gas) in the North Sea embodies the model clauses set out in Schedule 2 to the Petroleum (Production) (Continental Shelf and Territorial Sea) Regulations 1964. Model Clause 18 deals with safety and requires the licensee to comply with any instructions given by me in writing for securing the safety, health and welfare of persons employed in or about the licensed area.
Effect has been given to this clause in that each licensee has been instructed, when licences have been granted, to carry out operations in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Institute of Petroleum Code of Safe Practice for Drilling, Production and Pipeline Operations in Marine Areas; licensees have also been instructed that they should make suitable arrangements for medical services, and should report accidents and dangerous occurrences. Regular visits are made by my Inspectors to both mobile and fixed platforms to verify that all licence conditions are being observed.
The Institute of Petroleum Code is a very comprehensive document, but it has recently been supplemented by further instructions requiring the licensee to ensure that each manned installation has a person appointed to be in sole charge, 147W that a standby vessel is in attendance, and that specified safety precautions are taken as regards certain items of equipment. The Code is subject to periodic review to keep it in line with developing practices.
I am arranging for copies of the Code to be placed in the Library of the House.