DPR Commences Downstream Safety Training September

Chinazor Megbolu

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) is set to commence safety training for operators in the downstream sector.

DPR in a press release by the Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Auwalu Sarki, made available to newsmen on Monday, stated that the program will kick off on September 1, 2020.

The programme tagged: The Minimum Industry Safety Training for Downstream Operations (MISTDO) is meant for workers and officials in downstream sector.

The programme according to the statement will be enforced by the DPR as a foremost regulator in the petroleum industry.

#MISTDO, the statement noted is geared towards enhancing safety training and competence of officials in the sector.

Those to participate and benefit from this designed programme are petroleum haulage drivers and assistants, who must have the basic knowledge of the risk associated with their respective roles.

The training is also an avenue towards monitoring and coordinating basic safety training activities in the downstream sector effectively.

The agency, however, is inviting applications for accreditation for those interested, competent and reputable organisations who want to establish #MISTDO centres.

The DPR charged those interested in the programme to apply to the Department’s Oil and Gas Industry Service Permit (OGISP) portal by selecting #MISTDO Permit under the specialized category respectively.

The training providers intending to establish #MISTDO Training Centres are expected to meet certain requirements prior to the application on (OGISP) which include that the proposed facility must be a place considered safe and appropriate, designated for safety training and devoid of known hazards and threats e.g. “Safe distance from Ignition sources, car parks, residential occupants, etc. Be exclusive in an area that is fully fenced to ensure safety of personnel.

The corporate name under which the training service is offered is to be exclusively for Safety and/or Oil and Gas Training; be aesthetically pleasing and accessible. Have necessary safety signages within the facility for information among others.

“Availability of office(s) and training room(s) that are in good condition; classroom for delegates shall be spacious, furnished with tables and chairs, adequate ventilation, adequate lighting, audio-visual capabilities and internet access.

“The facility must have trained first aiders, first aid kit and possess retainership with close by medical facilities; have a functional power system with high availability.

“The facility must also have adequate convenience accessible to trainees within the facility and should be in good condition with steady water supply; Possess appropriate security monitoring and surveillance systems such as security personnel, CCTV etc. Also, the Mineral Oils (Safety) Regulations (MOSR) 1997 shall be conspicuously displayed in the facility; xii.

“The facility must also have other equipment that can enhance the conduct of the trainings and also have an adequate Management System in place,” the statement added.