The Bureau of Security and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) just lately investigated an explosion and subsequent hearth that occurred on a liftboat throughout effectively cleanup and testing operations. Two contract staff suffered second-degree burns. This occasion underscores crucial shortcomings in procedural controls, tools readiness, and emergency response throughout offshore oil and fuel operations.
The explosion was brought on by a fuel accumulation on the liftboat deck through the draining of fluids from a check 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 arms. 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 getting ready the 500-barrel tank for testing.
Staff 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.
Night time shift security conferences lacked oversight by firm representatives, lowering communication effectiveness.
Staff reported holding stage controllers open till fuel blow-by was detected, rising threat to personnel security and operations.
Unfastened hatch bolts on the tank, brought about throughout transport, weren’t adequately inspected upon arrival.
Suggestions
To stop related incidents, BSEE recommends that operators and their contractors, the place acceptable, contemplate the next actions:
Set up complete written procedures for all crucial operations, together with draining fluids from separators and getting ready tanks for effectively assessments. Usually assessment 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 methods on liftboats and work decks for steady monitoring.
Conduct a radical inspection of vessel hatches to make sure a correct seal.
Conduct thorough inspections of tanks, mills, and flame arrestors earlier than and after transport to make sure correct perform and safe fittings.
Take a look at 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 boost 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 eventualities.
Embody emergency response plans in all security briefings, with an emphasis on security and medical evacuation logistics and coordination with emergency companies. Assessment BSEE Security Alert 469 “BSEE Identifies Medical Evacuation and Emergency Hazards Throughout Danger-Primarily based 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 constantly determine classes discovered and enhance security practices.
Guarantee adequate, present emergency medical provides can be found for quick use.
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Supply: Bureau of Security and Environmental Enforcement
