Axiom NDT and Offshore Services

Work Positioning Netting

Installation of work position netting and containment netting can resolve a number of problems

Multiple Work Parties

A common issue during shut down periods is the need for a large number of contractors to work in the same area.

Production or drilling shut downs are highly expensive and ideally all contractors involved in annual maintenance would be able to work at the same time – however there is an obvious risk caused by conflicting activities.

During the North Alwyn Drilling shut down in June 2010, Axiom successfully installed vertical and horizontal netting to protect personnel outside the derrick and on the drill floor whilst work took place at height inside the derrick.

The end result was a considerable saving in time and money for our client.

We believe that Axiom is one of very companies to have made this idea work in the field and we are very well placed to deal with similar requirements in the future.

Under Deck Access Netting

The same type of netting can be installed in a different fashion to allow rapid access to under deck areas by multiple work parties – after initial installation by the rope access team, the nets provide a work platform that is easily accessible to less specialist personnel.

Manufacturer and Supplier of Netting

Both work positioning and containment nets are supplied by WEB Rigging Services Ltd (Web RSL) as part of their WEB NET systems.

Visit the WEB Rigging Services website.

We have a very good relationship with this supplier and are able to work closely with them to provide our clients with an access / containment system that suits their requirements perfectly.

Technical / Standards / Approvals

Nets are flame retardant to conform with BS 5867 part 2 and  are installed in accordance with BS EN 1263-2

Although no standard currently exists for containment and work positioning net systems, the manufacture and testing of such meets or exceeds the applicable parts of BS EN 1263-1 (Fall Arrest Nets). It is likely that a new standard for this type of net will be based around work that WEB RSL have already completed.

Individual nets used in the applications above weigh less than 20kg and are supplied in 100 litre kit bags – this reduces manual handling and allows the possibility of air freight. Debris nets used on the North Alwyn consisted of a series of linked polyester work positioning nets, with a heavyweight debris mesh cover attached to the topside of the net.

The Web Net system is in current regular usage offshore by BP, Total, Exxon Mobil and Shell amongst others.

The net systems described above have a lifespan of 5 years and can be re-used many times. They are also suitable for semi-permanent installation.

Web Net can also be installed to prevent the possibility of objects /people falling outboard in some circumstances, hence reducing reliance on standby vessels.

Nets can be added or removed from the system as required.

Netting Installation

The net system will be installed by rope access technicians who have been trained and assessed in net installation by WEB RSL. Installation teams will include personnel with a strong rigging background and supervisors holding (as a minimum) an OPITO approved rigger assessment qualification.

Lead technicians will be qualified to sign off and tag the installation as complete (Installed systems require inspection every month).

Documentation

Axiom will provide written method statements and risk assessments for installation and use of nets and include these as part of the pre-work project file, along with copies of technician training certificates.