Technical Authority - Process

The Technical Authority job description and roles and responsibilities are fully documented in the Dana Technical Authority Framework UK-UK-IN-ASS-PRO-0001 and can be summarised as follows:

• The primary role of the Technical Authorities is the safeguarding of technical integrity on Dana Petroleum UK Operated Assets.
• Key role in ensuring that the risks associated with Major Accident Hazards are fully understood and are being effectively managed.
• The Technical Authority (TA) is a senior role within the company and they will be a recognised subject matter expert (SME) for their particular discipline.
• The TA will support and share the company’s drive for technical excellence. The position will also provide technical direction and contribute to the introduction of appropriate new technology and procedural changes that will benefit the overall asset safety & environmental performance, operability and sustainability.
• Provide independent direct and impartial feedback on the integrity status of Dana Petroleum UK Operated Assets and where concerns exist ensure these are effectively communicated to Dana Asset Management.
• Provide practical and pragmatic technical advice which may also include, at times, the need to challenge proposed strategies or solutions. This challenge function will be exercised in a tactful and diplomatic way, in order to maintain a constructive relationship between all parties.
• Where requested and when identified as safety critical, the TA will also provide input to the review of HS&E alerts, both internally and externally, to determine if they are applicable to Dana Petroleum UK Operated Assets.

• The TA reports to the Corporate Governance and Compliance Manager and is accountable for:
• Setting performance standards and assurance for safety & environmental critical elements (SECEs)
• Undertaking periodic formal technical assessments of SECE status and optimise maintenance / assurance activities in terms of scope and frequency to deliver required SECE performance.
• Supporting other Technical Authorities where there is overlap in performance standards.
• Maintaining an awareness of other SECE impairments in order to maintain an oversight of cumulative MAH risk within the business and highlight significant risks to relevant stakeholders where appropriate.
• Setting technical standards for both safety & environmental critical and non-safety & environmental critical systems within their discipline.
• Delegating appropriate decisions to competent personnel who understand the technical decisions they can make.
• Visible technical leadership in their discipline demonstrated through offshore assessments of the SECE barriers in their remit.

• Procedures, Technical Standards & Specifications.
• Deviations & Technical Queries.
• ODMS Technical documentation ownership as assigned to the role.
• Management of risks associated with Major Accident Hazards.
• Assurance Implementation.
• Non-Standard Operations.
• Technical Integrity / SECE audits

• Strive to create a safe workplace and to protect the environment.
• Ensure technical conformity and compliance with legislation, EU directives, engineering standards and industry best practice/guidelines. This responsibility shall include providing interpretation and guidance on these documents to the benefit of the Dana Petroleum UK Operated Assets and ensuring Dana internal documents are updated accordingly.
• Support:
• o Resolution of any in service Verification Findings, as reported by Independent Competent Person (DNV at present).
• o The Operational Risk Assessment (ORA) process where required and approve ORAs for assigned SECEs.
• o The deferral process where required and approve deferrals for assigned SECEs.
• Ensure that Maintenance Strategies are developed and managed to ensure they are effective.
• Provide guidance, advice and direction to asset facilities, operational onshore and offshore teams as required.
• Provide input to the Engineering Management of Change process as required for modifications / projects.
• Define, commission, review and approve technical studies completed by external companies and consultants.
• Support and / or lead investigations of accidents and near misses where applicable to their discipline.
• Support risk assessments, studies and formal safety assessments (e.g. HAZID, HAZOP, QRA, LOPA, etc.).
• Support Regulator inspections and associated action close outs for discipline

• Supporting HAZOPS, HAZIDs, LOPAs and other technical safety studies where required.
• Approval of all process flow diagrams, P&IDs, heat and mass balances, PSV register, LO/LC register, hazardous area drawings and process C&E updates.
• Authority for all process / utility system operating manuals, PSV recertification procedure, SIRPS procedure, weeps and leaks procedure and blowdown testing procedure.