Flash Fire -- Men Burned
Effective Date: 7/9/1976
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 048
July 9, 1976
OCS Operations Safety Alert
Flash Fire -- Men Burned
A fire recently occurred on an offshore production platform while starting a compressor engine equipped with a gas-powered engine starter.
Two men were starting the compressor engine when an accumulation of gas in the area was apparently ignited by a spark from a damaged starter-flywheel gear drive. This accumulation of gas evidently resulted from several loose connections in the engine starter gas supply and exhaust lines. The fire was extinguished immediately. One man received first and second degree burns about the face.
To prevent a recurrence of this accident the operator has taken the following action:
1. The damaged flywheel ring gear was replaced.
2. All connections in the starter supply line were checked and tightened.
3. The starter exhaust line was modified to extend above the compressor building.
[signed] D.J. Bourgeois
for D.W. Solanas
Oil and Gas Supervisor
Field Operations
Gulf of Mexico Area