Investigation Report
BLSR Operating Ltd. Vapor Cloud Fire — Final Investigation Report
BLSR Operating Ltd. Vapor Cloud Fire — Final Investigation Report
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- ExplosionFireHydrocarbon releaseRegulation and legislationStatic electricity
- Fluid transferTank gauging and samplingVehicles and driving
- HoseProcess pipework and pipelinesPumpsStorage tanksValve
- Competence and trainingEmergency responseIgnition source controlOperating and work procedures
- Upstream oil and gas
- Onshore facility
Summary
This investigation examines a fatal vapour-cloud deflagration during oilfield waste unloading near Rosharon, Texas. It analyses waste flammability, tank withdrawal methods and diesel-engine ignition, identifying backfire as the most likely ignition source. Recommendations address hazard information, closed-piping transfer, grounding, training and overspeed emergency procedures.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Regulation and legislation; safety legislation; regulatory requirements.
Classifications: Static electricity; electrostatic discharge.
Classifications: Fluid transfer; fluid loading; fluid offloading.
Classifications: Tank gauging and sampling.
Classifications: Vehicles and driving; driving; road transport.
Classifications: Hose; flexible hose.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Pumps.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Ignition source control; ignition prevention.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.