Investigation Report
Flash Fire During Casing Welding in Well Abandonment
05-17-2014 08:30 G32224 ST 285 LTA (>3 days) / RW/JT (1-3 days) / Human Error
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- FireHuman factors
- Hot workWell abandonment
- Atmospheric gas testingJob safety analysisOperational supervisionPermit to work
- Upstream oil and gas
Summary
An investigation of a flash fire during well abandonment describes three workers suffering burns while pad eyes were welded inside casing. Burning slag ignited gas in the wellbore. Findings address incomplete permits, inadequate hazard analysis, gas testing and supervision, including failure to reassess risk when the welding arrangement changed.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Human factors; human performance; ergonomics.
Classifications: Hot work; welding and cutting.
Classifications: Well abandonment; plug and abandonment; P&A.
Classifications: Atmospheric gas testing; gas testing; atmosphere testing.
Classifications: Job safety analysis; JSA; job hazard analysis; JHA.
Classifications: Operational supervision.
Classifications: Permit to work; PTW; work permit.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.