Adapting the application of risk analysis in offshore platform design to new framework conditions

This paper reviews results and experiences from a problem driven method development process within an ongoing oil field development project. Primary driving forces have been the NORSOK initiative to reduce overall project costs and new legislation on health, safety and environment. Four cases are presented, where risk analysis methods and practices have been changed to meet new needs. These cover needs of input to the selection of one platform concept from alternative standard concepts, specification and qualification of cost-efficient safety measures and analysis of the risk of occupational accidents. It is concluded that research may support the development processes through systematic evaluation and documentation. Significant areas of interest are standardization of risk acceptance criteria, development of risk analysis methods for special applications and evaluations of safety management programmes. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Limited.