Flash Fire

Effective Date: 6/20/1980

U.S. Department of the Interior
Minerals Management Service
Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

Notice No. 098

June 20, 1980

OCS Operations Safety Alert

Flash Fire

An air impact wrench was attached by a quick-connect fitting to an instrument gas header on an offshore production platform. The connection previously supplied air before gas production was initiated on the platform. The exhausting gas from the wrench was ignited by a nearby portable grinder and extinguished when the tool trigger was released.

The roustabout received slight burns and there was no damage.

To eliminate a recurrence of this incident, the quick-connect fittings have been removed from the gas header and signs will be installed identifying air and gas lines.

[signed] D.W. Solanas

Deputy Conservation Manager

Offshore Operations Support

Gulf of Mexico OCS Region