§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of risers on offshore installations; and how many of them are currently fitted with sub-sea isolation valves.
Mr. JacksonFollowing the introduction of the Offshore Installations (Emergency Pipeline Valve) Regulations 1989, 192 pipeline risers were identified as requiring the fitting or relocation of emergency shut down valve to comply with the regulations. These have now all been fitted.
Sub-sea isolation systems have been fitted to 40 pipelines on the seabed.
§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what specific additional training is being provided by the Health and Safety Executive's offshore division for inspector grade personnel who were previously in the Department of Energy's petroleum engineering division.
Mr. JacksonInspector grade personnel previously in the petroleum engineering division of the Department of Energy have access to the full range of existing training available to Health and Safety Executive staff, supplemented by additional training to familiarise them with HSE's operating systems and procedures, and external specialist courses.