Flash Fire -- Man Burned
Effective Date: 11/5/1976
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 050
November 5, 1976
OCS Operations Safety Alert
Flash Fire -- Man Burned
A flash fire recently occurred on an offshore production platform when gas was ignited by a welding lead.
A welder and his helper were preparing to install a flange and personnel walk around on a riser pipe on the side of the structure at the first level above the water. The welding leads had fallen off a cross brace and were being pulled back up by the welder when the electrode arced against the structure. An accumulation of gas coming from a nearby stock tank vent line ignited causing a large flash fire. The helper received third-degree burns on the face and leg. A small residual flame at the vent line opening was quickly extinguished.
To prevent a recurrence of this type of accident the operator has taken the following action:
All company and contract personnel have been instructed that no welding machines will be started until the supervisor in charge has determined that the area is safe for conducting welding operations.
[signed] Jack Hendricks
for D.W. Solanas
Oil and Gas Supervisor
Field Operations
Gulf of Mexico Area