Repsol

Safety management on offshore platforms

At Repsol we have experience in offshore operations, having drilled deep-sea wells in the Gulf of Mexico and in other parts of the world.

As part of the continual improvement cycle we periodically review our standards and procedures, incorporating lessons learned, recommendations, and international best practices.

The actions we have taken to improve safety include:

• Processes: For the construction of wells, the most significant risks are identified and actions are implemented in order to prevent damage to persons, the environment, and the installations.
• Inspections and audits: Our wells and their equipment are inspected and audited by third parties, covering technical and maintenance aspects. Our upstream activities are also certified by third parties in the areas of safety and environmental management. We have ISO 14001 certifications in our operations in Trinidad and Tobago, Casablanca, Poseidon, and Bermeo, and OHSAS 18001 in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Competency and training: We have a formal competency management program to ensure the technical competence of all personnel involved in operations.
• Emergency response planning: We have contingency plans in the event of unexpected incidents in offshore operations, prepared in accordance with the worst-case scenario and based on local regulations, internal procedures, and industry best practices. These plans are reviewed and updated prior to the start of drilling operations and when there are changes that might affect the normal functioning of the operations. These plans are subject to internal approval processes and to the approval of the appropriate government authorities in the country of operation.
• Authorization for drilling: Before the start of well construction operations, we ensure that all technical aspects have been correctly implemented and verified, and this is documented.
• Management of contractors: We have standards that establish specific safety criteria in contracted work and services. This includes a rigorous process of evaluation when contracting suppliers and services, as well as internal and third-party inspections and audits, prior to operations. The services contracted are subject to periodic supervision and inspection during operations in order to ensure that local regulations, internal procedures, and industry best practices are applied.             

Moreover, we are active members of OGP (Oil and Gas Producers Association), the main forum for the sector as regards health, safety and environment. We participate in its working groups to benefit from the lessons learned in the industry. Repsol also participates in initiatives concerning the response to spills in the Gulf of Mexico.