Offshore installations (safety case) regulations 2005 (SCR05) - Timescale for thorough review

Introduction

1. This notice provides guidance on the timescales required for carrying out periodic safety case thorough reviews.

Background

2. There has been apparent confusion within some parts of industry with the meaning of the phrase 'current safety case' as used in Regulation 13.

Definition of current safety case

3. Regulation 2(1) defines a current safety case as one which was accepted under SCR05 or SCR92 and includes any subsequent revisions that have been made since that acceptance, either material or otherwise.

When the five year timescale begins

4. Regulation 13 states that a thorough review of a current safety case is to be undertaken when directed, or within five years of the previous review, or from the date when the current safety case was last accepted.

5. When a material change revision is made to a current safety case, HSE assesses and makes a decision as to the acceptance of those parts of the case which cover the material change only. [See SCR05 Regulation 14(2)(b)]. HSE does not re-assess the entire safety case at this stage. This means that the five year timescale begins from the date of acceptance following the last full assessment of the safety case [see SCR05 guidance paragraph 188¹], or after each subsequent thorough review.

References

1. A guide to the Offshore Installations (Safety Case) Regulations 2005 L30 Third edition HSE Books 2006 ISBN 0 7176 6184 9. Back

Further Information

6. Any queries relating to this notice should be addressed to: