UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE
INTERIOR MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE PACIFIC OCS
REGION
NTL No. 2003-P06 |
Effective Date: May
18, 2003 |
NOTICE TO LESSEES AND OPERATORS OF
FEDERAL
OIL AND GAS LEASES IN THE PACIFIC OUTER
CONTINENTAL SHELF REGION
Helideck Closures
This notice supersedes NTL 98-07.
There have been some incidents involving helicopters
landing on temporarily closed helidecks on platforms in the Pacific
OCS Region. In the interest of safety, we recommend that the
following corrective actions be taken to remedy this situation. We
recommend implementation of these procedures pursuant to Title 30 Code
of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 250.107, Safe and workmanlike
operations, (b) "The lessee shall immediately take all necessary
precautions to control, remove, or otherwise correct any hazardous oil
and gas accumulation or other health, safety, or fire hazard."
In addition, as stated in Title 30 CFR Section
250.132, "The lessee shall make available for inspection by MMS
representatives, all platforms.... For installations equipped with
helicopter landing sites...the lessee shall provide the use of those
facilities...." The following recommended procedures will help ensure
safe access.
To show that a helideck is temporarily closed, for
any reason, and that helicopter landings are not permitted during the
closure, a uniform visual indicator is needed. As specified in the
Helicopter Safety Advisory Conference Recommended Practices Nos. 92‑3
and ‑4, a red rotating beacon or red high‑intensity strobe light
adjacent to the primary helideck stairwell should be activated to
provide visible warning of any hazard that warrants the temporary
closing of a facility's helideck. Placement of the red rotating
beacon or red high‑intensity strobe light should be reviewed to
prevent obstructions and ensure proper clearance. The beacon or light
should be turned off when the hazard no longer exists.
The duration, time, location, and nature of the
temporary closure should be discussed as necessary with company
aviation departments, nearby helicopter bases, and helicopter pilots
supporting the area.
These recommended measures should be implemented
through the MMS's District offices and will remain in effect until
superseded.
Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 Statement:
This NTL does not impose information collection requirements subject
to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
If you have any questions or need clarification
regarding this NTL, please contact the undersigned (805) 389-7777.
/s/ Rishi Tyagi |
May 16, 2003 |
Rishi Tyagi |
Date |
Chief,
Office of District Operations |
Pacific OCS
Region |
Web Master:
Nollie
Gildow-Owens
Page content last updated 09/20/2006
Page last published 09/20/2006 |