Fire During Production Equipment Dismantling Operations
Effective Date: 2/21/1986
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 146
February 21, 1986
Fire During Production Equipment Dismantling Operations
A fire occurred on a production platform during simultaneous welding and production equipment dismantling operations. The platform had been shut in. Condensate, glycol, and water were being drained from production vessels on the top deck through a common drain line to the containment system (blow case) below the second deck. At the same time, a welder on the second deck was welding overhead support brackets on production piping near a production separator. Since the platform was shut in, the containment system was out of service and the fluid dump could not operate. The containment system filled up, and condensate, glycol, and water backed up the drain line into the drip pan under the production separator near the welder. The fire watch did not notice this situation. Sparks from the welding operation fell into the drip pan, igniting the condensate. The welder leaped to safety, injuring his right knee and possibly his legs. The fire was extinguished with water from the standby boat and four chemical extinguishers. Damage was minimal.
To prevent a recurrence of this type of accident, the lessee will:
1. Drain and flush all production equipment and lines to be dismantled before shutting in the platform to assure that all hydrocarbons are properly routed away from the work area.
2. Caution the fire watch to be especially alert during any welding operation simultaneous with dismantling operations.