The Bureau of Security and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) not too long ago investigated an explosion and subsequent hearth that occurred on a liftboat throughout nicely cleanup and testing operations. Two contract staff suffered second-degree burns. This occasion underscores essential shortcomings in procedural controls, tools readiness, and emergency response throughout offshore oil and fuel operations.
The explosion was attributable to a fuel accumulation on the liftboat deck through the draining of fluids from a take a look at separator right into a 500-barrel tank. The night time supervisor initiated the draining course of, and 5 minutes later, a surge within the generator engine triggered the explosion and a number of fires. Two contract staff had been injured, struggling burns to their faces, necks, and palms. The liftboat’s hearth suppression system extinguished the fireplace inside quarter-hour.
Nonetheless, the evacuation of the injured staff confronted logistical delays, ensuing of their arrival at a medical facility almost 5 hours after the incident. This delay underscores the significance of getting sturdy personnel evacuation and medical response plans in place.
Contributing Components
An investigation by BSEE recognized a number of procedural and tools deficiencies:
No formal procedures existed for draining fluids from separators or making ready the 500-barrel tank for testing.
Employees relied on hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-specific fuel detectors, which couldn’t detect explosive fuel mixtures.
The generator’s air consumption shutoff valve management module did not perform, permitting fuel infiltration.
Improperly latched hatches on the tank allowed fuel to flee.
Evening shift security conferences lacked oversight by firm representatives, decreasing communication effectiveness.
Employees reported holding stage controllers open till fuel blow-by was detected, rising danger to personnel security and operations.
Free hatch bolts on the tank, prompted throughout transport, weren’t adequately inspected upon arrival.
Suggestions
To forestall comparable incidents, BSEE recommends that operators and their contractors, the place acceptable, think about the next actions:
Set up complete written procedures for all essential operations, together with draining fluids from separators and making ready tanks for nicely checks. Recurrently evaluation and replace normal working and security procedures to align with trade finest practices.
Equip staff with multi-gas detectors able to figuring out a variety of hazardous gases, not simply H2S.
Set up mounted multi-gas detection programs on liftboats and work decks for steady monitoring.
Conduct an intensive inspection of vessel hatches to make sure a correct seal.
Conduct thorough inspections of tanks, turbines, and flame arrestors earlier than and after transport to make sure correct perform and safe fittings.
Check the automated air consumption shutoff valve earlier than beginning operations, guaranteeing it capabilities correctly.
Require operator representatives to take part in all security conferences to reinforce communication and adherence to protocols.
Conduct complete hazard analyses for all operations, significantly fuel dealing with and fluid switch. Job Security Analyses ought to explicitly deal with potential fuel launch situations.
Embody emergency response plans in all security briefings, with an emphasis on security and medical evacuation logistics and coordination with emergency companies. Evaluation BSEE Security Alert 469 “BSEE Identifies Medical Evacuation and Emergency Hazards Throughout Threat-Based mostly Inspections.”
Prepare staff on fuel accumulation hazards, protected working procedures, and proper use of security tools.
Set up contingency plans to make sure entry to a number of transport choices for fast emergency medical care.
Set up a course of for reviewing incidents and near-misses to repeatedly establish classes discovered and enhance security practices.
Guarantee ample, present emergency medical provides can be found for quick use.
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Supply: Bureau of Security and Environmental Enforcement
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