BOEMRE Initiates Study on Regulating Worker Safety in
Offshore Renewable Energy OperationsWASHINGTON, DC — The Bureau of
Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) today
announced it has contracted with the National Research Council’s
Marine Board to conduct a study on regulating worker safety in
connection with the development of offshore renewable energy on the
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The project will be important in
establishing worker safety requirements for offshore renewable
energy operations. The study is expected to be completed by July
31, 2012.
“We are committed to ensuring that
offshore energy development is conducted safely,” said BOEMRE
Director Michael R. Bromwich. “The results of this study will
enhance and enlarge our understanding of the potential risks faced
by workers during construction and operation of renewable energy
facilities on the OCS.”
The study will identify workplace
risks involved in renewable energy operations, such as work
performed in proximity to high-power electrical devices on offshore
substations; use of elevators for wind turbines in highly corrosive
environments; accessing turbine blades for repair; crane and diving
operations during construction; and the use of carbon dioxide fire
suppression systems in potentially manned areas. The study will
identify gaps in current regulations and make recommendations on
additional areas of workplace safety regulation that are deemed
necessary.
The Marine Board will solicit input
from experts in the areas of worker safety regulation, offshore oil
and gas operations and maintenance, offshore construction, wind
turbine/plant design, operations and maintenance, and high-power
electrical operations and maintenance.
BOEMRE is the federal bureau responsible for overseeing the safe and
environmentally responsible development of energy and mineral
resources on the OCS. It conducts and sponsors scientific research
to inform decision making regarding ocean energy and marine minerals
management. For more information on BOEMRE’s Technology Assessment &
Research Program, go to:
http://www.boemre.gov/tarphome/index.htm.
Contact: BOEMRE
Public Affairs