Resources
Offshore Dismantling and Removal
Some or all dismantling of the asset may take place at the site of operation. Depending on the regulatory regime involved, responsibility for compliance may shift from the asset owner/operator to the contractor undertaking dismantling or removal. If you have responsibility for removing and returning material or waste to shore for reuse, repurposing, recycling or disposal, you can find further information in the section on Onshore Dismantling and Disposal.
NSTA
Under the Pipeline Safety Regulations, no modification to a pipeline, including its decommissioning and/or removal, can be carried out without a Pipeline Works Authorisation (PWA) or variation approved by NSTA.
Pipeline Works Authorisations Information on the process for obtaining approval for a Pipeline Works Authorisation.
HSE
In order to dismantle and remove an offshore installation, a dismantlement safety case must be submitted and accepted by OSDR as the competent authority. The case must fully detail the intended dismantlement and removal method and provide timescales for the operations to be undertaken.
As with a material change, OSDR assessment will follow the same framework and process as a full safety case.
Specific topic specialist guidance is currently being developed with regards what would be expected in a dismantlement safety case.
The specific requirements needed to address pipeline aspects in an offshore safety case are given in the pipelines safety case assessment template.
Dismantlement Safety Case Framework Information on the templates and guidance used by OSDR topic specialists for assessing dismantlement safety cases.
Safety Case Competent Authority Portal (CAP) A link to the CAP homepage for submitting documentation relating to Safety Cases, Material Changes and reviews
Safety Case Topic Specialist Assessment Templates and Guidance A link to the templates and guidance used by OSDR specialists to assess safety cases, including pipeline-specific information.
Offshore Pipelines Health and Safety Specific topic information on offshore pipelines
HSE Pipelines Safety Guidance Covers onshore and offshore pipelines, and aspects relating to Major Accident Hazard (MAH) pipelines.
OPRED
Once a Decommissioning Programme is approved, regular progress updates and deviations from the programme must be reported to OPRED.
Decommissioning Programme Progress Report Template Currently under development.
SEPA
SEPA directly regulates offshore dismantling and removal activities where (I) the waste or redundant items contain naturally-occurring radioactive material (NORM) or (ii) the waste is being shipped abroad for recovery or disposal under the Transfrontier Shipment Regulations. Operators also need to consider the future management of any redundant items, and whether they need to be treated as waste if returned to shore.
Transfrontier Shipment of Waste - General Information Link to the SEPA transfrontier shipment of waste internet page, giving information on the controls system in place for shipping waste outwith the United Kingdom.
Determining the Controls on Waste Exports This guidance provides information to help operators considering shipping waste outwith the United Kingdom determine what controls or restrictions apply the shipment, based on the type of waste and country of export. The guidance applies across the United Kingdom
Exporting Recyclable Waste for Recovery in non-OECD Countries This guidance provides information to help businesses determine the procedures to be followed when exporting 'green list' waste. It gives details of the different procedures and controls which apply to exporting to EU/OECD countries, and to non-OECD countries, and information on determining whether your waste consignment meets the criteria for export as 'green list' waste. The guidance applies across the United Kingdom.
Moving Notified Waste Between Countries This guidance provides information on moving waste to and from the United Kingdom (UK), where that type of waste is subject to notification and consent procedures. It details how to apply for permission, the criteria to be met before the shipment will be approved, other steps required before the waste can be shipped, and what actions should be taken if notified waste is imported to the UK from another country. This guidance applies throughout the United Kingdom.
Guidance on the Shipment of Wastes Which Contain Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) This guidance sets out the controls on importing and exporting NORM or NORM-contaminated waste, which is subject to control under Radioactive Substances Act 1993 or Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018, in addition to the Transfrontier Waste Shipment controls
Management of End-of-life Smoke Detectors Ionising smoke detectors are a commonly used safety feature on offshore installations and may still be present on an offshore installation when it is sent for decommissioning onshore. This guidance provides information on managing end-of-life smoke detectors in a way which meets the requirements of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2013 and the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR).
Guidance on Reuse Activities and Waste Regulations This guidance explains what SEPA means by 'reuse' of products or components of products. It guidance on determining whether a product destined for reuse is considered waste or non-waste, and thus whether waste legislation applies to that product or component.