ASCO, a UK-headquartered logistics and materials management company, has completed a contract with Onslow Marine Support Base (OMSB) in Western Australia in support of the offshore decommissioning sector.
Two radiation safety officers (RSOs) as well naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and mercury monitoring and analysis equipment were mobilised to the OMSB site as per the contract. The RSOs delivered on-site training for NORM awareness, and monitoring for various hazards such as benzene, hydrogen sulphide (H2S) with a particular focus on NORM and mercury.
OMSB Chief Operating Officer, Andre Veder, said, “At OMSB
we believe all parts of the supply chain supporting the offshore decommissioning sector requires a robust focus on safety, efficiency and compliance. As part of this, OMSB proactively holds a range of licences including a radiation licence and associated management plan.
“To drive an effective and compliant outcome for the receival, handling and storage of potentially radioactive items, OMSB selected ASCO as its radiation specialist. ASCO’s international experience with radioactive items has allowed projects undertaken to appropriately manage the risks while not impacting the schedule of the works."
The project was led by senior RSOs John Davidson and Robin Small who helped to optimise the site, ensuring that supervised areas were set up correctly and any contaminated materials were properly managed and contained. The team enhanced OMSB's management plans and risk assessments, ensuring top-tier radiation management and site safety operations.
Australian decommissioning opportunities
While ASCO has been present in Australia for more than 13 years, this contract represents the first time it has delivered NORM services in the Southern Hemisphere, demonstrating its capability and establishes its credibility to operate in this segment here. According to ASCO, this will set the groundwork to confidently invest to further deliver large scale projects of this nature in the country and expects continues growth in the region as the decommissioning opportunities in Australia mount.
Lee Vettese, Business Development Manager - Environmental Services and Decommissioning at ASCO, added, “This contract signals significant growth for ASCO in Western Australia. Our work in the North Sea has led the way in global decommissioning activity for a number of years now and we’re excited to bring that experience to Western Australia."
