Pipeline Riser emergency shut down valves - Inspection issues and recommendations

Background

Offshore inspections in 2006-7 focused attention on Riser Emergency Shut Down Valve (RESDV) inspection and testing. The inspections showed that, typically, testing, records and practice were managed relatively poorly.

Legislation

Regulation 19 and schedule 3 of the Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996 (PSR) require RESDVs to be capable of adequately blocking the flow and this must be achieved with a valve that is suitable and is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. The Piper Alpha disaster highlighted the critical nature and functions of riser emergency shut down valves.

Key Items Causing Concern

Recommendations - Pipeline Operators should

HSE Intervention Priorities

HSE wrote to all pipeline operators in December 2007 requesting them to complete the recommendations listed above and to provide a summary of their findings to HSE before March 2008.

Continue communication and intervention work to help reinforce the adoption and use of recognised good practice for the inspection and maintenance of RESDVs.

Targeted intervention of RESDV integrity management arrangements and practice, including coverage of associated verification issues.

Issue Date: 19 February 2008
Gas and Pipelines Unit

Updated 2021-02-24