The following discussion applies mainly to Life Saving Equipment's commonly used on Offshore platforms. Some of the Life Saving Equipment's mentioned below are also used in Chemical Plants and Refineries. The location, type and quantity of these units are based on the risk and function of the area, which they serve and on Operators experience. All safety equipment's are required to comply with the local safety regulations.
The following Life Saving appliances are commonly used on Offshore platforms.
- Breathing Apparatus sets
- Helicopter Crash Kit
- Fire fighters equipment cabinet
- Life jackets
- Lifebuoys
- First Aid boxes
- Stretchers
- Portable Eye and Face Wash
- Scramble Nets
- Knotted ropes
- Life rafts
- Fire blankets
Breathing Apparatus sets
Single cylinder, self contained, positive pressure breathing apparatus are provided for the use by personnel in escaping the platform. They are manufactured in accordance with BS 4667 Part 2 and have air supply for 15 to 30 minutes depending upon the hazard involved or based on operators experience.
Helicopter Crash Kit
A Helicopter Crash Kit is used for rescue purposes in the event of crash at Helicopter landing or take-off. The Kit is designed to contain the following items:
- Close proximity fire suits, with helmet, gloves and boots
- Self-contained breathing apparatus
- Adjustable wrench
- Rescue axe
- Cutters, bolt
- Crowbar, large
- Hacksaw, heavy duty
- Fire resistant blanket
- Ladder
- Lifeline/rescue harness
- Pliers, side cutting
- Set of assorted screwdrivers
- Harness knife
- Portable safety lamp
Fire fighters equipment cabinet
The firefighters cabinet is designed to contain one or two sets of the following items:
The suit is designed to be worn with a fire fighters helmet and face visor and is provided with a high collar for chin and neck protection. The suit is manufactured from aluminised material and is fully lined with flame retardant material. This suit protects the fire fighter from high intensity hydrocarbon radiant fire and from burns and scalding by steam. The suit is resistant to the effects of acids and chemicals.
- Firefighters close proximity suit
- Firefighters helmet and visor
- Firefighters protective boots
- Firefighters gloves
- Firefighters Axe
- Safety Harness and lifeline
- Safety lamp
- Firefighters Breathing Apparatus
Life jackets
Life jackets of twin chamber type or equivalent with CO2 gas inflation are generally provided. These inflate automatically on immersion or can be inflated when the lanyard is operated. As a minimum, the jacket is provided with the following features:
- Oral inflation of each chamber with non-return valve
- Lifejacket light which is water activated
- Integral hood with a clear visor
- Retro-reflective strips for easier identification
- Whistle to attract attention
Life jackets are designed to comply with the requirements of Regulation III/30 and III/32 of SOLAS.
Lifebuoys are of thirty inch diameter and are manufactured from PVC and polyurethane. The lifebuoy has a molded PVC outer cover with a polyurethane inner core. A synthetic rope is attached to the outer core for ease of retrieving the buoy in water. In accordance with Regulation III/7 of SOLAS, the lengths of rope are dependant on their location on the platform but are not less than twice the distance from where they are stowed above the water line or 30m which ever is greater.
The buoys are supplied in orange color to BS 4800 and comply with the requirements of SOLAS 1997. Each lifebuoy is fitted with a lifebuoy light for easy identification of a person in the water. Two lights are provided each capable of providing two Candela for a period of two hours. The lights are BASEEFA approved and are capable of water activation.
First Aid boxes
First Aid cabinets must be provided at strategic locations where personnel may require local attention before transfer to better medical facilities. Fully equipped first aid kits are provided for treatment of small cuts and injuries. The first aid kit is stored in a waterproof, easy to carry case provided with securing device for mounting on wall. The cabinet must be suitable for outdoor location. A first aid box as a minimum must contain the following items:
- Ice pack
- Bandages of various types
- Antiseptic creams
- First aid instruction book
- Tourniquet
- Plasters
- Scissors
Stretchers
General usage folding stretchers are provided for the safe transport of injured persons. One stretcher is located on each deck of the platform within a designated room. The stretcher is of Duo-fold design and 2.06m in length when unfolded. Stretchers are suitable for 4 men carrying and for raising and lowering by helicopter winches.
Stretcher's in general are provided with the following features:
- Poles constructed of light weight material to ease lifting
- Fold both length and width ways for ease in storage
- Stirrup feet
- Neoprene coated nylon bottom
Stretcher shall be easily washable and have carry padded headrest and securing straps.
Portable Eye and Face Wash
Portable eye and face wash units consist of 2 x 1 litre squeeze bottles contaning sterile eyewash solution. They are provided wherever there is a high risk of chemical splashes. The design generally includes an integral eyewash cup and overflow tube. The unit must be provided complete with cabinet suitable for wall mounting.
Combined shower and eyewash units are designed in accordance with ANSI Z 358.1 and are more commonly used in onshore applications.
Scramble Nets
Scramble nets shall be provided for access to liferaft. They shall be made of rope with intermediary and bottom weighted bars.
Knotted ropes
Knotted ropes are provided for emergency evacuation from platform. They are designed for easy deployment by one man. Following are typical specified for knotted ropes :
- Rope diameter - 24mm manila knotted every 600mm.
- The knotted rope is attached to a suitable davit with a shackle bolt.
- The knotted rope is non-combustible with a safe working load of 0.6m ton/rope.
- The knotted rope is be UV resistant.
- The rope is designed to carry up to a maximum of 4 persons, but as a safety recommendation it is only to be used by one person at a time.
- Stainless steel wire rope is attached to the upper end of the rope.
Life rafts
Inflatable type life rafts shall be installed on offshore platforms. Life rafts must be manufactured in compliance with Regulation III/38 of SOLAS. The associated launching and embarkation appliances shall comply with the SOLAS regulations, chapter III, Part C, section VI (regulation 48).
Fire blankets
The fire blankets are manufactured from texturised woven glass fibre with a rough surface to provide stability when in use. They are manufactured in accordance with BS EN 1869: 1997. Typical dimensions of fire blanket are 1800 mm x 1200mm.
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