Route to Competency

It's easy to apportion blame when a joint won't seal or when a bolted connection leaks.

Usually, the blame is placed on the gasket and extra torque/load is often applied without considering the consequences to the components involved, in an attempt to seal the connection.

However while the gasket plays an important part in the seal, other factors may have caused the failure. We have produced a page that details the common causes of flange leakage. The PVRC Study (Post Mortem Observations and Findings) documents why seals fail and highlights the following root causes of failure:

• Flange misalignment (12%)
• Loose bolts (15%)
• Gasket defective (22%)
• Flange damaged (25%)
• Improper installation (26%)

As the study indicates, damaged components, misaligned equipment and improper joint assembly as a whole, caused more seal failures than gaskets.

Fundamental to joint integrity is the competence of the personnel involved in the process of inspection/assembly and tightening of bolted connections, including subcontractors during a shutdown when manpower is at its peak.

Training and competency, and experience and knowledge are often confused with each other; training is no guarantee of competency, nor is experience a guarantee of knowledge and understanding.

Training, experience and assessment of knowledge are all required to achieve competency.

Hydratight offers training courses for both topside and subsea applications, as well as a planned electronic learning package for on line training and competency testing, find out more here training@hydratight.com.

While initial training provides an education on the specific standard it does not prove competence in the task. The “Route to Competency involves following a set documented path including workplace experience, practical and theoretical testing.

Training

Standardised programmes provided in line with our “Technical Training & Competency Manual”, accreditations and our current service portfolio both theory and practical instruction including site simulation where possible at our Global Training Academy locations

Workplace Evidence (pre-assessment)

Trainees document and submit workplace evidence under supervision of a competent person via a logbook with supporting appraisals from a competent person or supervisor.

Theoretical Technical Assessment

A theoretical test is a question paper covering all aspects of the training to prove the technical understanding of the trainee.

Simulated Practical Assessment

A simulated practical test will be carried out on site, a training rig or at a Training Academy, under controlled conditions by an Assessor against a checklist of criteria to be met. Alternatively practical tests can be carried out at customer sites in line with required activity, project requirements using Permit to Work, considering access/egress, reference of drawings etc.

Ongoing Assessment

Via CBT/E learning programme or paper based/excel theory testing

Competency Assessment Programmes

Hydratight offer industry proven best practice Competency Assessment Programmes to support all of our Training Courses and Accredited Technical Competence Tests to support the ECITB Mechanical Joint Integrity Units.

Please contact training@hydratight.com for further details.