Safety Flash
Explosion in ballast tank causing loss of life
Explosion in ballast tank causing loss of life
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 10/05
- Confined SpaceExplosionHot Work and FirePermit to Work
- Confined space hazardsExplosion
- Confined space entryHot workInspection and maintenance
- Gas cylinderHoseValve
- Energy and process isolationPermit to workPreventive maintenanceVentilation
- Upstream oil and gas
Summary
An explosion during oxy-acetylene repairs inside an oil rig’s ballast tank seriously burned two workers, one of whom later died. Gas had accumulated during a break through a torch valve that was not tight, with inadequate ventilation. Lessons address hot-work certificate follow-up, continuous ventilation, gas-equipment maintenance and precautions when leaving work temporarily.
Classifications: Confined space hazards; confined-space hazards.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Confined space entry; tank entry; enclosed space entry.
Classifications: Hot work; welding and cutting.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Gas cylinder; compressed gas bottle; gas cylinders.
Classifications: Hose; flexible hose.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Energy and process isolation; isolation; energy isolation.
Classifications: Permit to work; PTW; work permit.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Ventilation; forced ventilation.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Summary
Gas accumulated in an inadequately ventilated ballast tank during a work break and ignited when oxy-acetylene work resumed.
IMCA SF 10/05. Themes: confined space, explosion, hot work and fire, permit to work.