HSE welcomes international offshore petroleum safety research website

HSE Press Release: E154:04 - 2 November 2004

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is pleased to announce the launch of a new website providing information on offshore petroleum safety and environment research programmes sponsored by members of the International Committee for Regulatory Authority Research and Development (ICRARD).

The ICRARD website offers easy access to information about safety and environment research projects in member countries, including links to key contacts, research programmes and publications.

One of the website's main features is an advanced search engine, which indexes selected health, safety and environment websites. A picture of research projects on selected topics
in ICRARD member countries can be easily obtained using the search engine.

Welcoming the launch of the ICRARD website at a meeting of senior international offshore petroleum safety regulators in the USA, Taf Powell, Head of HSE's Offshore Division said:

"The offshore petroleum industry is a truly international industry which relies heavily on technology to enable safe and environmentally sound exploration and development of offshore reserves. The ICRARD website is the result of international collaboration on related research and will facilitate easier exchange of information on national research programmes, thereby promoting co-operation in research between Governments and other organisations."

To explore the site please visit http://www.icrard.org/.

Notes to editors

1. The purpose of the International Committee for Regulatory Authority Research and Development (ICRARD) is to share knowledge regarding research programmes in the area of health, environment and safety in the offshore petroleum sector.
2. Membership of ICRARD comprises the USA, Canada, the UK (represented by HSE), Norway, Brazil, Mexico, The Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand. However, membership is open to any country wishing to participate. ICRARD meetings are usually held annually and are hosted by member organisations. The last meeting was held in Canada in March 2004.

HSE's research reports are available on the HSE website at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/content/crr/index.htm

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