Axiom NDT and Offshore Services

Dropped Object Surveys / DROPS

Objects falling from structures are still responsible for an alarming number of casualties, both on and offshore.

Typically, these involve

Loose items left at height post construction work
Weather damaged items
Tar deposits on drilling derricks
Items loosened by vibration
Corroded fixtures and fittings or lack of secondary retention
Non-conforming items such as a loose kick plate

An industry wide forum monitors and advises on dropped object incidents and prevention – the Dropped Object Prevention Scheme (DROPS).

A key recommendation is that structures are regularly inspected for potential dropped objects and although the frequency of inspection is left to the structure / asset owner to determine, it is normal to carry out annual, pre-operations and post construction dropped object surveys.

Axiom have been highly involved with this type of work over the past seven years and use the DROPS ‘Train the Trainer’ scheme to provide in-house training for our site teams.

We are able to conduct dropped object surveys of all types of structure and surveys can range in scale from simple removal of loose items to a complete inventory of equipment within the structure, assessment of the integrity of fittings and secondary retention and creation of a DROPS Picture Book to allow non-specialist client staff to conduct interim inspections.

We pride ourselves on a proactive approach and as well as taking any safety critical remedial action needed, our post survey reports include detailed recommendations for future maintenance / inspection.