Investigation Report
Worker Overcome by Fumes During Heater-Treater Cleaning
09-04-2023 0900 G13808 HI A 379 Required Evacuation, LTA (>3 days)
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Confined space hazardsRespiratory hazards
- Confined space entry
- Respirator
- Competence and trainingEvacuation, escape and rescueAtmospheric gas testingPermit to work
- Upstream oil and gas
- Offshore installation
Summary
BSEE investigates a heater-treater cleaning incident on High Island A 379 B platform. A worker entered with an air-purifying respirator, was overcome by fumes and required rescue and resuscitation. Findings identify failures in confined-space permits, atmospheric monitoring, rescue readiness and personnel competence, alongside inaccurate reporting of the injury’s severity.
Classifications: Confined space hazards; confined-space hazards.
Classifications: Respiratory hazards; respirable dust; inhalation hazards.
Classifications: Confined space entry; tank entry; enclosed space entry.
Classifications: Respirator; respiratory protective equipment; RPE.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Evacuation, escape and rescue; EER; escape and rescue.
Classifications: Atmospheric gas testing; gas testing; atmosphere testing.
Classifications: Permit to work; PTW; work permit.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Offshore installation; offshore platform; offshore rig.