About EPOL Group
The Emergency Preparedness Offshore Liaison (EPOL) Group plays a critical role in fostering collaboration between the offshore oil and gas industry and emergency response agencies. Established to ensure that offshore installations are prepared for all potential hazards, EPOL brings together operators, responders, and regulators to address safety and emergency response issues.
EPOL facilitates the sharing of good practices, lessons learned, and innovations in emergency preparedness, ensuring that the industry remains resilient and capable of responding quickly to incidents such as oil spills, fires, and structural failures. The group also works closely with maritime and aviation rescue services to coordinate large-scale emergency exercises, ensuring that all parties are ready to act in the event of an offshore crisis.
Through regular meetings and coordinated efforts, EPOL helps maintain high safety standards across the sector, contributing to safer offshore oil and gas operations in the UK and beyond.
UK Oil and Gas Chaplaincy
Since 1986 the UK Oil and Gas Chaplaincy has existed to meet the needs of those working across the Oil and Gas workforce. An independent charity, funded by the Industry, we operate with confidentiality and discretion to ensure that those in need of support can approach us without prejudice. Consisting of the Administrator, Lynne de Boer and the Chaplain, Rev. Michael Mair, the Chaplaincy is fully embedded within the Industry.
The Chaplain makes frequent trips offshore to visit those working across the North Sea to provide a listening ear, and undertake welfare and mental health activities. The Chaplain can be called upon in emergency circumstances to respond to sudden deaths and care for bereaved colleagues or family members at home. He can also be requested to support those working in Emergency Response rooms or to be part of debriefing those involved in major incidents.
The Chaplaincy maintains the industry books of remembrance which detail the names of those who have died while offshore. We host an annual service with bereaved families, industry representatives and civic dignitaries to assure families that their loved ones continue to be remembered. The Chaplaincy also operates the hardship fund which makes financial awards to oil and gas workers who have fallen into hardship. A member of EPOL, the Chaplaincy advise on post-bereavement care and caring for people following traumatic circumstances.
EPOL Group Evacuation Kit Bags
The Mutual Aid Evacuation Kit Bag Service, established in 2009 by Response Consultants, is currently managed by Wenaas Workwear UK. This essential service is funded through annual subscription fees paid by oil and gas companies in Aberdeen. It provides vital support to offshore operators by helping meet the humanitarian needs of evacuees from offshore installations.
In the event of an evacuation, kit bags containing essential clothing and hygiene items are readily available, ensuring that personnel have access to necessary supplies to maintain their comfort and well-being during an emergency.
Wenaas Workwear stores and maintains a stock of 240 Evacuation Kit Bags in Aberdeen, available 24/7. Kit bags are designed for rapid deployment and can be delivered within 2 hours of a request in Aberdeen.
Each kit bag includes:
- Clothing: Sweater, jogging bottoms, polo shirt or T-shirt, boxer shorts, briefs, socks, and slippers.
- Hygiene Products: Hairbrush or comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, shaving cream, soap, deodorant, shampoo, and conditioner.
- Additional clothing and footwear can be provided upon request for an extra fee.
The Evacuation Kit Bag service is available to subscribers at an annual fee of £375. This fee covers participation in the scheme, regular maintenance, and replenishment of the kits. Wenaas Workwear will invoice subscribers annually until the agreement is canceled in writing.
For utilising the service, subscribers will incur the following costs:
- A fixed fee per kit bag utilised
- A call-out/delivery fee applicable at any time, regardless of the day or hour of the request
Non-subscribers are welcome to access the Evacuation Kit Bag service, though at a higher cost. For specific details on fees or to learn more about subscription options, please contact us.
- Wenaas Workwear replaces up to 80 Evacuation Kits annually to ensure that items are fresh and within a three-year usage period.
- Items replaced are donated to an agreed-upon charity, supporting the local community.
- Response Consultants conduct an annual audit of the kit bags, providing a report to all participants to ensure accountability and transparency.
Contact Information
Evacuation Kit Bag call out phone number: 01224 961922 option 6
Response Consultants
Wenaas workwear UK
The EPOL Group members are most grateful for the work undertaken by Response Consultants in progressing this important scheme. Below are the current list of members who subscribe and support this essential service.
Subscribers
EPOL Group Publications
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FREEThe HMCG Grab Card for Oil and Gas provides a structured framework for offshore installations to communicate effectively with HM Coastguard (HMCG) during emergencies. Designed to streamline Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, this guidance ensures critical information is shared accurately and efficiently, enabling a swift and coordinated response.
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FREEThis comprehensive suite of forms and logs is designed to ensure organized and efficient management during offshore evacuations and emergency situations. It enables detailed tracking of evacuees, family and friends, and all key actions taken by personnel during an emergency response. These documents facilitate clear communication, safety protocols, and support services to ensure proper care for evacuees and their families.
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FREEThe Offshore Death Notification Flowchart provides a clear, step-by-step process for handling notifications in the event of a death offshore. It outlines the required communication between offshore and onshore teams, as well as coordination with Police Scotland and other relevant authorities. This flowchart ensures that all involved parties follow a consistent and efficient procedure in handling sensitive death notifications.
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FREEThe Evacuee Reception Centre (ERC) Guidance is a comprehensive document developed by the Emergency Preparedness Offshore Liaison (EPOL) Group, providing clear processes for managing evacuees during offshore incidents. This guidance outlines the steps needed to establish and operate an ERC, ensuring the welfare and safety of evacuees and facilitating coordination with Police Scotland when necessary.
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FREEThe Evacuee Passport document provides a structured process for managing evacuees in offshore energy incidents. It ensures that each step in the evacuation process is recorded and verified, providing a clear and organized reference for both evacuees and reception centre staff.
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FREEThe Annual Weapons and Security Audit Submission is a critical document for oil and gas companies that manage flare ignition firearms and ammunition for offshore operations. It is designed to ensure compliance with Police Scotland’s firearms licensing requirements and to confirm the secure management, storage, and use of firearms on offshore installations.
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FREEThe Flare Firearms Procedure Document is a comprehensive guide developed for the oil and gas industry, outlining the legal and operational procedures for the safe management, transportation, and use of firearms and ammunition for flare ignition. It ensures compliance with UK firearms laws and best practices in handling firearms on offshore installations.
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FREEThe EPOL Relative Response Guidance provides essential protocols for handling calls from concerned family members and the public in the event of offshore incidents. Developed by the Emergency Preparedness Offshore Liaison (EPOL) Group, this guidance ensures a consistent, organized approach for relative responders across the UK oil and gas sector.
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FREEThe Integrated Offshore Emergency Response (IOER) Guidelines provide comprehensive procedures for Search and Rescue (SAR) in offshore oil and gas incidents. Developed by HM Coastguard and the Offshore Emergency Response Working Group, these guidelines are essential for ensuring effective coordination between national SAR services, the offshore industry, and emergency responders.
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FREEThe Protocol for Media Relations in the Event of an Offshore Incident, developed by the Emergency Preparedness Offshore Liaison (EPOL) Group, provides a structured approach to managing media communications during offshore emergencies. It ensures coordinated, timely, and accurate information delivery by all responding agencies.
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FREEThis essential guide provides clear protocols for managing company representatives and families during offshore major incidents at NHS Grampian facilities. The document offers step-by-step instructions on coordinating with NHS Grampian, Police Scotland, and other agencies during an emergency.
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FREEEnsure your company is prepared to handle the sensitive process of notifying emergency contacts and next of kin with the EPOL Notifying Emergency Contacts and Next of Kin Guidance. This document provides essential procedures for responding to offshore incidents, ensuring accurate and timely communication with families in the event of illness, injury, or fatalities.
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