Fit To Train
Fit To Train relates to the risk of using Compressed Air Emergency Breathing Systems (CA-EBS) and is designed to ensure you are physically fit to use them.
OPITO offshore survival courses include in-water training with CA-EBS.
This element requires additional medical tests for delegates which will be captured via a "Fit To Train" certificate.
This medical assessment must be completed before you can take part in:
Fit To Train Overview
During the "Fit To Train" test you will need to complete a questionnaire which asks about respiratory, ear, nose and throat checks.
Your lung health will also be assessed in a face to face medical assessment with an Oil & Gas UK (OGUK) examining doctor.
This medical assessment will be offered stand-alone or combined with the full OGUK Medical >>
CA-EBS Overview
The Fit To Train requirement has come about since the introduction of ‘wet’ CA-EBS training. Previously delegates would complete dry CA-EBS in a classroom.
In-water training has been mandatory in Canada since 2009 with at least 10,000 Canadian Workers undertaking shallow-water exercises with similar exercises being introduced in the UK. The hazards of breathing compressed gases under water are well understood from commercial and recreational diving experience. The principle hazard to be considered for the helicopter scenario is that of overpressure (barotrauma) occurring in gas-filled spaces in the body.
The risk of Barotrauma in the wet-training exercises is considered to be “very low”. Risk mitigating measures will include strict control of depth, progressive exercises to get delegates used to using EBS and direct supervision from instructors. The British Sub-Aqua Club and Canadian experience is of zero occurrences of events during training.
Fit To Train Objectives
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) considers the use of CA-EBS in survival training to be ‘diving at work’ which legally requires trainees to undergo a full diver medical examination.
However, after observing pilot courses the HSE have declared trainees to be exempt from this requirement, provided they are in possession of an in-date Oil & Gas UK Medical, and that they have completed a self-declaration questionnaire - declaring themselves absent of any relevant medical conditions that might cause barotrauma.
Fit To Train Content
Delegates will be asked to complete a questionnaire which will be discussed, face to face, with the doctor to clarify the significance of the questions is understood.
Where the doctor is satisfied there is no history or clinical suspicion of a relevant medical condition the trainee is certified fit to train.
Where there is history of a medical condition the doctor will perform a clinical examination and either issue a ‘fit to train’ certificate or an exemption at which point the trainee will be issued a medically ‘not fit to train’ certificate and will be excused in-water training. In this case they can complete their survival training with “dry-training” for CA-EBS.
In reality this element will be included within the OGUK Medical. The key difference being at least this element of the medical must be completed before the an OPITO HUET. In the short-term, a standalone Fitness To Train certificate will be issued by the doctor following a short (15 minute) consultation.
PLEASE NOTE: Delegates MUST bring their certificate with them to show the Survival Team before beginning the HUET.
FAQs
Q: What if I work in the Wind industry and don't have an OGUK Medical?
A: The HSE has only exempted the OGUK Medical to avoid the requirement to hold a full Diver Medical Certificate. This means that a worker in the wind sector, requiring a HUET course, must hold both a Wind Medical and OGUK Medical.
Q: Do I need to complete a Fit To Train if I have a Diver Medical certificate?
A: If you have a Diver Medical certificate, this is permitted in lieu of the Fit to Train and you will not be affected by this.
Q: What if my medical expires before my BOSIET/FOET?
A: If your medical expires before your BOSIET / FOET (with CA-EBS) then no action needs to be taken as the medical with fitness to train will take place before your next refresher.
Q: What if my medical expires after my BOSIET/FOET?
A: If your medical expires after your BOSIET / FOET (with CA-EBS) then you’ll need to make an appointment with the doctor before doing any refresher training to get a “fitness to train” certificate.
Q: What if I am declared unfit?
A: If you are declared medically unfit to train, you can still participate in your BOSIET/FOET but not the in-water CA-EBS exercises. You will still get your certificate as normal. You will be required to undertake dry CA-EBS training separately in the classroom.
For availability or to book, please contact our bookings team on booktraining@3tglobal.com or 0330 202 0569.
