Investigation Report
Fire During Welding Inside Low-Pressure Production Separator
11-20-2009 09:04 G01241 ST/52 Required Evacuation - RW/JT (1-3 days) - Other Injury - Fire
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Confined space hazardsFire
- Confined space entryHot workInspection and maintenance
- Pressure vessel
- Competence and trainingFire protectionAtmospheric gas testingOperational supervision
- Upstream oil and gas
- Offshore installation
Summary
An MMS investigation examines a fire during welding inside a low-pressure production separator. Flammable material beneath the oil weir ignited, injuring a welder and a fire watch worker. Findings identify incomplete cleaning, an omitted internal inspection and intermittent rather than continuous atmospheric monitoring. Contractor expectations and supervisory training are recorded.
Classifications: Confined space hazards; confined-space hazards.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Confined space entry; tank entry; enclosed space entry.
Classifications: Hot work; welding and cutting.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Pressure vessel; pressure vessels.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Fire protection; fire suppression; fire detection.
Classifications: Atmospheric gas testing; gas testing; atmosphere testing.
Classifications: Operational supervision.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Offshore installation; offshore platform; offshore rig.