EXTERNAL PUBLICATIONS
HSE RR489
Structural strengthening of offshore topsides structures as part of explosion risk reduction methods
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SUMMARY
This report deals with the re-assessment and strengthening methods for blast walls, decks and floors. Reassessment of offshore structures may often be necessary for a variety of reasons including:
- Many existing offshore structures are being used well beyond their original design life, which necessitates the assessment of state of the structure in case of any deterioration.
- Continuous advances being made in the field of safety of offshore structures against fires and explosions, which necessitates the re-assessment of the structure taking into account new data related to gas and explosion loading and response models.
- The UK Health and Safety Executive HSE requires the duty holder to carry out an assessment to demonstrate that risks have been reduced to As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).
The above three factors indicate that re-assessment studies are being regularly carried out. Based on the results of the assessment studies the duty holder may decide that the risks to people, assets or environment from fire and/or explosions to the structure are intolerable and as a result may decide to implement risk reduction measures. Physical strengthening of the structure is one of various risk reduction measures that will be considered in the report.
This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.
