Activity
Decommissioning
Making installations safe and removing or retiring them.
Documents
- 202631 Mar
Planning for proactive decommissioning
This information paper explains lifecycle planning for petroleum decommissioning, including progressive removal, permanent well abandonment and increasingly detailed permissioning submissions. It outlines regulatory expectations, alternative end states, long-lead procurement, continued maintenance and changing risk profiles, alongside environmental monitoring and completion reporting to demonstrate that obligations have been met.
- 2026Mar
Wild Birds (Nesting) Advice Note v1 March 2026
Advice for UKCS oil and gas operators protecting nesting birds during installation decommissioning. It explains licensing routes and tests, bird management plans, survey timing and competence, and limitations of deterrent methods. An appended case describes combined deterrents at a Southern North Sea installation without establishing which measure chiefly prevented nesting.
- 2025Dec
Office PINC List
An office compliance checklist pairs regulatory questions with cited authorities and enforcement codes. It covers operational approvals, structural records, financial security, well-control competence, spill preparedness, drilling and decommissioning. Further checks address pipeline maintenance and reporting, reservoir conservation, production measurement, and geological and geophysical permits and data submissions.
- 202512 Jun
Design notification guidance note
Explains design notification requirements for new or significantly altered production facilities and new greenhouse gas facilities. Covers notification triggers, design options, major accident risks, pipeline materials, decommissioning and site conditions. Clarifies independent validation, subsequent safety-case demonstrations and NOPSEMA’s assessment process, which produces written comments rather than acceptance.
- 20253 Apr
Incidents occurring during decommissioning
This safety flash compiles decommissioning incidents involving offshore structures, lifting and diving work. Cases include falling loads, damaged rigging, structural collapse, chemical exposure and underwater burning. It summarises breaches of selected life-saving rules and records a riser recovery incident in which personnel remained clear of the lifting area and escaped injury.
- 20256 Feb
Saturation diver exposed to chemicals from pipeline
A saturation diver suffered chemical burns after exposure to chemically treated seawater while disconnecting a pigging/flushing hose during decommissioning. The flash identifies uncertainty over flushing and absent engineered barriers. Lessons address understanding pipeline contents, hazard analysis, amended procedures, valve isolation and securing, and reducing exposure through local valves.
- 202424 Oct
UK HSE: Incident during rig decommissioning leads to fatality
An IMCA flash summarises HSE findings from gas-rig dismantling ashore. A skirt pile weighing more than 27 tonnes struck a mobile elevating work platform, throwing two workers to ground about 12 metres below. One died; another sustained life-changing injuries. Findings highlight inadequate planning, risk assessment and supervision, with no cutting plan or safe system of work.
- 20243 Sep
Offshore platform decommissioning near miss
Two workers escaped injury when offshore platform topsides detached and swung above them during decommissioning in Western Australia in 2021. The flash examines inadequately assessed crane auto-tensioning forces and pre-load tension, and outlines technical lift-plan assessment, castellated cuts where rotation is possible, and keeping workers clear of suspended loads.
- 2024Sep
F-Gas Guidance September 2024
Revised guidance for offshore oil and gas operators and service companies explains fluorinated greenhouse gas obligations. It covers technician qualifications, equipment labelling, carbon dioxide equivalence calculations, use restrictions, leak checks and detection systems, recovery and disposal during decommissioning, record retention, emissions reporting, inspection and civil penalties.
- 202419 Apr
Renewable Energy Modernization Rule
Unofficial prepublication final rule modernising US offshore renewable energy regulation. It addresses leasing, meteorological buoy approvals, deferred geotechnical investigations and financial assurance, alongside independent project verification, commissioning, inspections and safety management reporting. Agency responses explain adopted changes, rejected proposals and continuing environmental review obligations.
- 202419 Mar
Person struck and injured during lifting operations
During spar decommissioning, a partially attached fire water pump skid came free on a second lifting attempt and struck a nitrogen vessel previously cut 95% loose. The vessel struck a worker. The flash identifies unknown welds, inadequate work and change controls, and ignored crew concerns, emphasising preparation, listening and reassessment.
- 202410 Jan
Offshore project proposal content requirements guidance note
NOPSEMA guidance explains content requirements for offshore petroleum project proposals, including project descriptions, alternatives analysis, cumulative environmental effects and acceptable impact levels. It addresses decommissioning, environmental performance outcomes, mandatory public comment and acceptance criteria, linking whole-project authorisation to subsequent activity environment plans and their monitoring requirements.
- 202319 Dec
NOPSEMA and OIR Research Strategy 2024-2027
This strategy identifies collaborative research priorities for environmental management of offshore energy projects. It addresses cumulative impacts, underwater noise, fauna detection, emissions, decommissioning and geological carbon storage. Priorities include seabed remediation, standardised bird monitoring and renewable-energy mitigation research, while distinguishing the regulator’s research end-user role from conducting or funding research.
- 202314 Nov
Flash Fire from Oxygen Regulator Leads to Burn Injury
A crew member suffered first- and second-degree wrist burns when an oxygen regulator burst during preparations for welding in platform decommissioning. The alert explains oxygen-system ignition hazards and recommends considering brass rather than aluminium fittings, controlled valve opening, contamination prevention, maintenance, training and protective clothing that keeps skin covered.
- 2023
Ren Split Rule 2023
Unofficial pre-publication text of a joint final rule transferring offshore renewable-energy safety, environmental oversight and enforcement regulations from BOEM to BSEE without changing substantive requirements. It sets out revised regulatory parts, agency responsibilities, facility verification, inspections, environmental reviews, reporting and decommissioning provisions, including alternate uses of existing facilities.
- 202213 Dec
Fires During Decommissioning Cause Injuries
A contractor suffered facial burns when trapped hydrocarbons ignited during torch cutting of pipework being decommissioned. Earlier seawater flushing and draining had not removed the hydrocarbons. The alert identifies shortcomings in hazard analysis, planning and permitting, and recommends job-specific procedures, atmospheric verification, isolation safeguards and pre-job communication.
- 20221 Nov
Hydraulic Oil Leak to Sea from Downline Fitting
During decommissioning with a diamond wire saw, 100 litres of hydraulic oil escaped to sea through a slack BSP downline fitting. Tightness checks had been omitted because the checklist prompted only visual inspection. Actions included physical tightness checks, checklist revision, additional fitting supports and removal of the hydraulic hose bight following feasibility review.
- 20221 Apr
UK HSE: worker falls from height during oil platform decommissioning
An IMCA safety flash describes a worker’s 15-metre fall during dismantling of the Brent Bravo platform. Corroded attachment bolts and an unrecognised separate platform affected structural integrity. The HSE investigation identified a missing full structural appraisal before demolition, with implications for risk assessment and the cutting method.
- 202121 Jun
Complying with your decommissioning obligations
This brochure explains NOPSEMA’s expectations for decommissioning offshore oil and gas assets in Australia. It outlines tiered regulatory oversight, enforceable directions and planning throughout project life. It also discusses maintaining unused property, timely well abandonment and infrastructure removal, and conditions for considering alternatives to full removal.
- 202126 Mar
The Offshore Management of Human Factors Inspection Guide
Inspection guidance for assessing human factors management in UKCS offshore oil and gas operations. It sets success criteria for critical task analysis, procedures, competence, fatigue, handovers, staffing, organisational change, interfaces and alarms. Qualitative analysis underpins quantitative assessment, while inspection scoring accounts for the scope inspected and cumulative risk gaps.
- 202111 Feb
Rigging failure during riser recovery – soft slings parted
During riser recovery at sea, a 3.8-tonne section fell approximately 2.5 m onto the deck after sharp deadman-anchor edges cut its soft slings. Personnel remained behind barriers. The flash recommends wire rope slings, subject to a risk-assessed exception, and consideration of rounded anchors or welded pad eyes.
- 2021Jan
Structural integrity requirements for the decommissioning and dismantlement of fixed offshore installations
Guidance for duty holders on maintaining structural integrity during fixed offshore installation decommissioning and dismantling. It addresses unattended lighthouse mode, re-boarding, strength, lift and stability assessments, structural modifications and final removal. It also explains verification arrangements and differing safety-case expectations for small installation campaigns and larger, more complex dismantling projects.
- 201917 Dec
Midland Resource Recovery Explosion
This investigation examines two fatal explosions during draining of chemically treated gas odorizers at Midland Resource Recovery in West Virginia. It identifies failures to characterise vessel contents and manage reactive chemistry hazards, while leaving the exact reactions unresolved. The report discusses operating procedures, overpressure protection and gaps in regulatory coverage.
- 201924 Sep
Safety Alert 366 - Dangerous Levels Of H2S Detected At Offshore Facilities
BSEE describes three hydrogen sulphide releases during offshore pipeline flushing and well abandonment, including incidents at non-sour facilities. One worker experienced dizziness and nausea. The alert recommends considering gas monitoring, detector calibration and bump testing, job safety analysis, rescue preparedness and gas-buster safeguards during potentially hazardous operations.
- 201917 Sep
Dropped wooden block in conductor support frame
During conductor decommissioning, a wooden wedge weighing approximately 13 kg fell 6 m and struck a rigger, causing minor cuts. Additional upper wedges were outside the procedure, and securing eyes failed during conductor movement. The flash emphasises management of change, immediate procedure updates, communication and participatory job safety analysis.
- 201910 Jul
Safety Alert 359 - Unsafe Use of Pipe Wrenches Discovered during Inspection
An inspection found damaged pipe wrenches being torqued with come-alongs attached through shackles during decommissioning. The alert explains manufacturers’ overload and injury warnings, recommends hand-only use and removal of damaged wrenches, and advises operators to consider restrictions on misuse and checks of contractors’ tools before and during work.
- 201721 Dec
Load exceeding safe working load (SWL) leads to overstressed and damaged rigging
During pipeline decommissioning, a crane-suspended shear tool pulled downwards as its jaws closed, overloading and deforming the rigging. A nearby diver could have been harmed. The flash identifies planning and communication shortcomings and highlights tool placement, available slack, communicating rigging capacity and reviewing rigging drawings.
- 201622 Nov
Diver loss of consciousness during underwater burning activities
A diver lost consciousness during underwater burning while removing a subsea structure after cold cutting proved problematic. A suspected blow back was believed responsible, with gas accumulation a possible immediate cause. The flash examines unrecognised task changes, risk assessment and procedural shortcomings, and competence assurance while the investigation remained ongoing.
- 201625 Aug
Decommissioning Liability Assessment Workshop (New Orleans, LA)
Workshop slides explain BSEE’s Gulf of Mexico decommissioning liability estimates, assessment at permit rather than plan stage, and expenditure reporting under NTL 2016-N03. They discuss well, platform and pipeline costing methods, frequent liability updates, financial security conditions, and allocation of actual project costs across assets and reporting categories.
- 201610 Aug
Decommissioning Liability Assessment Workshop (Houston, TX)
Workshop slides explain BSEE decommissioning liability valuation and expenditure reporting under NTL 2016-N03. They cover asset-level cost allocation, conductor removal accounting, permit-stage assessment and public liability queries. Proposed estimate changes distinguish well status and water depth, with shallow-water pipeline costs derived from operator-data regression analyses.
- 2015Dec
The Offshore Installations (Offshore Safety Directive) (Safety Case etc) Regulations 2015. Guidance on Regulations
HSE guidance explains the offshore safety-case regime for oil and gas installations in external waters. It covers submissions, acceptance, notifications, lifecycle reviews and transitional arrangements, alongside independent verification and well examination. Detailed guidance addresses major-accident risk evaluation, environmental protection, management systems, combined operations and emergency arrangements.
- 2014Nov
2014-002 VR 200 Investigation of October 27, 2013, Fatality Vermilion Area Block 200 platform “A” Lease No. OCS-G 09500, Complex ID No. 24098-01
Investigation of a welder’s fatality during offshore platform decommissioning. A tank skid with attached vent booms rotated and fell into the sea during weld cutting, carrying the worker overboard. The panel examines ambiguous cutting instructions, omitted preparation planning, generic job safety analyses, inadequate oversight and failure to stop after unexpected movement.
- 201330 Jan
Lost time injury (LTI): Broken thumb
A technician broke his thumb while removing Unistrut framework during barge demobilisation when one end unexpectedly detached and fell. The flash identifies inadequate assessment of unexpected movement despite pre-work briefings. It recommends two-person installation and removal, with the second person supporting the section regardless of length.
- 2013
Dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres
This consolidated Approved Code of Practice explains DSEAR duties for work involving dangerous substances. It addresses risk assessment, storage and containment, ventilation, ignition prevention and hazardous-area classification. Detailed guidance covers equipment suitability, hot work, tank cleaning and disposal, explosion-safety verification, emergency arrangements and employee training.
- 201210 Jul
Fall fatality during platform abandonment
This safety flash summarises a BSEE report of a fatal incident during well plugging and abandonment and production-platform decommissioning. At night, a worker at the top of the well was dragged by a load into an exposed deck opening and fell to his death.
- 201213 Apr
Safety Alert 301 - Fall/Fatality during P&A/Platform Abandonment
A roustabout died after stepping or being dragged into a deck opening exposed during a night-time power swivel lift on an offshore platform undergoing abandonment. The alert examines short tag lines, obstructed crane visibility, incomplete hazard discussions and supervision deficiencies, recommending comprehensive JSAs, fall protection and clearer medical evacuation arrangements.
- 2012Apr
A guide to the Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996
Explains the Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996 across pipeline design, construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning. Addresses operating limits, pressure testing, containment integrity and emergency shut-down valves, alongside additional duties for major accident hazard pipelines, including prevention documentation, notifications, safety management and emergency planning.
- 2011Sep
Hazards from Abandoned Equipment — Process Safety Beacon, September 2011
Four examples illustrate hazards from abandoned equipment, including propane leakage, product contamination, an electrical ground fault and a toxic cloud from residual phosphorus trichloride. The bulletin recommends management of change, isolation, lockout and tagout, removal of abandoned assets, management awareness and periodic inspection of equipment remaining out of service.
- 2011Jul
Review and Assessment of Underwater Sound Produced from Oil and Gas Activities and Potential Reporting Requirements under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, July 2011
This research review catalogues underwater sound from oil and gas operations and assesses potential reporting under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. It compares acoustic measurements and marine-animal impact criteria across seismic surveying, piling, explosive decommissioning and continuous sources, highlighting data gaps, conversion uncertainties and differences between proposed reporting thresholds and biological effects.
- 2010Mar
A guide to the Offshore Installations (Safety Case) Regulations 2005
Explains the 2005 offshore safety-case regulations, including duty-holder responsibilities, submission, acceptance and continuing review. Covers major-accident risk evaluation, contractor management, independent verification of safety-critical elements, well-operation notifications and dismantling revisions. Distinguishes notifications from accepted safety cases and explains that acceptance does not guarantee installation safety.
- 2008Nov
2008-056 Investigation of Pipeline Leak, Pipeline Segment No. 4582, Main Pass Area Block 288, 23 June 2007, Gulf of Mexico, Off the Louisiana Coast
Investigates a crude-oil pipeline spill in the Gulf of Mexico on 23 June 2007, estimated at 187 barrels. Corrosion holes were attributed to inadequate cathodic protection and delayed corrective action. The report describes gas pressure testing, diver inspections, clamp repairs and decommissioning, recommending improved regulatory follow-up of overdue inspection submissions.
- 2008Oct
Ice ruptures unused pipe and causes fire! — Process Safety Beacon, October 2008
A refinery fire followed freezing of water accumulated in unused piping through a leaking isolation valve. Expansion cracked the pipe; subsequent thawing allowed propane to escape and ignite. The bulletin emphasises positive isolation, management-of-change review and winter preparation for equipment and low-flow pipe branches.
- 20084 Feb
Serious hand injury
A rigging foreman suffered partial amputation of two fingers while rearranging redundant pipelines aboard a vessel to fit a chain stopper. Residual tension made one pipe spring against the other. The flash examines procedural drift during repetitive recovery work, unassessed changes and inadequate supervisory control.
- 2008
Verification during decommissioning and dismantling
Guidance on revising offshore verification schemes during decommissioning and dismantling as safety-critical elements and specified plant change. It explains consultation with the independent competent person, phase-based risk assessment, revision before changes, record retention and consideration of additional safeguards when barriers deteriorate. It also clarifies when installation status ends.
- 20071 Aug
Safety Alert 253 - Plug and Abandonment of Non-producing Wells and Facilities
MMS highlights hurricane vulnerability among idle, non-producing Gulf of Mexico platforms and wells. The alert outlines plugging and removal requirements and recommends evaluating future utility and potential environmental and human-safety threats, using API hurricane-assessment guidance. Removal plans should prioritise structures posing the greatest threat.
- 2002Jan
Bethlehem Steel Corporation Gas Condensate Fire — Final Investigation Report
Investigation of a fatal condensate fire during valve removal at Burns Harbor steel mill. The report examines deadleg accumulation, probable freezing damage, isolation and drainage deficiencies, potential ignition sources and demolition-related escape obstructions. Recommendations address written maintenance preparation, condensate monitoring, winterisation and communication of hazards and incident findings.
- 2001Oct
Guidance on Offshore Petroleum Activities (Conservation of Habitats) Regulations 2001
Guidance explains habitat and species protection requirements for offshore petroleum licensing, surveys, drilling, pipeline authorisations and decommissioning. It describes screening for likely significant effects, appropriate assessment by DTI with JNCC advice, consent decisions, exceptional public-interest provisions, compensatory measures, reviews and appeals.
- 199626 Mar
International Workshop on Offshore Lease Abandonment and Platform Disposal
An MMS news release announces an international workshop on offshore lease abandonment and platform disposal, jointly sponsored with Louisiana State University. It outlines platform removal and artificial-reef conversion trends, alongside an agenda covering wells, pipelines, facility removal, site clearance, regulation and habitat management.
- 198621 Feb
Safety Alert 146 - Fire During Production Equipment Dismantling Operations
An alert describes a production-platform fire during concurrent welding and equipment dismantling. With the platform shut in, the inactive containment system overflowed back through a drain line, allowing welding sparks to ignite condensate in a drip pan. Planned measures include draining and flushing before shutdown and heightened fire-watch vigilance.
- Undated
Two Subsea Xylene Releases During Marco Polo Operations
BSEE investigates two subsea xylene releases associated with Marco Polo operations in January 2025. The first involved failed seals in an inline logic cap unsuitable for xylene service; the second followed an uncommunicated replacement delay caused by weather. Corrective actions included a suitably rated cap, revised isolation procedures and personnel retraining.
- Undated
Vessel Allision During Pipeline Riser Decommissioning
Investigation of a vessel allision during pipeline-riser decommissioning at Ewing Banks 921 A. The account examines unexpected winch payout, a wedged shackle and severed hold-back cable. Vessel bollard pull was insufficient and had not been checked against lift calculations. Damage affected the platform and vessel crane.
- Undated
Buoyant Riser Assembly Rose and Damaged Supports During Well Abandonment
Investigation of a riser-cutting incident during well abandonment at Hoover Spar. Positive buoyancy drove the stem/can assembly upwards, breaking deck stopper bolts and damaging support beams and nitrogen lines. Bolt analysis identified corrosion and section loss. Revised procedures removed buoyancy and landed the assembly before cutting; no injuries or pollution occurred.
- Undated
Cement Pump Diesel Engine Fire During Decommissioning
Investigation of a cement-pump diesel engine fire during decommissioning from a lift boat. Turbocharger failure fed engine oil into the air intake, causing overspeed. An intake seal displaced during emergency shutdown allowed continued running. Crew extinguished the fire; no injuries or pollution were reported.
- Undated
Fingers Trapped Against Deck During Casing Removal
BSEE investigates a hand injury during casing removal at South Timbalier Platform F. A crane lowered casing while a worker installed a supporting pin, trapping his fingers against the deck. Findings address unspecified pinch points, absent banksman designation, misinterpreted movement and departures from the prescribed body position.
- Undated
Cut Pipeline Struck Worker and Threw Him Overboard
A BSEE investigation examines an injury during pipeline removal on an unmanned platform. A tensioned pipeline moved approximately three to four feet after cutting, striking a worker and throwing him through an open hole into the Gulf. Findings address hazard reassessment, supervision, missing mechanical bracing and failure to stop work.
- Undated
Conductor Drop During Decommissioning Dropped Crane Ball onto Work Basket
Investigation of a conductor drop during decommissioning at Mustang Island 85. Corrosion-related wall loss allowed stationary slips to lose grip, overloading the crane’s auxiliary line and dropping its headache ball onto an occupied work basket. No injuries or pollution occurred. Recovery used additional retention; recommendations address casing inspection and drop-risk mitigation.
- Undated
Workers Fell into Sea During Bridge Removal
Investigation of a bridge-removal incident during decommissioning in which eight workers fell approximately 60–70 feet into Gulf waters. The report examines bridge support failure, shock-loaded nylon slings, personnel boarding after stop-work, unsecured piping and inadequate lighting. It records injuries, rescue and evacuation, and identifies supervision and sling-selection failures.
- Undated
Welder Burned While Torch-Cutting Process Piping During Decommissioning Preparations
An investigation describes a welder burned while torch-cutting overhead process piping during platform decommissioning preparations. Released liquid hydrocarbons ignited his clothing. Findings address unremoved flammable contents, failure to follow task-analysis precautions, and omissions concerning draining and flushing. The report also records firefighting, medical evacuation and possible communication problems following crew changes.
- Undated
Rigger Injured Stepping into Open Hatch During Platform Removal Preparations
An investigation describes a rigger’s shin and hand injuries after stepping into an open hatch on Eugene Island 56-G during platform removal preparations. It identifies absent barricading, limited lighting and inadequate communication, records personnel transfer omitted from the job safety analysis, and recommends communicating precautions for unguarded openings.
- Undated
Fingertip Amputations During Conductor Removal at Platform Gail
BSEE investigates an injury involving amputation of two fingertips during conductor removal at Platform Gail. A worker adjusted marine-growth scraping chains without confirmed stopping of the casing jack. The report compares chain, chain-link fabric and proposed diver methods, examining ineffective radio commands, insufficient risk assessment and missing management-of-change procedures.
- Undated
Worker Falls After Releasing Bridle Pin During Crane Dismantling
An investigation into serious injuries during crane dismantling on South Marsh 136 B platform. A worker released a bridle pin before gantry tension was relieved, then fell approximately 19.5 feet with his lanyard attached to the bridle. Findings address unsuitable anchorage, unsecured bridle support, inadequate procedures and deficient supervision.
- Undated
Oil Storage Tank Explosion During Platform Decommissioning Torch Cutting
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.
- Undated
Hydrogen Sulphide Release During Pipeline Flushing for Platform Abandonment
Investigation of a hydrogen sulphide release during pipeline flushing for platform abandonment at South Pelto 5-B. Detection of 100 ppm prompted cessation of operations and muster on a neighbouring lift barge. The report attributes gas formation to bacterial growth in retained pipeline water and records tank neutralisation without injuries or ill effects.
- Undated
Falling Mud Injured Welder During Platform Removal
BSEE investigates a welder’s leg fractures during platform removal at High Island Block 110. Mud fell from a recovered jacket while he welded supports to a material barge deck. Findings identify omitted dropped-object hazards in the job safety analysis and the absence of a written debris-removal procedure.
- Undated
Torch Cutting Slag Ignited Leaking Gas During Well Decommissioning
Investigates a brief fire during torch cutting for well decommissioning on Ship Shoal 177 A. Slag ignited gas leaking through an adjacent well’s surface safety valve diaphragm. Findings identify failure to shut in that well, conflicting work documents and poor communication. The fire was extinguished immediately, with no harm or damage.
- Undated
Hydraulic Hose Failure Released Oil During Platform Structural Removal
An investigation records a hydraulic hose failure during platform structural removal using a prime shear. Following repair of a small leak without pollution, increased hydraulic pressure caused the line to fail, releasing 55 gallons of hydraulic oil into Gulf waters. Abrasion was identified as the cause; the shear was removing underwater debris.
- Undated
Flash Fire During Hot Work Preparing Platform for Jacket Removal
Investigation of a flash fire during hot work preparing an offshore platform for jacket removal. Torch slag ignited vapours in an out-of-service sump pile. A welder suffered hand burns and fell into the water. Findings address flammable substances, task-specific hazard analysis, permit verification and gas-detection competence.
- Undated
Sling Failure During Water Abrasive Cutter Retrieval
Investigates a sling failure during retrieval of a water abrasive cutter from a platform caisson. A worker suffered head and neck injuries when the sling parted. Findings identify unaddressed dynamic loading during a wave surge, incomplete job safety analysis, failure to stop work and personnel proximity to the suspended load.
- Undated
Rope Breaks During Explosive Charge Lowering and Injures Worker
During platform removal at MU 762A, a polypropylene rope broke while lowering a 190 lb explosive charge into a jacket leg, injuring a worker’s hands and wrist. The investigation identified handling without a tagline, unsuitable rope routing and an inoperative crane swing brake. Work was completed using taglines, a sheave and a snatch block.
- Undated
Residual Acetylene Ignited During Conductor-Casing Cutting
An investigation into a welder’s injury during conductor-casing cutting in abandonment and platform removal operations records residual acetylene ignition and momentary unconsciousness. Medical evaluation identified a slight left-wrist sprain. The report discusses hydrocarbon gas checks and a job safety analysis that omitted confined-space hazards, with no district recommendations.
- Undated
Umbilical Breach Released Methanol and Ethylene Glycol During Abandonment
Investigation of an umbilical breach during abandonment at Boomvang SPAR, releasing approximately 41 barrels of methanol and ethylene glycol. The report identifies marine growth trapping centralisers and a suspected cutting impact. Subsurface guides prevented visual confirmation, while the winch lacked load or tension monitoring. ROV observations documented tube damage.
- Undated
Cutting Slag Ignites Portable Office During Platform Decommissioning
Investigation of a portable office fire during decommissioning on WC 534 A platform. Slag from oxy-fuel cutting ignited timber within the walls. Findings address combustible-material classification, absent shielding and inadequate initial firefighting water provision. Personnel evacuated to an attendant vessel, whose monitor extinguished the fire; no injuries or pollution were reported.
- Undated
Worker’s Hand Trapped Between Casings During Torch Cutting
Investigates a hand injury during torch cutting of well casings at the West Cameron 639A decommissioning project. An ungrouted inner casing swayed, trapping the worker’s hand against the outer casing. The report identifies an omitted pinch point in the job safety analysis and notes that welded steel plates could have eliminated it.
- Undated
Flash Fire During Burning Bar Use in Platform Decommissioning
Investigation of a flash fire during platform decommissioning at Matagorda Island 685. An Oxylance burning bar ignited gas trapped in a casing annulus after checks elsewhere indicated no combustible gas. The report examines detection limitations, evacuation and subsequent air circulation and testing; no injuries, pollution or property damage were reported.
- Undated
Shifting Pipe Trapped Contractor’s Leg During Platform Decommissioning
BSEE investigates a contractor’s fractured femur during platform decommissioning at Eugene Island 259 C. Cutting an 8-inch pipe caused it to shift and trap his leg. The report identifies inadequate crew-location communication and job safety analysis of stored-energy movement, alongside restricted positioning while wearing a harness.
- Undated
Worker’s Finger Trapped Between Boom Sections During Portable-Crane Dismantling
Investigation of a right index finger injury during portable-crane dismantling on an offshore platform. Movement of the boom sections trapped the employee’s finger during lifting for transfer to a supply vessel. Findings address safe positioning, missing job-step precautions and inadequate mentoring of a short-service employee.
- Undated
Guidance on decommissioning debris surveys and seabed clearance verification
Guidance distinguishes debris recovery from seabed clearance verification during oil and gas decommissioning. It explains when ROV recovery, geophysical surveys and over-trawl methods are appropriate, considering safety zones, seabed disturbance and protected habitats. It also addresses chain-mat remediation of snagging hazards, regulatory review and marine licensing requirements.