The ECITB’s Small Bore Tubing (SBT) training standards have been put to use by Hydrasun technicians on the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub
Hydrasun – which specialises in delivering integrated fluid transfer, power and control solutions across various sectors – will support the development of a scalable green hydrogen production, storage and distribution facility, located at Hareness Road, Aberdeen.
The project will be led by bpAHEL, a joint venture between bp and Aberdeen City Council.
As both an ECITB-approved training provider and international employer, Hydrasun recognises the vital importance of having a skilled and competent workforce, particularly around core skill sets, such as SBT installation and maintenance.
The training is industry-developed- and constantly evolving
The ECITB’s SBT training standards and four-stage model of training and testing were developed alongside industry to increase the standard of workmanship and integrity of connections and installations in industrial applications.
The model, which includes four SBT tests that verify technical competence, helps to mitigate releases of gases and liquids in a process environment, leading to a reduced environmental impact and greater safety for the site and workforce.
“There has to be a strong emphasis on safety and competency when working with hydrogen,” says Stuart Gardiner, operations director at Hydrasun.
“ECITB training standards are therefore absolutely critical to underpin the required skills in order to deliver safe, efficient and reliable operations.
“The SBT standards are a clear reference point to define the quality of training and assessment we need to deliver as an industry.
“Being part of the ECITB’s SBT forum, we support the evolution of these standards, both in terms of installation and inspection. Making sure they are fit for purpose is so important.
“Setting that reference point for industry to deliver against ensures the workforce have the right competencies as hydrogen projects begin to move into construction.”
As hydrogen’s profile grows, so does the demand for SBT training
The SBT scheme has been one of the ECITB’s most used products since it was developed in partnership with industry experts in 2013, in collaboration with Step Change in Safety. Since 2013, more than 14,000 workers have benefited from this training in Great Britain.
Traditionally viewed as a discipline needed in the oil and gas industry, reviews and changes to the training standards in the last decade have future-proofed SBT for net zero, such as for the hydrogen work undertaken by Hydrasun.
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