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Gulf Operations Safety Rule Deadline Approaching

DNR Secretary Scott Angelle calls on energy operators in federal waters to act with urgency in complying with federal rules on safety management

Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Scott Angelle today reminded energy exploration and production operators active in the federal Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) waters of the Gulf of Mexico that a Nov. 15 deadline for meeting new federal rules formalizing and standardizing safety practices is fast approaching - and that they should move quickly to comply and assess and correct weaknesses in their programs and documentation.

"As we simultaneously work to get permits issued, it is important that companies be aware of this upcoming deadline and not miss the boat on any opportunities for current and future work due to noncompliance," said Angelle.  "

The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE), now called the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), released its final version of a Workplace Safety set of rules in October 2010, giving operators in the federal waters until Nov. 15, 2011 to demonstrate compliance with the new rules.

The workplace safety rules require a formal Safety and Environmental Management System (SEMS) focused on best practices for workers and for operating and maintaining equipment as a means of providing safeguards for workers and the environment.

Angelle noted that BOEMRE recently released a proposed rule adding further requirements for the SEMS programs, including providing authority for any employee working at a BOEMRE-regulated operation to stop work at that facility if a dangerous activity is witnessed, establishing who has ultimate responsibility for decision making affecting safety during operations and requiring third-party safety audits.

For more information on the rule, visit: http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/Salazar-Bromwich-Announce-Proposed-Rule-to-Further-Strengthen-Workplace-Safety-in-Offshore-Oil-and-Gas-Operations.cfm.