Sump Tank Fire -- Man Burned
Effective Date: 5/6/1975
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 023
May 6, 1975
OCS Operations Safety Alert
Sump Tank Fire -- Man Burned
A fire recently occurred on an offshore production platform when gas escapingfrom the top of an open sump tank ignited.
After swabbing a well, a wireline operator and helper were bleeding off aflowline and header through a hose into a sump tank which had the lid open. Agas operated sump pump was operating and the pump exhaust gas was beingdischarged into the sump tank. Gases escaping through the open lid of the sumptank ignited and the wireline helper working near the tank received minor burnsand second degree burns on his left hand and around his mouth. A nylon controlline located above sump tank ruptured from the heat of the fire and activatedthe platform emergency shutdown system. The cause of ignition is unknown. Thefire was quickly extinguished and platform damage was negligible.
To prevent a recurrence of this accident the operator plans to modify allsump tanks in the area as follows:
1. Install seals and locking devices on the lids.
2. Install a connection for attaching bleed-off hoses.
3. Install a gas vent line and route to a safe location.
[signature] D.W. Solanas
Oil and Gas Supervisor
Field Operations
Gulf of Mexico Area