Safety Flash
Near-miss: Gas release from subsea pipeline
Near-miss: Gas release from subsea pipeline
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 09/17
- DivingHydrocarbon ReleaseIsolationPermit to Work
- Hydrogen sulphideLoss of containment
- Diving operationsLifting operationsROV operations
- Gas detectorPersonal protective equipmentProcess pipework and pipelines
- Emergency responseFunctional testingPermit to workSafety communication
- Downstream and process industriesMarine industry
- SubseaVessel
Summary
A gas release occurred during subsea spool connection while divers were in the bell for shift changeover. The vessel moved clear and an ROV released the crane hook safely. Findings highlight missing refinery communication about valve opening; recommendations address permit understanding, inter-site communication, H2S preparedness, drills and equipment testing.
Classifications: Hydrogen sulphide; H2S; H₂S; hydrogen sulfide.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Diving operations; diving; commercial diving.
Classifications: Lifting operations; load lifting; hoisting.
Classifications: ROV operations; remotely operated vehicle operations.
Classifications: Gas detector; gas monitor; gas detection instrument.
Classifications: Personal protective equipment; PPE; personal protection equipment.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Permit to work; PTW; work permit.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Downstream and process industries; refining; petrochemicals.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Subsea; underwater worksite.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
A member has reported a near miss incident in which there was an unplanned release of gas from a subsea pipeline, when divers were working nearby.
IMCA SF 09/17. Themes: diving, hydrocarbon release, isolation, permit to work.