Petrofac trains employees in emergency management

Citation

(2011), "Petrofac trains employees in emergency management", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 43 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict.2011.03743cab.001

Petrofac trains employees in emergency management

Article Type: Notes and news From: Industrial and Commercial Training, Volume 43, Issue 3

Petrofac has become the first international oil and gas-facilities service provider to gain approval for the new OPITO-approved major-emergency-management (MEM) initial-response course.

Petrofac Training Services has been delivering MEM courses for almost 20 years, but this is the first time any provider has launched a course that has been developed with, and approved by, the industry. OPITO provides a strategic perspective for workforce planning and skills development for the oil and gas sector across the UK, develops standards for those working across lifelong learning and is the voice of employers in this industry on training issues.

The four-day course acts as an introduction to MEM and is designed to provide the first stages of knowledge and experience in emergency management. Replicating the sights, sounds and stresses experienced during an emergency, it helps to ensure that trainees are better prepared to command in an emergency.

The course is being delivered from purpose-built simulators at Petrofac’s Scottish training facilities in Montrose and Aberdeen. There are plans to increase the availability of the course outside of the UK, including in the Asia-Pacific region.

The new OPITO MEM initial-response standard concentrates on the role of emergency managers. In response, Petrofac Training Services developed a course that focuses on the key roles and responsibilities of emergency managers, from planning to stress management, but also practical steps such as decision making, communication and delegation. On successful completion of the course, trainees receive a gap-analysis appraisal and an OPITO attendance certificate.

Jim Cameron, OPITO standards and approvals director, said: “There have been various training courses designed to train workers in emergency management but this is the first standard to be compiled and agreed by the industry. Delivery of consistent training in this crucial role will greatly assist the industry to prepare for the unexpected.”

Gordon Caird, regional director, Europe, Petrofac Training Services, said: “Oil-industry workers operate in difficult and hazardous environments and we are committed to ensuring that our customers attain the highest levels of safety and emergency-response capabilities available in the industry today. It is important that those designated as emergency managers in the industry are properly prepared for, and trained to deal with, emergency situations. This new course is the first step of this process.”