Industry first for Hydratight training academy

GLOBAL engineering and joint integrity services company Hydratight has joined forces with international awarding body City and Guilds to develop a unique new series of on-site machining training courses ­­- the first in this field leading to globally-recognised certification.

The four new City and Guilds-approved courses - On-Site Machining Practices using Portable Tools - cover basic and advanced flange facing; basic pipe-cutting and end-prepping, and an advanced pipe cutting and end-prep course that also covers weld excavation.

The courses, originally designed for Hydratight's technicians, have contributed to a "total integrity" philosophy covering inspection, preparation and final joint assembly, that has helped Hydratight to achieve one of the lowest accident and asset failure rates in the industry.

"The partnership with City and Guilds is a great affirmation of our global standards, which gives those who don't know Hydratight extra assurance about the expertise that has gone into course preparation," said Gary Milne, Hydratight's technical training manager.

Hydratight has pioneered the raising of technician competency for over 30 years, leading to its current internal technician competency management system. Over the past decade Hydratight has developed training courses on the correct use of hydraulic torque and tension equipment. The new packages complement these courses underpinning an end-to-end integrity philosophy that drives company operations and helps to reduce downtime.

"We have accredited, experienced training instructors who ensure skills in machining are delivered to a consistently high standard, as they do for our other bolting and subsea courses," said Gary. "All our courses are essential elements in an overall drive to achieve leak-free performance."

While there is growing acceptance of the need to manage overall joint integrity as best maintenance practice, the level of expertise in these different elements to achieve zero-leak performance first time is often not appreciated. Simply installing a gasket and tightening the bolts doesn't ensure a reliable, leak-free joint.

"We very proud of our technician training scheme and competency management system, so it is a logical extension to offer the same level of training to other site technicians and customers involved in key maintenance activities. Safety is everyone's goal and that is why we offer comprehensive training for not only our technicians, but customers as well.

"There is no doubt that effective management of critical pressure-containing joints can reap rewards for clients in terms of cost-savings, operational efficiency and most importantly, worker safety.

"Legislators for offshore and onshore facilities recognise the importance of trained, skilled technicians using tools and equipment designed for these demanding maintenance tasks, and the value of independently-accredited training provision by a global manufacturer and leader in the field of joint integrity," Gary added.