Investigation Report
Synthetic Oil-Based Mud Discharged During Intended Wash-Water Disposal
01-27-2021 13:30 G34561 GC 821 Pollution
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Environmental protectionHuman factorsLoss of containment
- DrillingFluid transfer
- PumpsValve
- Job safety analysisOperating and work proceduresPre-use checksSafety communication
- Upstream oil and gas
- Marine waters
Summary
BSEE investigates the discharge of approximately 13 barrels of synthetic oil-based mud into the Gulf of Mexico during intended wash-water disposal. Incorrect valve alignment, failure to follow procedures and poor shift-handover communication are identified. The report describes mud-mixing pump operation, discharge interruption and revised fluid-transfer checks.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Human factors; human performance; ergonomics.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Drilling; well drilling.
Classifications: Fluid transfer; fluid loading; fluid offloading.
Classifications: Pumps.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Job safety analysis; JSA; job hazard analysis; JHA.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Pre-use checks; pre-use inspection.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Marine waters.