This is what you need to know about forklifts
A guide to forklift maintenance and safety with answers to frequently asked questions on forklift use.
The NORSOK Standards are a set of rules, policies and procedures designed to ensure safety and improve competitiveness on the Norwegian continental shelf. NORSOK is an abbreviation for the Norwegian phrase “Norsk Sokkels Konkurranseposisjon”, which translates to "Norwegian shelf competitive position" in English.
In existence since 1994, the NORSOK standards alongside those from ISO, IMO FTP code, and SOLAS 74 regulate activities in the petroleum industry in Norway. Some NORSOK Standards form the basis of regulatory requirements. The standards are also used internationally. They are categorized into 79 national NORSOK standards, three of which are particularly relevant for lifting equipment.
Three NORSOK standards focus primarily on lifting appliances and equipment: NORSOK R-002, NORSOK R-003, and NORSOK R-005. These are outlined briefly below. It is recommended to read more about these standards (NORSOK standards) to fully assess how they relate to your business operations.
As an operator on the Norwegian continental shelf, Onix Work helps you follow the compliance requirements demanded by the NORSOK standards. It also contributes to improved efficiency and cost effectiveness of your operations.
The Onix software platform stores all documentation and data required by the NORSOK standards for lifting equipment. Importantly, it also makes that information available to workers onsite via a smartphone app, Onix Worker. This includes historical data, inspection certificates, user manuals, and declarations of conformity.
NORSOK R-002:2017, with corrigendum AC:2019, is the current version of the standard that defines technical and safety requirements for the design, installation, and commissioning of lifting equipment used in the petroleum industry—both offshore and onshore.
Key features of the standard include:
NORSOK R-002 helps companies ensure that their lifting equipment meets high safety standards and aligns with Norwegian regulatory expectations, especially for operations on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
NORSOK R-003:2017, updated with corrigendum AC:2018, is the current standard regulating the safe use of lifting equipment in the Norwegian oil and gas industry. It replaced the earlier 2004 version.
The standard focuses on:
NORSOK R-003 is widely used by companies operating on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and is frequently referenced in regulatory guidelines issued by the Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havtil). It plays a key role in promoting safe and controlled lifting practices offshore and onshore.
NORSOK R-005 was updated in 2024, replacing the previous version from 2008. The revised standard focuses on the safe use of lifting and transport equipment at onshore petroleum facilities such as refineries and processing plants.
Key updates include:
NORSOK R-005:2024 provides enhanced safety guidelines and more precise standards for onshore lifting operations involving personnel and loads. It is a vital reference for companies seeking to comply with Norwegian regulations and industry best practices.
Full details and access to the NORSOK standards are available at Standard Norge
While focused on the Norwegian continental shelf, the NORSOK standards (find all the standards at Standard Norge) are used in the petroleum industry internationally. Three of these standards are most relevant to lifting appliances, lifting equipment and lifting operations – NORSOK R-002, NORSOK R-003 and NORSOK R-005.
Onix software stores all of the documentation and data required by the NORSOK standards for lifting operations such as historical data, inspection certificates and certificates of conformity.
