Safety Flash
Fatality during pressure test
Fatality during pressure test
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 18/09
- Control of WorkLine of FirePressure Systems
- Line of firePressure systems
- Pressure testing
- Valve
- Exclusion zonesPositive retention and reliable securingRisk assessment
- Marine industry
Summary
A nitrogen pressure test on a drilling rig caused a valve assembly to rotate as its relief valve vented, fatally striking a crew member checking an instrument. Lessons address exclusion zones, assessed access, remote monitoring and securing equipment against movement caused by escaping high-pressure gas.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Pressure testing; hydrostatic testing; pneumatic testing.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Exclusion zones; red zones; restricted access zones.
Classifications: Positive retention and reliable securing.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Summary
A pressure-test assembly rotated violently when nitrogen vented, fatally striking a worker inside the high-pressure area.
IMCA SF 18/09. Themes: control of work, line of fire, pressure systems.