Explosion
Effective Date: 11/9/1977
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 068
November 9, 1977
OCS Operations Safety Alert
Explosion
An explosion recently occurred on an offshore production platform resulting in injuries to two men.
Two service company personnel were injured attempting to start an engine by using gas well pressure in lieu of compressed air. When they found that an air compressor was not available on the platform, they connected the engine air volume chamber into a 1750 psi gas well. When the well pressure was opened to the volume chamber to start the engine, the chamber exploded, scattered metal, and injured the two men.
To avoid a recurrence of this type of accident, the operator has informed all contract personnel that this method of starting engines will not be used. If this situation occurs again, operations will be shut down until the proper equipment is available to start the engine.
[signed] D.W. Solanas
Oil and Gas Supervisor
Field Operations
Gulf of Mexico Area