Fatality
Effective Date: 10/26/1977
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 067
October 26, 1977
OCS Operations Safety Alert
Fatality
An accident occurred recently on an offshore platform drilling rig which resulted in fatal injuries to one man and minor injuries to another.
Prior to the accident, mud pump #1 had been shut down for valve repairs and mud pump #2 placed in service. After the repairs were completed, an attempt was made from the rig floor to switch from pump #2 back to pump #1. However, the discharge valve of pump #1 had been left closed and pressure built up rapidly on the #1 pump discharge. The mud pump relief valve failed to function and the pressure blew the cylinder head off striking the fatally injured employee in the legs and lower side of his body.
In order to prevent a recurrence of this type of accident, the operator has taken the following steps:
1. All personnel have been instructed that whenever performing repairs on either of the pumps, the manual override switch shall be placed in the "off" position until all repairs have been completed and valves checked to be in the proper operating position.
2. All drillers have been instructed to never operate a pump which has been down for repairs until direct communication from the mud pump room is received.
3. A program has been initiated whereby all mud pump relief valves are to be inspected every two weeks and shearing nails are to be replaced at that time.
[signed] D. J. Bourgeois
for D.W. Solanas
Oil and Gas Supervisor
Field Operations
Gulf of Mexico Area