Personal descent devices (PDD) are a category of safety equipment developed to enable escape from offshore installations. Escape is the process of leaving the installation in an emergency when evacuation systems, such as helicopter and lifeboats, have failed, and is considered the last resort method of getting people off the installation. Although it is highly unlikely, learnings from the Piper Alpha enquiry demonstrate that the risks associated with other methods of entering the water such as jumping, knotted ropes, scramble nets, and rope ladders are significantly higher. PDDs have been designed to reduce the risks to individuals during escape resulting in an increase in the deployment of PDDs on offshore installations in recent years. There has been a related increase regulatory interest in individuals’ ability to use the devices.
This document supports the cross-operator recognition of PDD training to improve alignment and efficiency while maintaining the highest safety standards.
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