Aker Kvaerner Wins Risk Assessment Contract From SABIC Europe

SABIC Europe BV has selected Aker Kvaerner to provide support services for implementation of the European directive for explosion prevention and protection 1999/92/EC (ATEX 137) at its Chemelot facility in the Netherlands. The directive sets minimum requirements for improving the safety of workers who are potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres. The contract, which is for the first phase of a two-part project, is estimated to be valued at around Euro 200,000.

The work will be carried out by the specialist EHS & Risk Consultancy unit of Aker Kvaerner's Engineering Services business, from its Maastricht offices in the Netherlands. Aker Kvaerner's scope in this first phase will include a gap analysis in comparison with the Directive, review and preparation of procedures and documentation, as well as the preparation of training programmes, communication and action plans. Lyn Fernie, Operations Director, said, "This is one of a number of projects involving the ATEX 137 directive we are performing in the Netherlands. We will be working with SABIC Europe to provide a best practice ATEX approach for a safe and cost-effective implementation of this important directive."

SABIC ATEX Project Manager, Hardy Beckers, said, "As the fourth largest producer of polyolefins in Europe, we are totally committed to sustaining our licence to operate. Implementation of the ATEX 137 directive is an integral part of that process. Aker Kvaerner's experience on similar projects in the UK and its ATEX benchmarking experience were important factors in our selection."

The world-scale integrated petrochemical complex at Geleen comprises two naphtha cracker plants, six low-density and two high-density polyethylene plants, two polypropylene plants and associated facilities. The two naphtha crackers recently produced their 25 millionth tonne of ethylene, the raw material for one of the most widely used plastics in the world, polyethylene. A total of four million tons of polyolefins and other products per year are produced at this and a second major complex at Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

Directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX 137) is the European directive which lays down the minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.

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Posted 20/05/05

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