Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

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 rules

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

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 Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention
(Course Content)

< Introduction to dropped objects , theory , quiz , and practical.

< Dropped Objects inspection , Standard Theory.
< Inspection Criteria , Theory , Group Exercise and Quiz.

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

< Recommended Practices and case study.
<Written Assessment.
< Practical Assessment , fitting of equipment , Hazard , Identification
And Inspection.
< Feed Back Session.

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 Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention
(Purpose of the course)

< To Allow rig crew to conduct Consistent and Effective Of

Inspections of Static dropped Objects Hazard .

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

< To Increase Awareness Of dropped object hazards and
appropriate controls.

< Recognize your personal Responsibilities for the prevention of

dropped objects.

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 Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

Are you working in Oil & Gas drilling, processing or construction,
Power station, Manufacturing or any industry
Are you working in operation crew or Third Party Inspection Company
Then, this e-learning course is right for you! Dropped Objects course
is designed to give you the understanding of dropped objects, the
dangers and your roles for controlling dropped objects

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 Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

“Working to make our industry a safer place”

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

* Eliminate injury to people and damage sustained to equipment due to
dropped objects throughout the full supply chain

* Ultimately to deliver a 'second-nature’ dropped objects prevention

strategy

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 Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

DROPS is an integral part of HSE Planning

DROPS incorporated into Task Risk Assessments industry wide
Customer and Industry ‘Prevention of Dropped Objects’

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

standards and guidance rolled out across well sites and supply
chain
DROPS Guidance documents are in circulation
DROPS Forums and Focal Points worldwide
Regular Hazard Hunts undertaken
Inspections after every extreme activity or scenario…but do we
need to revisit the basics? 7
Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention ( Purpose)

To raise awareness of potential dropped objects

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

To understand and define what is a potential dropped object and
how to identify the causes
To explore methods for the control and prevention of dropped
objects
To recognize your personal responsibilities for the prevention of
dropped objects

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 Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention Definitions

ALARP
As low as reasonably practicable, or ALARP is a term often used in the regulation and
management of safety-critical and safety-involved systems. The ALARP principle is
that the residual risk shall be reduced as far as reasonably practicable

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

Area Owner
A singular individual responsible for completion of scheduled DROPS inspections and
required maintenance within a specified area per company standards
Assurance
Systematic verification of one’s own activity
At Height
6 feet (1.8 meters) above ground level or where there is potential for a person or
equipment to fall 6 feet or more below the work surface or into a body of water
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 Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention Definitions
Barrier
A function or safeguard planned to prevent, control, or mitigate undesired events or
accidents
Barrier Owner

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

An individual responsible for creation or maintenance of a healthy barrier
Bridging Document (i.e., Interface Agreement)
A documented plan that defines how diverse organizations agree on which safety
management elements are used when co-operating on a project, contract, or operation
Company
The individual, partnership, firm, or corporation that incorporates dropped object
prevention into existing safety management systems 10
 Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention Definitions

Competent Person
An individual who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the
surroundings or working conditions and who has the authority to take prompt corrective
measures to eliminate them

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

Contractor
The individual, partnership, firm, or corporation that comes to a contractual agreement with
an Operator to provide goods and services
DROPS
An industry collaborative organization that supplies supporting material and recommended
practices for managing dropped object hazards. This may refer to the organization itself or
endorsed principles
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 Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention Definitions

Dropped Object Prevention Scheme (Scheme)

A set of principles and methodologies that are put in place as part of a company’s
safety management system to identify potential dropped object hazards, prevent their
occurrence, and mitigate their outcome. In this document, the terms Dropped Object
Prevention Scheme, Dropped Object Scheme, or Scheme, may be used
interchangeably

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

Dropped Object
Any item with the potential to cause injury, death, or equipment/environmental
damage, that falls down or over from its previous position. Dropped Objects may be
further classified as static or dynamic.
Dynamic Dropped Object
Any Dropped Object whose failure may be attributed to applied forces (e.g., from the
impact of equipment, machinery or other moving items, severe weather, helicopter
downdraft, manual handling etc)
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 Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention Definitions

High Potential (HiPo) Incident

A near miss or other incident that has a strong potential to cause a fatality, life altering injury,
major equipment or asset damage, severe environmental harm, or significant operational loss
Human Factors

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

The range of physical, psychological, social, or organizational influences which affect Human
Performance and how people carry out their activities. It is also a scientific discipline that
focuses on the design of equipment, processes and work activities to reduce mistakes and
increase efficiency.
Human Performance
What individuals do as part of their daily activities and how they carry out individual and group
tasks. Identification and management of Human Performance ensures robust operations.

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 Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention Definitions
Incident
An unexpected event or chain of events that has resulted in or has the potential to cause
harmful consequences, such as injuries, illnesses, property damage, or environmental
impact

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

. Independent Auditors
Independent auditors are recognized Subject Matter Experts and build assessments
based on a company’s scheme as well as original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
recommendations and recognized best practices. Independent auditors have no
connections to the company which they are auditing
Jarring
The process of dynamically transferring stored energy to free stuck drill pipe

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 Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention Definitions

Primary Fixing
Principal method by which an item is installed, mounted, and secured to prevent the item
from falling (e.g., bolted connections, screws, pins, buckles, clips, welds)
Qualified Person
An individual who possesses the knowledge, experience, and training to fulfill the

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

competencies of the defined role(s)
Reliable Securing
The appropriate selection, application, and management of fastenings and fixings
Risk Management Process
A procedure within a company’s safety management system that formally evaluates
potential for Dropped Objects within given circumstances and/or areas

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 Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention Definitions
Risk Register

A document created during the early stages of planning that is utilized as a tool for tracking known or
found issues and eliminating or mitigating risks as they arise

Safety Management Systems (SMS)

A systematic approach to managing safety, including the necessary organizational structures,

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

accountabilities, policies, and procedures

Safety Securing

An additional mechanism for securing the item to the main structure that restrains the item or its
components from falling (e.g., rated steel, synthetic nets, lanyards, baskets, wires, slings)

Secondary Retention

The engineered method for securing the primary fixing to prevent loss of clamping force or
displacement of fastening components (e.g., locking washers, locking wire, safety pins)

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 Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

DROPS occur everywhere –

there are particularly vulnerable activities
and areas where they are prevalent:

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

* Working at Height
* Stacking and Storing
* Lifting Operations
* Transportation
* Maintenance
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 Today’s Objectives

▪ Understanding dropped objects

▪ Actual vs Potential
▪ Definitions, causes and consequences

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

▪ Explore prevention measures
▪ Hazard identification and task risk assessment
▪ Eliminate, Substitute, Control, Monitor
▪ Recognise personal responsibilities
▪ Intervention and reporting
▪ Proactive engagement
▪ Applying our Hazard Identification Tools
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 The Consequences

▪ Injuries and Fatalities

Dropped Objects account for around 35%
of all safety related incidents…
but over 60% of all serious incidents
and HiPo’s

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

▪ Process Safety
Dropped Objects cause damage to plant
and equipment... even on the seabed.
Reputational Damage
Not good for business…

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 What is a Dropped Object?

Any object / item that falls from its previous position

(TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURE, LOOSE ITEMS).
FALLING ITEMS, MATERIAL FALL, COLLAPSE, LIFTING INCIDENT, CRUSH INJURY…

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

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 Definitions

* Static Dropped Object

any object that falls from its previous position under its own weight –

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

where Gravity takes over!
* Dynamic Dropped Object
any object that falls from its previous position due to applied force from
equipment/machinery or moving object – like a collision, perhaps during
lifting or stacking… think wind, pressure or electrical energy sources too

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 Static Dropped Objects

* When gravity takes over…

•Fixings fail (nuts, bolts, screws, clips etc)
•Structure fails (gratings, signage, wind walls)

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

•Unsecured items fall (poor stacking, tools)
* What are the Contributing Factors?
•Incorrect or home-made fixings
•Poor inspection, repair and maintenance
•Poor housekeeping, no control of items aloft
•Environmental factors over time
•Lack of experience, hazards not identified

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 Dynamic Dropped Objects

* Over 70% of Dropped Objects are dynamic

* Striking against/colliding with objects or structure
* Excessive vibrations and extreme conditions

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

* Heavy lifts, moves, activities where force is applied
* What are the Contributing Factors?
* Unnecessary distractions whilst undertaking task
* Not following the plan or procedure
* Failure to recognize and manage change
* Lack of experience or knowledge
* No awareness of surroundings
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 What Causes Dropped Objects?

* Poor Hazard and Risk Assessment

* Inadequate Design (not addressing Drops potential)
* Poor Behaviors (walking by unsafe acts/conditions)
* Inadequate Inspection, Repair and Maintenance
* Redundant / Neglected / Homemade Tools and Equipment

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

* Failed Fixtures and Fittings / Corrosion / Vibration
* Inappropriate Procedures / Not Following Procedures
* Inadequately Stored / Secured Tools and Equipment
* Poor Housekeeping
* Environment (weather, sea motion)
* Planning and Operational Miscalculations
* ….any others? 24
 What Are We Doing About It?

* Worksite Leadership and Area Owners

* Scheduling regular dropped object inspections

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

* Recording and taking remedial actions
* Implementing procedural improvements
* Raising awareness, monitoring and improvements
* All Personnel
* Preventing and managing dropped objects at the worksite
* Applying our Hazard Identification and TRA Tools
* Identifying and reporting at risk items
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 The DROPS Calculator

DROPS CALCULATOR IS A GUIDE ONLY providing cursory

indication of possible outcome

With light objects (<0.1 kg) a key influencing factor is the

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

effect of an object punching the skin and damaging
tissue/organic functions. The calculator assumes a blunt
object so is not compatible with broken glass, metal
shards etc.

The wearing of standard PPE, eg hard hat, safety boots

and eye protection, is assumed in the calculator.

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 The DROPS Calculator

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

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 The DROPS Calculator
A Simple rule thumb for potential Dropped objects

The heavier the object , the more sever the consequences , the further it falls , the More
Severe the consequences

SLIGHT A First Aid Case. No or limited injury. Treatment may be limited to first aid.

MINOR. A Recordable Incident. A Work-related injury that does not involve death,

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

day(s) away from work, restricted work or job transfer, and where the employee

receives medical treatment beyond first aid.

MAJOR. A Lost Time Incident (LTI). Non-fatal traumatic injury that causes

any loss of time from work beyond the day or shift it occurred. Also referred to as Day
Away From

Work Case (DAFWC).

FATALITY. Death resulting from an injury or trauma.

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 Dropped Objects and Process Safety

* Process Plant & Pipeline

* Loss of containment
* Damage to control equipment
* Integrity compromised

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

* Critical Equipment
* Control and power supply
Guideline: 1kJ = 737ft lbf

170kg barrel falling 2m = 3.3kJ

weight x height x gravitational acceleration (9.8)

Mike Tyson’s best punch equivalent = 1300ft lbs

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 Dropped Objects Over the Side

* Subsea Dropped Objects

* Seabed infrastructure
* Subsea equipment

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

* Unnecessary debris
Guideline: Any blunt object achieving fall energy of 30kJ or more is likely to cause
significant damage and possible loss of containment.
6in Drill Collar (2.6T) falling 150m to seabed = 46.8kJ
Terminal velocity ranges from 5-12 m/s dependent upon object shape and water
column characteristics.

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 Risk Ranking – We all have a Role

* Identify potential dropped object

* Remove if safe to do so and report it
* If it cannot be repaired or removed safely

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

* report to the Area Owner or Supervisor
* Risk Ranking is then undertaken

* Low Risk
Schedule remedial action*
* Medium or High Risk – develop ORA
* Implement mitigating measures
* Schedule remedial action
* Monitor

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 FACILITATOR

* Consider summarising at this point and perhaps schedule a

further session at a later date to cover the remaining content.

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

* Each delegate should now be able to return to the worksite
and apply the knowledge gathered so far.
* This would typically be measureable through improved
hazard identification and reporting (of potentials).
* Return at a later date to cover Controls.

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 Preventive and Mitigating Controls

* Engineered Controls
* Procedures
* Training/ Awareness

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

* Safety Signs and Signals
* PPE

Preventive Controls may already exist!

Any new Controls must be assessed
and monitored.(Management of Change)

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 Hierarchy of Controls

▪ Eliminate, Substitute, Control

▪ Area Ownership – regular inspections and remedial actions
▪ Risk Ranking – use the DROPS Calculator
▪ Preventive and Mitigating Controls

▪ Continuous Hazard Awareness and Training

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

▪ Toolbox Talks, TRA, PTW
▪ Work Processes and Procedures
▪ Appropriate fixings (Reliable Securing)
▪ Control of Tools and Equipment at Height
▪ Collision Checklists
▪ Cargo Handling/ Securing for Adverse Weather Conditions
▪ Management of Distractions
▪ Restricted Access Areas and Barriers
▪ Safety Securing Systems, Guards and Nets
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 DROPS SURVEY AND INSPECTION

Substructure Floor
Mast Cantilever
Folding Telescoping

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

Monkey Board Stabbing Board
Crown walk around Cat Walk
Pipe Ramp V-Door
Pipe Rake Rat hole
Mouse hole
Cellar
Accommodation
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 Survey and Inspection

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

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 Tools at Height Kits

* Only use Company Approved kits

*Maintain, regularly inspect

* Use the Register

* SECURE ALL TOOLS ALL THE TIME

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

Be sure to inspect all tools before using them for working at height. Ensure
approves tools are selected. Never use inappropriate or home-made securing
devices.
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 Hazard Observation

▪ Look at the following images. What can you see?

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

• Identify the potential dropped objects
• Consider the potential causes and consequences (use the HazID Tool and
DROPS Calculator)
• Consider what you would do and what controls you would put in place

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 Practical

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

What’s missing here?
Zoom in.
Locking wires. Discuss the principle of the clevis pin, retaining plate and screw bolts. Locking
wire prevents the screw bolts from loosening due to vibration and other forces.

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 Practical

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

What’s wrong here?
Loose item at height (how could it fall?)
Consider control of tools and equipment. What could prevent this from
happening again?
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 Practical

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

What’s wrong here?
Inertia reel hooks must always be retracted to the block.
Also consider the temporary fixing of the block on webbing. Is this good
practice?
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 Practical

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

What’s wrong here?
Missing split pin? Look closer.
Side loading on shackle pin? Yes, but look closer.
Pad eye is welded to another pad eye which is welded the I-beam.
Interesting that this arrangement has been certified!
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 Practical

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

What’s wrong here?

Many potential failure points on lighting, particularly where corrosion has set in. Note the cover clip is missing – this could
lead to water ingress.

Look at the power cable running through the center of the image. This is being reeled from one module roof to another.

Consider the potential for dynamic dropped object (combined weight and energy in heavy cable snagging on poorly secured
light could lead to dropped object).

Also draw attention to primary fixings of lighting. Although the light unit is bolted to a frame, the frame itself is welded to the
bulkhead and also has welds on the angled uprights. Remember that welds can fail due to corrosion and other atmospheric,
collision and vibration hazards.
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 Practical

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

Loose, unnecessary items, open hatch to moon pool area,
pressurized container …
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 Missing split pin
Practical

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

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 Practical

Missing split pin or redundant, uncertified shackle?

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

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 Practical

Hazard Hunt – always be aware of the items being collected. Sometimes bolts,

screws, bearing etc are potential signs of an imminent failure.

Left – rusty thread bar… scrap.

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

Centre – home made tool… scrap.

Right – bearing… report immediately to area authority.

This may be a sign of an impending failure.

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 Practical

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

But now consider the potential failings if this
system is poorly selected,
installed or maintained…
.

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 ESTABLISHING CONTROL MEASURES

* Safety Securing

Is method Appropriate and Suitable?

Are new risks introduced?

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

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 ESTABLISHING CONTROL MEASURES (PROCEDURAL)

Company Policies and Standards / Legislation

DROPS Surveys / Inspections

Planned Maintenance Routines

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

Safe Working Practices

No-Go / Red Zones & Safe Zones

Tools at Height

Lifting Equipment Certification

TRIC / PTW / Toolbox Talk

SAFETY TOOLBOX

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 CONTROLLING AND PREVENTING DROPPED OBJECTS

* Treat Dropped Objects like all other hazards

* Eliminate, Relocate or Substitute to remove the hazard

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

* If not possible, apply Control Measure and ensure this control measure is maintained
and inspected
* Consider new techniques and tools where appropriate
* Review / Monitor regularly to measure and assess good performance
* Always comply with policies and procedures
RULES ARE RULES!!!

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 SCOPE Trainers Qualifications

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

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 Thanks

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

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 Thanks

Dropped Object Awareness and Prevention

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