The offshore safety regime in the Netherlands is based on the following legislation:
The authority for offshore health and safety in the Netherlands is State Supervision of Mines (SSM - www.sodm.nl)
Working Conditions Act, Decree and Regulations
The Working Conditions Act, Decree and Regulations are the most relevant to the management of fire and explosion risks. These regulations set up a “Safety Case” type of regime comprising requirements for the implementation of a health and safety protection system and submission of a health and safety report.
Mining Act, Decree and Regulations
The Mining Decree requires operators to periodically assess the technical integrity of production and storage facilities. For this purpose, a maintenance and inspection programme must be implemented and reviewed at least every 5 years. In addition, the Decree requires the design, construction and installation of these facilities as well as the maintenance and inspection programme to be checked and approved by an independent expert.
The Mining Regulations also provide some prescriptive rules for the protection of life and the environment related to:
· Helicopter decks
· Identification signs, sound beacons and light beacons
· Communication facilities and meteorological equipment
· Content of maintenance and inspection programme
· Construction and maintenance of boreholes and wells
· Construction and maintenance of pipelines.