An offshore worker was blasted with radiation on a North Sea oil platform, Oil and Gas People has learned.

The incident aboard the BG Group's Lomond facility happened on Sunday. Technicians are understood to have been carrying out non-destructive testing (NDT) on small bore pipework when the worker who was not involved in the operation is believed to have been exposed.

A source close to the incident informed Oil and Gas People that the worker may have been in a container close by and was missed by the NDT team before starting the NDT process. It is not known how long he was directly exposed for but the individual is understood to have been in the container for several hours. This information has not been confirmed by BG Group. 

NDT is used to inspect pipework and machinery without causing damage using radioactive rays. It is believed an Iridium source was being used but this has also not been confirmed. 

The worker, who is thought to be a Sparrows employee, was treated by medics aboard the platform and has now returned to work. An investigation into the cause of the incident is under way. 

A spokeswoman for Stork said: "During a routine an inspection involving radiography techniques it is suspected that an offshore worker was found to be within a barriered off area that was put in place as per permit to work processes.

"The individual has received medical evaluations both offshore and onshore and is confirmed to be safe. Stork is working closely with the BG Group to conduct a full investigation.”

Oil and Gas People has also learned that an HSE Inspector is onboard the Lomond platform this morning on separate business. If the Incident is RIDDOR reportable BG would have 10 days to notify the HSE Executive. 

The BG Group are in the middle of a major investment programme on Lomond, which includes improvements to the platform and crew accommodation.

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