An employee from RBG, the leading provider of assess, inspect and repair (AIR) services to the global energy industry that was recently acquired by Stork Technical Services, has become the first operative in the world to attain the new OPITO blaster/sprayer competency standard certification which was launched in November 2011.

Wayne Dent completed the two-day day assessment and has now mobilised to the Judy platform in the North Sea as part of Conoco Phillips’s Jasmine project.

RBG, working with OPITO and two leading fabric maintenance contractors, developed the blaster/sprayer certification over a four year period and was the main driver behind the successful pilot project. Operatives must demonstrate a clear knowledge and understanding of the blaster/sprayer roles and responsibilities by carrying out practical and theoretical exercises across five standards included in the module.

The certification has been widely welcomed in the industry and is a follow up to the previously introduced blaster/sprayer trainee standard. Apache North Sea Limited has become the first operator to take on blaster/sprayer trainees. The development programme lasts for two years and involves trainees completing a three-day OPITO approved training programme prior to working under the supervision of a competent blaster/sprayer, while completing all the tasks from the competency standard and recording them in a log book. On completion of the log book the trainee will be deemed ready to undertake the blaster/sprayer competency assessment

David Doig, chief executive of OPITO, said: “Competent and efficient blasting and spraying is crucial for Operators as they seek to extend the life of their assets. The new blaster/sprayer certification helps ensure there is a measured development of employees skill sets in line with industry best practice and a framework is set out for continuous improvement.”

Mike Mann, senior vice president of global HSEQ for Stork Technical Services, said: “We are very proud that one of our employees is the first to attain the new blaster/sprayer certification. Our coatings and competency teams worked exceptionally hard to help develop the certification which will improve competency standards across the oil and gas industry.

“We are committed to delivering our integrated offering to the highest standards of safety and quality and our work with OPITO to develop and roll-out competency standards enhances our position as a leading global service provider.”

Tags: RBG Limited