How an integrated multi-discipline approach to ALARP assessments can yield production increases while minimising HSE risk

Demonstration that risks are reduced to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) is a fundamental element of safety and environment regulation in the Australian oil and gas industry. The principle is well established, and offers operators relative flexibility in designing and managing their operations when compared to the more prescriptive regime adopted in other countries, such as the US. The approach, however, to building the ALARP case invariably differs between safety, environmental, and technical disciplines within oil and gas operators, leading to conflicting outcomes and sub-optimal solutions, which in turn can hamper production output and efficiency. A recent change in offshore regulations requires operators to focus on reducing overall environmental impacts from produced water through the ALARP principle, rather than by a prescribed limit. Through options screening, detailed technical studies, and consideration of environment and health and safety trade-offs, a robust ALARP position can be achieved, which yields increased production and efficiency, and reduced environmental impact, health and safety risk and associated cost. Drawing on recent project case studies with offshore oil and gas operators in Australia, the authors present best practices in the development of integrated ALARP cases for activities including produced water treatment and decommissioning.