Flash Fire
Effective Date: 6/20/1980
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 098
June 20, 1980
OCS Operations Safety Alert
Flash Fire
An air impact wrench was attached by a quick-connect fitting to an instrument gas header on an offshore production platform. The connection previously supplied air before gas production was initiated on the platform. The exhausting gas from the wrench was ignited by a nearby portable grinder and extinguished when the tool trigger was released.
The roustabout received slight burns and there was no damage.
To eliminate a recurrence of this incident, the quick-connect fittings have been removed from the gas header and signs will be installed identifying air and gas lines.
[signed] D.W. Solanas
Deputy Conservation Manager
Offshore Operations Support
Gulf of Mexico OCS Region