What are the NORSOK Standards?
In simple terms, 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”, literally translated in English to Norwegian shelf competitive position.
In existence since 1994, the NORSOK standards as well as those from ISO, IMO FTP code, and SOLAS 74 standards, regulate activities in the petroleum industry in Norway. The NORSOK standards are also used internationally. They are categorized into 79 national NORSOK standards, three of which are particularly relevant for lifting equipment.
NORSOK for Lifting Appliances and Lifting Equipment
Three NORSOK standards focus primarily on lifting appliances and lifting equipment. Below we’ve briefly outlined NORSOK R-002, NORSOK R-003, and NORSOK R-005 but we encourage you to read more about these standards to fully assess how they relate to your business operations.
As an operator on the Norwegian continental shelf, Onix Work not only helps you to follow the requirements demanded by the NORSOK standards but do so in an orderly and cost-effective manner.
Our software stores all of the documentation and data required by the NORSOK standards for lifting equipment as well as makes that information available in our smartphone app, Onix Worker. This includes historical data, inspection certificates, user manuals, and declarations of conformity.
NORSOK R-002: Lifting Equipment (Edition 2017)
This most recent edition of the R-002 standard is an update from the previous 2012 edition.
The R-002 standard outlines technical requirements to lifting appliances and lifting accessories. This standard applies to both geographically fixed and floating installations. It is also applicable to material handling and equipment such as lifts, foundations and suspensions, portable units, and lifesaving equipment.
NORSOK R-003: Safe use of lifting equipment (2017)
This most recent edition of the R-003 standard is an update from the previous 2004 edition.
The R-003 standard outlines the safe use of lifting equipment in the petroleum industry. This standard focuses on how to establish, maintain, and develop the appropriate level of safety for personnel, environment, and material values in the planning and execution of lifting operations.
NORSOK R-005: Safe use of lifting and transport equipment in onshore petroleum plants
This most recent edition of the R-005 standard was last updated in 2008.
The R-005 standard focuses on the additional safe use practices for lifting and transport equipment related to lifting operations on land.
Conclusion
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. Our 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.
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