Dismantling of operations brings down safety

Dismantling of Bariven, a subsidiary of Venezuelan state-owned oil company Pdvsa that used to supply Pdvsa with material, has jeopardized safety in the oil industry, stated the former manager of Paraguaná Refining Complex, Javier Larrañaga.

"Bariven was in charge of purchasing material. Our management was world-class, yielding efficient results in the procurement of components, equipment, and state of the art systems at the best price on the market thanks to the company's management and a domestic and international network of suppliers," explained Larrañaga, who also reported that 98 accidents have taken place in different Venezuelan refining plants since June 2003.

In the 2011 Annual Report, Pdvsa stressed that some schedule stops had been put off, partially due a shortfall in supply of material and spare parts.

"How come the authorities now say maintenance was actually carried out? The 2011 Annual Report was presented by Rafael Ramírez before the Venezuelan National Assembly," said Eddie Ramírez coordinator of Venezuelan civil association Gente del Petróleo in a press conference.

Larrañaga went on and said safety is high priority in the industry. That cannot be replaced by a political priority. This is the driving force behind "the missing culture of safety."

Translated by Jhean Cabrera