One of the things that has been bothering me of late is this whole topic of Crew Safety.
The oil production companies that we fly for are, almost to the degree of paranoia, very strict on clothing regulations. A pilot colleague of mine and I were recently asked to shut down on a platform, as there was no work to be done for a couple of hours. Now anyone out there who has shut down on a platform knows that it can be very boring. So in an effort to keep ourselves entertained we asked the OIM (offshore installation manager) if he would take us on a guided tour of the platform. No problem he replies, just give me a minute to organise you some safety clothing. My colleague and I agreed to wait. Well with in 15minutes were dressed up to the hilt. Hats, protective glasses, new shoes, overalls to boot. All we did was then walk around a demarcated area, that was considered safe, and we concluded our tour.
What amazes me is that, this very same oil company has no regulations or very few regulations for any of it's crew when flying on board the helicopters. Sure they require you wear life jackets and protective hearing, but that is really where it ends.
Having done a small survey of some crash investigations. I was amazed to find most victims who were either fatally injured or seriously injured, sustained either head injuries, burns or skin irritations from leaking fuel.
Surely as pilots and passengers, the oils companies should put in place more stringent guidelines for aircrew and passengers alike. Some suggestions would be, Nomex retardent overalls, Helmets for pilots, gloves, etc. etc.
At the moment we have nothing to protect us, as pilots, if we crash. The nice, smart looking blue pants and white shirts, with a head set, is not going to help me very much if I hit the water.
What are your opinions on this subject?
Iroquois
The oil production companies that we fly for are, almost to the degree of paranoia, very strict on clothing regulations. A pilot colleague of mine and I were recently asked to shut down on a platform, as there was no work to be done for a couple of hours. Now anyone out there who has shut down on a platform knows that it can be very boring. So in an effort to keep ourselves entertained we asked the OIM (offshore installation manager) if he would take us on a guided tour of the platform. No problem he replies, just give me a minute to organise you some safety clothing. My colleague and I agreed to wait. Well with in 15minutes were dressed up to the hilt. Hats, protective glasses, new shoes, overalls to boot. All we did was then walk around a demarcated area, that was considered safe, and we concluded our tour.
What amazes me is that, this very same oil company has no regulations or very few regulations for any of it's crew when flying on board the helicopters. Sure they require you wear life jackets and protective hearing, but that is really where it ends.
Having done a small survey of some crash investigations. I was amazed to find most victims who were either fatally injured or seriously injured, sustained either head injuries, burns or skin irritations from leaking fuel.
Surely as pilots and passengers, the oils companies should put in place more stringent guidelines for aircrew and passengers alike. Some suggestions would be, Nomex retardent overalls, Helmets for pilots, gloves, etc. etc.
At the moment we have nothing to protect us, as pilots, if we crash. The nice, smart looking blue pants and white shirts, with a head set, is not going to help me very much if I hit the water.
What are your opinions on this subject?
Iroquois