Ageing and life extension of offshore installations
The maintenance of asset integrity and control of the significant risk to asset integrity presented by ageing processes is a key priority for HSE. This page has been introduced to provide information on Ageing and Life Extension (ALE) issues relevant to offshore installations and the work of HSE in this area.
Ageing and Life Extension Programme (KP4)
Between 2011 and 2013 HSE carried out a programme of onshore and offshore inspections of the ALE and AIM systems to establish whether the risks are being managed effectively and to encourage improvements. HSE has published its report into the findings of the KP4 programme. It has identified areas of industry strengths, and areas for additional focus, which will deliver improvements for the long-term management and assurance of workforce safety on offshore installations on the UKCS through to cessation of production and into decommissioning.
Working with industry has brought a high level of positive engagement, resulting in the development of industry-leading ALE practices. Further work is required by industry to continue to improve these practices, and hence offshore safety.
Industry engagement
Oil &Gas UK set up an ALE steering group forum to assess the knowledge gaps and create expert groups to develop necessary guidance.
The Energy Institute has created an ALE forum to address a variety of issues.
HSE has a long history of collaboration with Norway's Petroleum Safety Authority and The Netherlands' State Supervision of Mines.