Investigation Report
Gas Pig-Launcher Explosion and Fire on Enchilada Platform
11-08-2017 01:20 G11445 GB 128 Injury Requiring Evacuation / LTA (1-3 days) / LTA (> 3 days) / Fire / Explosion / Structural Damage / Incident > $25K / Required Muster / Platform Evacuation
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- ExplosionFireHydrocarbon releaseMechanical failurePressure systems
- Inspection and maintenance
- Process pipework and pipelinesValve
- Job safety analysisLockout and tagoutManagement of changeOperating and work procedures
- Upstream oil and gas
- Offshore installation
Summary
Investigation of a gas pig-launcher explosion and subsequent fire on Shell’s Enchilada platform, injuring two operators and prompting evacuation. Mechanical reconstruction identified incomplete clamp-ring closure and ratchet-binder failure. The report examines procedural departures, isolation and lockout practices, missing job safety analysis, supervision and an undocumented management-of-change process.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Job safety analysis; JSA; job hazard analysis; JHA.
Classifications: Lockout and tagout; LOTO; lockout/tagout.
Classifications: Management of change; MOC; change management.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Offshore installation; offshore platform; offshore rig.