What are an operator's duties to protect health, safety and the environment offshore? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR sources.

Details / How it works

Core operator duties under 30 CFR §250.107:

• Safe workmanlike performance – You must perform all operations in a safe and workmanlike manner.
• Equipment maintenance – You must maintain all equipment and work areas in a safe condition.
• Recognized engineering practices – You must utilize recognized engineering practices that reduce risks to the lowest level practicable when conducting design, fabrication, installation, operation, inspection, repair, and maintenance activities.
• Lease compliance – You must comply with all lease, plan, and permit terms and conditions.

Hazard response: You must immediately control, remove, or otherwise correct any hazardous oil and gas accumulation or other health, safety, or fire hazard.

BAST requirement: On all new drilling and production operations within the Outer Continental Shelf (and on existing operations, except as provided), you must use the best available and safest technologies (BAST) that the BSEE Director determines to be economically feasible whenever failure of equipment would have a significant effect on safety, health, or the environment.

Exceptions & edge cases

• Presumption of BAST: Conformance with BSEE regulations (30 CFR Chapter II, Subchapter B) is presumed to constitute use of BAST unless the BSEE Director determines other technologies are required.
• Cost-benefit exception: BAST is not required where the BSEE Director determines incremental benefits are clearly insufficient to justify the incremental costs.
• Waivers: The BSEE Director may waive BAST on a category of existing operations if deemed not practicable, or on an existing operation at a specific facility upon a waiver request demonstrating BAST would not be practicable.
• Enforcement: BSEE may issue orders ensuring compliance, including orders to produce records, inspect/repair/replace equipment, and shut-in operations posing a threat of serious, irreparable, or immediate harm.