Investigation Report
Oil Storage Tank Explosion During Platform Decommissioning Torch Cutting
06-23-2007 07:30 G02279 SM/106 RW/JT (1-3 days) - Pollution - Fire - Explosion
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Environmental protectionExplosionFireHydrocarbon release
- DecommissioningHot work
- Process pipework and pipelinesStorage tanks
- Fire protectionIgnition source controlOperating and work proceduresOperational supervision
- Upstream oil and gas
Summary
Investigation of a platform decommissioning incident in which torch-cutting slag ignited hydrocarbons in a wet-dry oil storage tank. The explosion damaged the tank and suction piping, releasing oil; a worker suffered a torch burn. Findings address inadequate shielding, failure to render the tank inert, communication, supervision and hot-work procedures.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Decommissioning; facility dismantling.
Classifications: Hot work; welding and cutting.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Fire protection; fire suppression; fire detection.
Classifications: Ignition source control; ignition prevention.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Operational supervision.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.