PETRONAS, a national oil company in Malaysia was formed in 1974. Since then, it has transformed itself into a fully integrated multi-national Oil & Gas company which is operating in 33 countries.

Analysis of past HSE performance of the Group indicated high injury rate amongst specialist contractors undertaking hazardous activities such as high pressure water jetting (HPWJ), on-line leak sealing, working in inert space, scaffolding, heavy lifting etc. for PETRONAS. In order to enhance Group HSE performance, the Management decided to work closely with National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Malaysia and all specialist contractors to raise the capabilities and competency of specialist contractors working for PETRONAS.

A task group comprising of representatives from various Operating Companies, NIOSH and specialist contractors was formed in 2006 to formulate implementation strategy and detailed work plans. The main deliverables for the work group were technical standards, standard HSE contract clauses, training modules, assessment and passport scheme for high pressure water jetting. Various international standards and best practices from various Operating Companies, NIOSH and specialist contractors were leveraged to establish an acceptable best practice amongst all specialist contractors working for PETRONAS.

The training, assessment and passport scheme was rolled out in September 2006. 241 specialist contractor workers have been trained by August 2007 and certified to work in PETRONAS facilities. Since the implementation of the new technical standards, standard HSE contract clauses and competency certification scheme, no serious injury related to HPWJ has been reported.