New Opportunities for Emergency Handling in the Intelligent Energy Organization

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this paper is to present, discuss and provide recommendations for emergency handling and show how new work processes, technology and integrated information could influence or change future emergency handling in the oil and gas industry in Norway. The way normal operations of petroleum production are handled have changed because of introduction of new technology and involvement of new actors in the work processes. The organization or the work processes within emergency handling has up to now not changed. Our finding indicates that there are possibilities for more efficient and earlier handling of possible hazardous deviations from normal work. The measures that need to be taken are related to involving new actors in the emergency handling as well as by developing the way actors are involved. In emergency preparedness analysis and plans it is required to identify the roles, functions and interactions of all involed actors in the handling of different emergencies. The emergency handling needs to include the transition period from normal operation to emergency handling by use of support centers. The work processes must be supported by adapted information and communication technology that improve the quality of the information and communication processes. Training, in terms of the right training scenarios, involvement of the right actors and use of all ready present and adapted technology is crucial for implementation of improved emergency handling on the Norwegian continental shelf. The findings are based on observation studies in two emergency training sessions and a workshop with industrial experts from different contractors, consultancy's and oil companies that operate on the Norwegian continental shelf.