Welding Explosion and Injury
Effective Date: 6/15/1984
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 129
June 15, 1984
OCS Operations Safety Alert
Welding Explosion and Injury
An all too common human error occurred on the Gulf of Mexico OCS recentlycausing an injury and some damage.
The accident was caused by a welder attempting to cut the top out of a drumwithout flushing and filling the drum properly. The drum had warning labels onits side indicating flammable liquid. The drum exploded and threw the welderagainst the wall of the welding shack.
To prevent a recurrence of this type of accident, the operation will againstress the company's welding procedures and instructions. Drums should beflushed with water and left full of water when cutting is necessary.
[signed] D.W. Solanas
Regional Supervisor
Rules and Production
Gulf of Mexico OCS Region