Fatality -- Lubricator Fails
Effective Date: 11/27/1974
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 015
November 27, 1974
OCS Operations Safety Alert
Fatality--Lubricator Fails
A wireline helper was fatally injured recently on an offshore productionplatform when a wireline lubricator ruptured under pressure.
The wireline crew had rigged up on the well and were going in the hole withthe tools when the accident occurred. The lubricator ruptured in the weldbetween the well-adapter nipple and the lubricator break-out union. The escapingpressure struck the wireline helper, blowing him down a stairway and inflictingfatal injuries.
The well-adapter nipple was rented from a third party and was not a part ofthe lubricator owned by the wireline company performing the work.
To prevent recurrence of this type of accident, the operator is exercisinggreater caution in the choice of third-party rental equipment to insure thatadequate quality and strength are present to safely contain well pressures.
[signature] D.W. Solanas
Oil and Gas Supervisor
Field Operations
Gulf of Mexico Area