§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has instructed a specific check for metal fatigue on offshore installations where second welding processes have been carried out; and, if so, what have been the results of the inspections.
§ Mr. GrayThere is a requirement that all modifications and repairs to weldments should be subject to control, in the " Offshore Installations: Guidance on design and construction " published by HMSO for my Department, which interprets the regulations.
As a result of the Kielland incident, an additional check was made of all secondary fittings to floating installations. Some cracks were found, which could initiate fatigue, rather than themselves being fatigue cracks. The installations concerned have been brought into sheltered waters, or are shortly to be brought in, for detailed survey and any necessary repairs.