Safe Driving initiative aims to reduce the risk of harm while travelling in vehicles in Algeria

Our two oil and gas developments in the Sahara Desert of Algeria – the Ohanet and ROD projects – are both in remote locations, and travelling around them presents a significant challenge, mainly because of the climatic and geographic conditions. Asphalt roads are limited and most driving is on graded gypsum tracks, with some cross-country driving also required. To manage the hazards, we have implemented a Safe Driving initiative.

The initiative aims to minimise risks and thereby increase the safety of employees, contractors and the general public, and also to protect wild and domestic animals, preserve the local environment and protect archaeologically important sites. The program includes the following main elements.

Vehicle specification, equipment and maintenance
Our vehicle management program has been continually improved and now covers 40 vehicles, of which 35 are 4WD. Only high-quality vehicles are used, and these are ordered to stringent specifications, including a roll bar, heavy-duty suspension, desert tyres, additional fuel tank, winch, reversing alarms and communications equipment. Survival packs containing food, water, a first aid box and a comprehensive toolkit must also be included.

Each vehicle is checked before it is used, and more detailed inspections are carried out weekly, monthly and annually by trained mechanics. Vehicles used for extensive off-road driving are serviced more frequently.

Driver training and competence
All users of Company vehicles in Algeria must comply with strict requirements. A local or international driving licence is mandatory, and the driver must have completed the internal defensive driving and off-road driver skill training courses, passed the annual driving assessment and have a basic knowledge of first aid.

Driving rules
In addition to local traffic rules, we have implemented driving rules to enhance the safety of drivers and passengers. The prescribed speed limits are 10 kilometres per hour within site and base locations, 40 kilometres per hour on graded tracks and off-road, and 80 kilometres per hour on asphalt roads. To monitor adherence to these limits, each vehicle is fitted with a device that records speed, acceleration and deceleration. The records are reviewed regularly, and disciplinary procedures are in place to ensure drivers observe the rules. As well, a driver must not commence a journey until all people in the vehicle have their seatbelts fastened.

Journey management
Journeys are managed through a Travel Coordinator at the Hassi Messaoud base or the field location. All trips are ideally undertaken in daylight hours. For remote locations, two vehicles travel together. Before commencing a journey, the driver must provide departure and arrival points, estimated time of departure and arrival, and travellers' names. Contact must be made with the Travel Coordinator at predetermined intervals throughout the journey and immediately upon arrival. If a vehicle is running late, overdue vehicle procedures are initiated.

All the measures outlined above can help to mitigate road accident risks, but there is no room for complacency, and safe driving remains a high priority for all our personnel in Algeria.

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