Safety Flash
UK HSE Investigation into Offshore Gas Explosion
UK HSE Investigation into Offshore Gas Explosion
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 23/19
- CorrosionExplosionHydrocarbon ReleaseInspection and Maintenance
- CorrosionExplosionFireHydrocarbon releasePressure systems
- Inspection and maintenance
- Process pipework and pipelines
- Preventive maintenance
- Upstream oil and gas
- Offshore installation
Summary
This safety flash describes a methane release following corrosion under insulation and rupture of high-pressure pipework on Brae Alpha. Over two tonnes escaped almost instantaneously, causing widespread damage but no injuries or ignition. The HSE investigation identified inadequate inspection and required an effective pipework inspection and maintenance regime.
Classifications: Corrosion; corrosion damage.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Offshore installation; offshore platform; offshore rig.
Summary
The UK HSE has fined Marathon Oil UK LLC (Marathon) £1,160,000 following an investigation into a high-pressure gas release on the Brae Alpha offshore platform on 26 December 2015.
IMCA SF 23/19. Themes: corrosion, explosion, hydrocarbon release, inspection and maintenance.