Offshore helidecks – testing of helideck perimeter safety nets

Introduction

1. This notice is to advise dutyholders of a recent incident involving the failure of a helideck perimeter safety net. It emphasises the need to ensure that these are of adequate strength and are properly secured, maintained and tested to ensure they continue to be fit for purpose.

Background

2. A member of a helideck crew was recently injured after falling through what appeared to be an undamaged helideck perimeter safety net to the deck more than 5 m below. The incident could have had very serious consequences.

3. In the light of this incident, dutyholders should, as a matter of urgency, review their helideck perimeter safety net maintenance and test procedures as set out below.

Recommended action

4. Dutyholders should ensure that their helideck perimeter safety nets and associated tests comply fully with CAA publication CAP 437 (Helicopter Landing Areas – Physical Characteristics, 5th Edition, Chapter 3, Section 9), taking into account the UKOOA Guidelines for the Management of Offshore Helideck Operations (Addendum 12, paragraph 9). In particular:

• the British Helicopter Advisory Board (BHAB) requirement, inspecting in accordance with CAP 437, for dutyholders to conduct an annual drop test;
• a recent amendment in CAP 437 increasing the drop test weight from 75 kg to 100 kg (dropped from a height of 1 m);
• the net needs to be strong enough to support the weight of any person who may inadvertently stand on it;
• the adequacy of examination and test procedures to identify possible corrosion and deterioration of the whole of the net, its attachments and supports due to wear and tear, weathering, ageing etc (BS EN ISO 9554:2005 provides guidance on discard criteria);
• ensure a suitable net replacement schedule is in place.

Relevant legal requirements

5. The relevant legal requirements are as follows.

• The Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (Management and Administration) Regulations 1995 SI 1995/738 The Stationery Office 1995 ISBN 0 11 052735 6 - Regulation 13 – Helicopters

References

6.

• Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) CAP 437: Offshore Helicopter Landing Areas: Guidance on Standards, Fifth Edition (August 2005) ISBN 0 11790 439 2
• UKOOA Guidelines for the Management of Offshore Helideck Operations Issue 5 (February 2005).

Further information

Any queries relating to this notice should be addressed to:

Health and Safety Executive
Hazardous Installations Directorate
Offshore Division
Lord Cullen House
Fraser Place
Aberdeen
AB25 3UB

Tel: 01224 252500
Fax: 01224 252615