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T.D. Williamson’s hot tap training programs are
ensuring that hot-tap technicians have the tools and
knowledge to do their jobs safely.
Before TDW’s technicians are permitted to work
in the field, they are required to complete a rigorous
program that combines intensive study and testing
with hands-on training. Technicians are required
to pass a region-specific Operator Qualification
certification test. The certification must be renewed
every three years via continuing education.
Tom Parrett, Director of Quality/Health, Safety
and Environmental for TDW, says the training
is a win-win for employees and customers alike.
The company’s focus on producing competent,
informed hot tap technicians ensures a safer working
environment, with a greatly reduced risk of accident
or injury.
“Our training goes beyond providing basic
instruction on how to safely operate our equipment,”
Parrett says. “Our program is designed to provide
our customers with technicians who possess the
knowledge, skills and know-how to expertly perform
every task in the value stream one-hundred percent
right, one-hundred percent of the time.”
Parrett is quick to point out that TDW’s hot tap
training doesn’t stop with Operator Qualification
certification. TDW’s training coordinators closely
monitor worker safety and industry trends, and they
make a point to stay informed about best practices.
The end result is a well-educated, informed workforce
and a reputation for process safety.
“Our customers are able to conduct their hot
tapping operations with peace of mind, knowing that
the proper planning and preparation was completed
for their specific job,” Parrett says.
Of course, TDW’s training program will
likely evolve as researchers continue to roll out
advancements. One day, perhaps in the not-too-
distant future, new technicians will gather in screen-
filled control rooms and learn to use touch screens
to control highly advanced hot tapping machines
– possibly from across the country or even across the
globe.
Until then, though, people like Tom Parrett
and his team of training coordinators will continue
to provide technicians with the tools and training
necessary to do their jobs accurately and safely.
done at safe diver depths, about 200 meters (656
feet) or less. But with the Subsea 1200RC, taps can
be performed at greater underwater depths than
ever before, down to 3000 meters (9482 feet).
The Subsea 1200RC has all the benefits of the
onshore 2400 series, including improved safety
for the technicians. The machine is operated
from a platform or diving support vessel, and
provides a live video feed of the equipment
gauges, enabling never-before-seen monitoring
capabilities and keeping divers out of treacherous
waters.
Envisioning Interactive
Customer Support
Turner likes to envision new combinations.
He points out how T.D. Williamson borrowed
from its past technology to create the current
technology and how he believes it will access
current technology to make the next generation
of hot tapping solutions.
“Remote sensing and control is used in our
valves and pigging systems. By borrowing the
technology for hot tapping, we’ve created
a smarter product,” Turner says. “Because
communication with users is a key goal for
us, maybe someday we’ll even have a feature
similar to Amazon’s Mayday
®
that would allow
hot tap technicians to launch into a real-time
videoconference for help from T.D. Williamson
support staff.”
Does Turner have even more futuristic
notions? He hasn’t ruled anything out.
“Who knows?” he asks. “Maybe someday a
valve will know what tapping machine is on it
and what functions it can allow, and they’ll be
able to talk to one another.”
There’s no question that maintaining the
performance of pressurized systems – pipelines,
vessels and the like – is a high-pressure
proposition. But Turner has taken the challenge
head-on and is leading the charge for a future
in hot tapping that is better, faster, safer, and
maybe even a little revolutionary.
Tapping into Tomorrow
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