Dropped objects prevention scheme (DROPS) provides safety hazard management initiatives to create safer environment offshore oil and gas platforms
DROPS is an industry-wide initiative focused on preventing dropped objects and executing safety hazard management initiatives to avoid the hazard of dropped objects. It is a global work group, represented by 200 operators, contractors, service companies and industry bodies.
Dropped objects are growing to be an important work hazard with increasing number of reportable incidents and near misses occurring when overhead objects — equipment and tools — drop from hundreds of feet above a work area as a result of improper fastening and unreliable means of securing.
To address the issue, DROPS has come out with best practices guidebook that advocates safety hazard management initiatives. DROPS has also introduced a new programme called ‘Train the Trainers’, wherein experts offer on-site consultations and instruction. The organisation has also expanded its library and now offers four more books on hazard management.
The DROPS guide book pays special focus to different forms of fastening including rope, wire, welding and soldering. Secondary retention is recommended as a backup plan for fasteners to make sure they will not come loose and create a dropped object incident. Among the measures suggested by DROPS for ‘reliable securing’ is a re-usable fastener for secondary retention. The DROPS guidebook recommends Spiralock, a product of STANLEY Engineered Fastening, a reusable locknut as an acceptable secondary retention device.
According to the manufacturers, the re-engineered thread form of the Spiralock adds a unique 30º wedge ramp at the root of the thread which mates with standard 60º male thread fasteners. The wedge ramp allows the bolt to spin freely relative to female threads until clamp load is applied, thereby ensuring better safety.
