The regulations assume that petroleum activities are prudent with respect to health, safety and the environment. They have been developed to serve as a good tool for the industry and for the authorities' supervision.
Therefore the regulations contain a large degree of functional requirements where standards and norms expand on the regulations' prudence level. In this manner, the challenges that follow from continuous change processes in a complex industry are addressed.
The design of the HSE regulations for the petroleum activities on the shelf emphasises the development of unified regulations stipulated and enforced by the PSA, the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority, the Directorate for health and social affairs and the Norwegian Board of Health. The HSE regulations are risk-based and must be seen in relation to the specific risks faced by the individual player.
To provide the PSA with the necessary basis for supervising petroleum facilities on land and associated pipeline systems, temporary regulations relating to safety and working environment have been stipulated.
Tripartite cooperation and contribution are necessary pre-requisites for preparing and fulfilling the regulations.
