Fire from Generator Engine Exhaust Leak Igniting Fiberglass Panel
Effective Date: 3/17/1986
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 147
March 17, 1986
Fire from Generator Engine Exhaust Leak Igniting Fiberglass Panel
A fire occurred in a generator building on a production platform when a flange gasket in the gas generator's engine exhaust line ruptured. The hot exhaust gas discharged upward on the roof igniting a fiberglass sky- light panel which dripped burning, molten material onto the generator engine and radiator. The fire caused the fusible plug to melt and activate the emergency shutdown system which shut in the platform.
The fire water pump was started and dry chemical extinguishers were used to extinguish the fire which burned approximately 15 minutes. There were no personnel injuries and no pollution. Equipment damage was moderate.
To prevent a recurrence of this type accident, the operator has taken steps to:
1. Replace the fiberglass panel with sheet metal.
2. Relocate the engine exhaust line flange outside of the building.