Gas plant staff impress in emergency exercise

A recent large-scale emergency simulation exercise at the Scottish Area Gas Evacuation (SAGE) plant was a sound success, reconfirming Mobil North Sea’s (MNS) commitment to safety and to the local community.

Major exercises are carried out at the St Fergus terminal on an annual basis to test the preparedness of the operators, emergency services and local authorities. They are required under the Control of Major Accidents and Hazards (COMAH) regulations.  MNS takes turns with the three other operators at the St Fergus site – Shell UK, Total UK and National Grid – to host such exercises.

The simulated scenario involved a forklift that damaged a high-pressure vessel, causing a significant natural gas liquid leak and fire. It tested the ability of the team at the plant to manage the initial response to the incident, before the local emergency services arrived.

The team displayed quick and effective responses as they shut down the plant, applied cooling water to control the simulated fire, recovered the casualties – acted by Red Cross members – and administered first aid.

The exercise was observed by representatives of both the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Health & Safety Executive. Both regulators deemed the exercise a success.