Equipment
Gas Detector
Instruments detecting hazardous gases, flammability or oxygen concentration.
Newest 100 Documents
All 176 in search- 2026Apr
Emergency response systems save lives! — Process Safety Beacon, April 2026
This issue examines an ammonia release at a Virginia food processing facility where evacuees encountered the outdoor cloud and four employees were hospitalised. It highlights shortcomings in alarms, emergency shutdown use and release-specific planning, emphasising trained responders, regular drills, safe relief discharge locations and wind-dependent evacuation routes.
- 2026Mar
Production PINCs
Numbered regulatory inspection questions address production safety systems, well barriers and casing-pressure diagnostics. Checks cover shutdown valve operation, gas and fire detection calibration, firewater pumps, pressure relief and protective devices on process equipment. Conditional approval requirements and specified testing intervals support inspection of production facilities and subsea components.
- 202623 Feb
PEMEX Deer Park Chemical Release
CSB investigation of a fatal hydrogen sulphide release during refinery maintenance in Deer Park, Texas. Workers opened the wrong flange on active piping. The report examines equipment identification, permit scope and hold points, interacting maintenance operations, contractor reassignment and operational discipline, recommending clearer marking and work authorisation arrangements.
- 2026Feb
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 11 (February 2026)
Six superyacht reports examine an unpermitted hull repair, a close-quarters encounter, grounding on uncharted coral, fuel-handling failure, hazardous acetone use in a bilge sump and premature anchor release. Commentary addresses reporting culture, collision avoidance, passage planning, fuel purification, respiratory protection limitations and confined-space precautions, emphasising communication and challenges to unsafe decisions.
- 2026Jan
D-PINCs (Operators Version - Jan 2026) — Drilling
A regulatory checklist for oil and gas drilling, linking numbered compliance questions to statutory authorities and enforcement actions. It addresses approvals, diverter configuration and testing, casing installation, cement placement, drilling-fluid management and monitoring. Further checks cover ventilation, gas detection, ignition prevention and retention of drilling and test records.
- 2026
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 82 (Spring 2026)
Maritime reports examine solvent use in bilges, navigation audit findings, refused fuel-tank entry, twin-lanyard misuse and obstructed pilot access. Further cases address partial power loss linked to an unannounced software update and pressure over navigation decisions. Commentary emphasises equipment limitations, safe attachment, supplier communication and supportive bridge leadership.
- 202522 Dec
Vessel facilities subject to external hydrocarbon hazards guidance note
Guidance on safety cases for vessel facilities exposed to external hydrocarbon hazards. It addresses facility descriptions, formal safety assessment, ignition prevention, gas detection, emergency shutdown and evacuation arrangements. Supporting analyses examine fire, explosion and emergency-system survivability, while the Montara case illustrates shortcomings in preparedness and external-hazard assessment.
- 202525 Sep
Cuisine Solutions Ammonia Release
CSB investigates an ammonia refrigeration release at Cuisine Solutions in Sterling, Virginia, which injured workers during evacuation. Relief-valve testing and dispersion modelling examine overpressure, liquid aerosol and unsafe discharge. The initiating upset remains undetermined. Recommendations address relief-system assessment, process-data retention, ammonia alarms and emergency preparedness.
- 202520 Jun
BSEE Safety Alert 503 - Personnel Burned by Fire due to Improper Venting of Gas Starters on Engines
BSEE describes two flash fires during attempts to start gas engines driving pipeline pumps. Improperly secured or absent starter exhaust piping allowed gas to accumulate before backfires ignited it, burning workers. Recommendations address safe exhaust routing, component checks, training, startup and maintenance procedures, gas detectors and consideration of temporary fire watches.
- 202527 May
Honeywell Geismar Chlorine and Hydrogen Fluoride Releases
Investigation of three releases at Honeywell Geismar’s HFC-245fa unit between 2021 and 2024, involving fatal HF exposure, a corrosion-driven reboiler explosion and serious injury during gasket replacement. The report examines mechanical integrity, startup procedures, protective equipment, organisational change and capital funding, recommending independent auditing and safer-technologies analysis.
- 20253 Apr
BSEE Safety Alert 498 - Explosion and Fire Incident
A liftboat explosion during separator draining injured two workers with burns. Gas accumulated on deck and a generator surge triggered ignition. The alert examines tank sealing, unsuitable gas detectors, failed air-intake shutoff controls and delayed medical evacuation, recommending that operators consider improved procedures, inspections, testing and emergency arrangements.
- 2025Apr
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 9 (April 2025)
This superyacht incident digest examines a post-dry-dock fire, unsuitable crew accommodation during repairs, drug use, inadequate provision for working aloft, a falling crane hook, fatigued anchoring and unrecognised enclosed spaces. Commentary addresses safety culture, equipment readiness, familiarisation, design feedback and atmospheric testing.
- 2025
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 80 (Autumn 2025)
This maritime incident digest examines unsafe pilot transfers, an obstructed escape hatch, incorrect antenna labelling, pest infestation and unsafe fumigation, an unmanned survey vessel capsize, and an enclosed-space inspection injury. Commentary emphasises practical design validation, operational limits, crew welfare and confirmed communication between teams.
- 202418 Jun
Personnel exposed to hydrogen sulphide during maintenance
Subcontractors encountered hydrogen sulphide during annual acid-filter maintenance in a vessel’s well treatment system room. Re-entry after an All Stop led to alarms indicating 357 ppm; no adverse health effects were reported. The flash identifies residual water and chemicals and broken pressure gauges, and emphasises evacuation, reporting and safe re-entry.
- 202311 Dec
Foundation Food Group Fatal Chemical Release
Investigation of a fatal liquid nitrogen overflow at Foundation Food Group’s poultry plant. A deformed bubbler tube disabled freezer level control and overflow protection, producing an oxygen-deficient room atmosphere. The report examines design dependencies, missing monitoring and ventilation, emergency preparedness, process safety management and regulatory gaps.
- 202330 Nov
Yenkin-Majestic Resin Plant Vapor Cloud Explosion and Fire
Investigation of a fatal resin-plant explosion and fire following solvent vaporisation and release through an altered reactor manway. The report examines pressure-containment design, inadequate alteration assurance, agitator-dependent safeguards, alarm deficiencies and evacuation preparedness. Recommendations address low-pressure vessel guidance, safer process design and flame-resistant clothing.
- 202327 Nov
Case study: Confined space fatalities due to hydrogen sulphide
Three people died during gas sampling in a jack-up rig’s spud can; a standby worker survived exposure outside the opening. The summary links circumstantial evidence to hydrogen sulphide inhalation and examines unsuitable SCUBA equipment, restricted ventilation, unprotected rescue and contractor assurance. Proposed training covers monitoring, correct breathing apparatus and emergency response.
- 202327 Nov
Case study: Saturation diver fatality due to hydrogen sulphide
This safety flash summarises a historical saturation-diving fatality during inspection of a leaking sour-crude pipeline in the Bombay High oilfield. Hydrogen sulphide in the bell caused collapse; the diver subsequently drowned. It discusses possible gas-entry routes, absent gas detection, bell-to-bell rescue and the potential use of ROVs for surveys.
- 202327 Nov
Compressed air rather than oxygen supplied to divers
This safety flash describes divers receiving compressed air instead of oxygen through their built-in breathing system, with two decompression illnesses reported. It examines incorrect gas-quad identification, missing oxygen-fraction checks and an analyser coverage gap. Lessons address supplier oversight, technical competence, investigation training and gas-management verification.
- 202314 Nov
Carbon Monoxide Exposure Risk in Offshore Environments
BSEE inspections identified elevated carbon monoxide exposure risks from gas-powered machinery on offshore facilities during calm weather. The alert examines accumulation in occupied spaces, delayed stationary detector alarms and occupational exposure limits. It recommends that operators and contractors consider portable detection, ventilation, exhaust integrity checks, machinery placement and personnel awareness measures.
- 20236 Jul
Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) Tank Fire
Investigation of the March 2019 tank-farm fire at ITC’s Deer Park terminal, following a circulation-pump seal failure and butane-enriched naphtha release. The report examines pump maintenance, gas detection, emergency isolation, fire spread, containment failure and regulatory exemptions, with recommendations addressing mechanical integrity, tank-farm design and process safety management.
- 202329 Jun
Watson Grinding Fatal Explosion and Fire
Investigation of the Houston propylene explosion that killed two employees and a nearby resident. It examines a degraded, poorly crimped hose, inconsistent supply isolation and non-functional automated safeguards. Findings address process safety management, change assessment, emergency preparedness and regulatory exclusions; lighting activation is identified as the likely ignition event.
- 202322 May
Unexpected H2S Detection at Offshore Facilities
This alert summarises unexpected hydrogen sulphide detections at offshore facilities producing from fields classified as H2S absent. Cases involve production equipment, cargo tanks, defoamer transfer and ballast-tank cleaning. BSEE recommends considering atmospheric testing, stagnant-tank inspections, crew drills, routine sampling and risk assessments addressing bacterial generation of the gas.
- 2023May
Hydrogen Sulfide
Regulatory inspection questions address areas classified as hydrogen sulphide present or unknown. They cover contingency plans, training, drills, gas detection, respiratory protection, ventilation and medical equipment. Further checks address soluble sulphide testing, well-control fluid treatment, flaring, detector testing intervals and corrosion-resistant materials during well and production operations.
- 202327 Apr
Carbon monoxide poisoning on board the sports cruiser Emma Louise with loss of 2 lives
Investigates two fatal carbon monoxide poisonings aboard Emma Louise at Port Hamble Marina. Gas measurements and optical gas imaging indicated that engine exhaust likely entered the poorly ventilated covered cockpit via a towable ski ring at the transom. The report discusses marine carbon monoxide alarms, ventilation and awareness among recreational boat users.
- 2023Apr
High concentration of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in cargo and slop tanks
This HSE safety notice addresses hydrogen sulphide in FPSO and FSU cargo and slop tank ullage spaces, including concentrations beyond standard portable instruments’ measuring limits. It discusses exposure during monitoring and releases, corrosion risks, suitable gas monitoring, revised risk assessments, integrity inspection and crew training.
- 202316 Feb
Fluid Transfer Transport
Hazard alert addressing toxic and flammable vapours, hydrogen sulphide and oxygen displacement during vacuum loading and offloading of produced fluids. It assigns responsibilities to facilities, hauling companies and drivers, covering atmospheric monitoring, training, conductive hoses, bonding and grounding, safe vent discharge and prevention of diesel-engine runaway.
- 2023Jan
Hydrogen Sulfide Release
This fatality alert describes hydrogen sulphide poisoning that killed a worker responding to a pump alarm and, later, his spouse at an oil production facility. It examines defective gas detection, missing detector-use policies, inadequate isolation arrangements and visitor access, alongside recommendations for lockout/tagout, ventilation assessment and detection-system assurance.
- 2023
CHIRP Annual Digest 2023
An annual compilation of confidential maritime incident reports and analytical articles covering shipping, commercial fishing, ports and superyachts. Case commentaries examine navigation, mooring, lifting, equipment failures and enclosed-space entry. Wider discussions address safety culture, communication, seafarer wellbeing and fatigue, including an indicative watchkeeper fatigue assessment tool.
- 2023
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 3 (Summer 2023)
Superyacht incident reports examine missing atmospheric testing equipment, tender lifting-eyebolt failure, an unsafe hull inspection dive, a fall following release of a securing shackle, and an anchoring near miss. Commentary addresses enclosed-space entry, lifting-point specifications, risk assessment, supervision, authority gradients and communication during anchor handling.
- 202213 Dec
Fires During Decommissioning Cause Injuries
A contractor suffered facial burns when trapped hydrocarbons ignited during torch cutting of pipework being decommissioned. Earlier seawater flushing and draining had not removed the hydrocarbons. The alert identifies shortcomings in hazard analysis, planning and permitting, and recommends job-specific procedures, atmospheric verification, isolation safeguards and pre-job communication.
- 20221 Nov
BSEE: Poor preparation prior to hot work leads to fires
This safety flash summarises three BSEE hot-work fires involving falling sparks, flammable condensate, a leaking gas riser and combustible building surfaces. Recommendations address spark shielding, sustained fire watches, extinguishers, continuous gas monitoring, detector checks, inerting nearby containers, and reviewing hot-work permits and job safety analyses.
- 202228 Sep
Sunoco Logistics Partners Flash Fire
Investigation of a flash fire and explosion during flange welding at Sunoco’s Nederland terminal, injuring seven contractors. The report examines residual crude oil, pipe isolation tools, atmospheric testing, permits and procedure implementation. It discusses similar incidents and stresses ensuring a non-flammable internal atmosphere before hot work; the specific causal scenario remains unresolved.
- 2022Aug
What’s an Acceptable LEL Detector Reading? — Process Safety Beacon, August 2022
This bulletin examines a fatal tank explosion during emptying by vacuum truck, where work continued after a reading of 67% of the lower explosive limit. It explains vapour accumulation and sludge hazards, emphasising calibrated gas testing, compliance with testing limits, bonding and grounding, and recognised tank-cleaning practices.
- 202226 Jul
Poor Preparation Prior to Hot Work Leads to Fires
Three hot-work fires illustrate hazards from flammable vapours at a water skimmer, a leaking gas riser and combustible building surfaces. The alert recommends considering spark shielding, drain sealing, inerting, permits, job safety analysis and continuous gas monitoring, alongside appropriately positioned fire watches and accessible extinguishers.
- 202124 Sep
AB Specialty Silicones, LLC
Investigation of a fatal hydrogen explosion during silicone-emulsion batch manufacture in Waukegan, Illinois. Reactivity experiments linked unintended potassium hydroxide addition to hydrogen generation. The report examines similar chemical drums, atmospheric batch tanks, ventilation, failed detector trials, evacuation preparedness and procedural checks, alongside process safety culture and regulatory gaps for reactive chemicals.
- 202111 Aug
UK HSE: Oil company fined for hydrocarbon release – lack of written procedures
This safety flash describes prosecution following a release of more than 1000 kg of hydrocarbon gas at Beryl Alpha during well depressurisation. Missing risk assessment and written procedures left a technician relying on memory. Inadvertent defeat of emergency shutdown prolonged the release, while workers remained at muster for more than six hours.
- 202121 May
Aghorn Operating Inc. Waterflood Station Hydrogen Sulfide Release
This investigation summary examines a fatal hydrogen sulphide release at an Odessa waterflood station that killed an employee and his spouse. It identifies a broken pump plunger, while leaving failure timing unresolved, and examines detector nonuse, missing lockout procedures, inadequate ventilation, detection and alarm failures, and deficient site security.
- 202114 Apr
Carbon monoxide poisoning on motor cruiser Diversion with loss of 2 lives
This investigation examines two fatal carbon monoxide poisonings aboard Diversion at York. Exhaust leaked from an incompatible, non-marine cabin heater silencer and pipe connection, entering circulating air. Restricted ventilation and the absence of an alarm are analysed alongside installation checks, servicing and heater testing.
- 20218 Apr
H2S Alarm Activation
An alert describes hydrogen sulphide detection at surface during drilling of a well’s casing shoe track, upon bottoms up. The previously cemented well had been suspended for 30 days, with untreated spacer fluid remaining inside the casing. Rig and mudlogging sensors near the shale shakers recorded 57 ppm and 43 ppm respectively.
- 20218 Apr
SIMOPS – Smoke from hot work task enters confined space
During sewage-tank cleaning aboard a vessel in dry dock, a ventilation fan drew smoke from nearby oxy-propane cutting into the confined space. Workers evacuated without harm. The flash examines gas-detector placement, overdue calibration and missing bump tests, and identifies improvements to simultaneous operations planning and fume extraction.
- 202010 Dec
Entry to enclosed space on fishing vessel Sunbeam with loss of 1 life
Investigates a fatal tank entry aboard Sunbeam in Fraserburgh. Leaking refrigerant from corroded evaporator tubes displaced air in a refrigerated salt water tank. The report examines inadequate repairs, non-gastight isolation valves, normalised unsafe entry, absent atmospheric precautions, rescue arrangements and gaps in machinery survey oversight.
- 202015 Oct
Safety warning about carbon monoxide poisoning after the loss of 2 lives on the motor cruiser Diversion
This bulletin presents initial findings following two carbon monoxide deaths aboard Diversion, moored on the River Ouse in York. A non-gas-tight heater exhaust silencer and loose connection allowed fumes into the cabin. Safety lessons address marine-approved heater components, professional inspection, servicing, carbon monoxide alarm selection and testing, and suspected poisoning.
- 202010 Sep
Failure to detect dangerous gas/vapour due to incorrect specification of sample tube
This safety alert examines misleading readings from pumped gas detectors caused by vapour adsorption inside unsuitable sampling tubes. A fatal explosion followed hot work based on a false reading. It recommends checking detector–tube combinations with the substance of interest where practicable and assessing sampling-system response times.
- 202025 Aug
High potential near miss: Nitrogen hose failure during transfer of gas
A nitrogen transfer hose detached from its ferrule, releasing approximately 165,000 litres into a pipelay HPU room and reducing oxygen to approximately 17.4%. The degraded hose was absent from the hose register and maintenance regime. The flash recommends rated whip restraints and hose inspections, and records restricted-access signage and low-oxygen alarms.
- 201924 Sep
Safety Alert 366 - Dangerous Levels Of H2S Detected At Offshore Facilities
BSEE describes three hydrogen sulphide releases during offshore pipeline flushing and well abandonment, including incidents at non-sour facilities. One worker experienced dizziness and nausea. The alert recommends considering gas monitoring, detector calibration and bump testing, job safety analysis, rescue preparedness and gas-buster safeguards during potentially hazardous operations.
- 201925 Jun
DuPont La Porte Facility Toxic Chemical Release
Investigation of a fatal methyl mercaptan release at DuPont’s La Porte insecticide unit. Four workers died inside the manufacturing building. The report examines hydrate-blocked pipework, drain valves, inadequate safeguards, alarm communication and emergency response, alongside management of change, audit effectiveness, process safety culture and misleading reliance on occupational injury metrics.
- 2019Jun
Aviation (Helideck Operations)
An offshore inspection guide setting out regulatory responsibilities and success criteria for safe helideck operations. It covers team competence, certification, emergency planning, protective equipment, breathing apparatus monitoring and escape routes. Drone inspection risks and gas-linked wave-off lights are addressed alongside dutyholder performance scoring and enforcement expectations.
- 201928 Jan
Person felt unwell while working in confined space
A worker became dizzy and weak while cleaning a mud tank and was rescued by the tank watchman. The flash identifies deficiencies in permits, atmospheric checks, gas detector use, isolation and rescue arrangements. It highlights missing mud hazard information and checks of lockout kits, detectors and rescue equipment.
- 20183 Aug
Near miss: onboard O₂ bottle leaked into diving bell
A diving bell near miss involved oxygen supply valves left partly open during pre-dive checks, emptying a bottle into the bell. Distraction, delayed topside readings and distrust of an unreliable analyser were identified. The run was aborted; subsequent measures included atmosphere flushing, additional valve checks, analysers and sourcing buffer tanks.
- 201820 Jul
USCG: two alerts relating to gas releases
This flash summarises two US Coast Guard alerts: ethylene vapours triggering carbon monoxide alarms on an LNG carrier, and contaminated Gulf Coast bunker fuel causing fuel-system failures. It highlights gas-monitor cross-sensitivity, corrective action on alarms, and fuel contamination problems undetectable by standard ISO 8217 test methods.
- 201824 Apr
Packaging Corporation of America Hot Work Explosion
Investigation of a foul condensate tank explosion at PCA’s DeRidder mill that killed three contractors and injured seven. Air ingress created an explosive atmosphere; nearby hot work was the probable ignition source. The report examines turpentine recovery, outage conditions, permit limitations, process safety boundaries and explosion safeguards, with comparisons to earlier incidents.
- 201811 Apr
Tank Gauging Hazard Alert
This alert explains how opening storage-tank thief hatches can release concentrated hydrocarbon vapours, creating oxygen-deficient, toxic and flammable conditions. It addresses tank gauging, sampling and fluid handling, outlining exposure assessment, gas monitoring, worker training, remote or closed gauging arrangements, ventilation and stopping unsafe work.
- 2018Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2018
A collection of marine accident lessons covering merchant, fishing and recreational vessels. Cases examine collisions, groundings, flooding, fires and personnel injuries, with attention to navigation, towing, maintenance and emergency readiness. Equipment-specific discussions include pilot-ladder deterioration, bilge-pump blockage, carbon monoxide alarms and safety-tether hook deformation under lateral loading.
- 20185 Jan
Safety Alert 328 - Gas Release Hazards Identified by BSEE
BSEE summarises targeted Gulf of Mexico gas-release inspections following a review of incident and compliance data. Findings include oil or gas accumulation, deficient detector assurance, limited area-classification signage and gaps in work practices and training. Recommendations address inspection protocols, detector documentation, accessible procedures, job safety analyses and contractor training.
- 201730 Nov
Limitations of Monitors Hazard Alert
This hazard alert explains multi-gas monitor selection and use in oil and gas operations. It highlights hydrogen sulphide monitor limitations, unreliable flammable-gas detection under some atmospheric conditions, and misleading alarm cessation. Guidance covers sensor selection, calibration, bump testing, breathing-zone positioning and immediate evacuation following any alarm.
- 201715 Nov
Changes from dry gas to wet gas operation: guidance for HSE inspectors
Inspector guidance examines offshore installations converting from dry to wet gas operation. It addresses corrosion inhibition and monitoring, pipeline pigging and inspection, altered liquid flow, valve performance, detection and blowdown arrangements. It also covers maintenance, staffing, training, health hazards and management of change, including implications for onshore processing.
- 201710 Aug
Carbon monoxide poisoning on motor cruiser Vasquez with loss of 1 life
Investigation into fatal carbon monoxide poisoning aboard Vasquez while moored at Cardiff Yacht Club. Leaking wet-exhaust bellows allowed fumes into the cockpit and cabin; two rescuers also suffered poisoning. Reconstruction measured accumulating gas. The report discusses modified exhaust components, engine servicing, ventilation and carbon monoxide alarms.
- 201725 May
Dangerous modifications found within a gas valve unit room
A safety flash describes methane exposure in an LNG carrier’s gas valve unit room following damage to an expansion bellows O-ring. An unauthorised hose arrangement could likely have impaired methane detection. The account highlights ventilation and gas monitoring arrangements, and the US Coast Guard’s recommendation for engineering review and approval of modifications.
- 201711 May
Carbon monoxide poisoning on board the motor cruiser Love for Lydia with the loss of 2 lives
Investigates two fatal carbon monoxide poisonings aboard Love for Lydia on Wroxham Broad. Uncatalysed petrol-engine exhaust spread beneath the canvas canopy into inadequately ventilated accommodation. Engine-running tests examined gas accumulation under different configurations, using gas monitors, domestic alarms and infrared imaging. Findings address ventilation, alarm reliability and recreational-craft regulatory gaps.
- 20173 May
ExxonMobil Torrance Refinery Explosion
CSB investigates the Torrance refinery electrostatic precipitator explosion during FCC Safe Park operation and expander isolation. It examines failed catalyst and steam barriers, slide-valve erosion, hydrocarbon backflow, inadequate procedures and detection, and ignition within the energised precipitator. Recommendations address isolation, safeguard assurance, maintenance, operating modes and equipment siting.
- 20173 May
Near-miss: Gas release from subsea pipeline
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.
- 20173 Mar
Near-miss: Suspected high levels of CO₂ in diver breathing gas
Two saturation divers working at approximately 92 m experienced breathing difficulties associated with elevated carbon dioxide in reclaimed breathing gas. Saturated absorbent and apparently incorrect analyser calibration were identified. The dive was aborted without further ill effects. Learning focuses on alarm settings, operating manuals, safety-critical competence and contaminated-gas emergency arrangements.
- 201628 Sep
Hot Work Hazard Alert
This hazard alert addresses fire, explosion and toxic exposure during hot work on oilfield tanks and equipment containing hydrocarbon residues. It warns against treating empty equipment as safe and sets out employer and worker responsibilities for permits, atmospheric monitoring, tank cleaning, ignition control, protective equipment and hazard training.
- 20168 Aug
Safety warning after carbon monoxide poisoning on motor cruiser results in loss of 2 lives
This bulletin presents initial findings following fatal carbon monoxide poisoning aboard a motor cruiser on the Norfolk Broads. Exhaust from a running petrol engine entered through the aft canopy and spread into unventilated accommodation. It emphasises suitable carbon monoxide alarms, routine testing, ventilation and recognising poisoning symptoms.
- 2016Mar
Prevention of fire and explosion, and emergency response on offshore installations
This Approved Code of Practice and accompanying guidance explain PFEER compliance for offshore installations. They address fire and explosion assessment, prevention, detection and protection, alongside emergency command, temporary refuge, evacuation, escape and rescue. Equipment performance, training, maintenance and verification support the arrangements described.
- 20167 Jan
High potential near-miss: Poor O₂ content in supplied air – diver temporarily lost consciousness
A diver briefly lost consciousness on a diving support vessel after switching to a breathing-air quad containing around 3% oxygen. Tenders removed his helmet and he recovered. The flash examines supplied-gas quality assurance, an oxygen analyser that failed to alarm, and proposed pre-dive checklist changes to clear residual gas before introducing a new supply.
- 2016
Health and Safety Risks for Workers Involved in Manual Tank Gauging and Sampling at Oil and Gas Extraction Sites
Joint NIOSH–OSHA alert examines toxic hydrocarbon exposure, oxygen depletion and ignition hazards during manual gauging and sampling of production and flowback tanks. It reviews nine fatalities and field exposure measurements, explains filtering respirator limitations, and recommends closed sampling, atmospheric monitoring, exposure assessment, training and emergency arrangements.
- 2016
NIOSH-OSHA Hazard Alert: Health and Safety Risks for Workers Involved in Manual Tank Gauging and Sampling at Oil and Gas Extraction Sites
Joint NIOSH–OSHA alert examines hydrocarbon inhalation, oxygen deficiency and flammable atmospheres during manual tank gauging and sampling. It reviews nine fatalities and field exposure measurements, explains limitations of air-purifying respirators, and recommends closed sampling, exposure assessment, gas monitors, training and emergency arrangements.
- 201515 Dec
Confined space entry incidents – a reminder
This safety flash describes confined-space incidents during a vessel’s class renewal docking, involving subcontractors and a company-personnel near miss. Cases include obstructed access, absent attendants, untested gas detectors, missing harnesses and hot work without ventilation. Crew interventions prevented harm, with lessons stressing procedural compliance, contractor vigilance, training and safety leadership.
- 20152 Oct
Confined space fatality in shipyard
A rope access worker died after entering a riser guide tube to retrieve foam at a fabrication site. The flash identifies missing job safety analysis, pre-entry gas testing, rescue equipment and written procedures. Recommendations include eliminating entry, approving JSA before permits, detector training and mechanical extraction arrangements.
- 2015Apr
Safe work in confined spaces
This Approved Code of Practice explains confined-space regulatory duties, identification of specified risks and avoidance of entry. It addresses competent risk assessment, written safe systems, atmospheric testing, ventilation and isolation, alongside respiratory equipment, access design, rescue arrangements, equipment maintenance and role-specific training.
- 2015
Fatalities in Oil and Gas Extraction (FOG) Special Topic Report 2015
NIOSH summarises nine fatalities recorded during 2010–2014 involving crude oil tank gauging, sampling and fluid transfer at well sites. Case narratives examine possible petroleum vapour inhalation, oxygen displacement and reported medical findings. The report describes its surveillance sources and exclusions, while retaining uncertainty about contributing factors and unresolved causes of death.
- 2014Jun
Carbon monoxide poisoning on scallop dredger Eshcol, used as overnight accommodation, with loss of 2 lives
Investigates two fatal carbon monoxide poisonings aboard Eshcol at Whitby. A butane cooker grill used for overnight heating emitted high levels of gas, primarily through corrosion-related incomplete combustion. The report examines inadequate ventilation, absent carbon monoxide detection, defective heating, fatigue, appliance servicing and shortcomings in fishing-vessel guidance and training.
- 20142 May
Safety Alert 311 - Methane Venting Hazard to Helicopter Operations
BSEE warns that vented methane can enter helicopter engines near offshore helidecks, potentially causing overspeed or failure. Referencing one attributed accident and two similar accidents under investigation, the alert discusses flight-path precautions, operator notifications, visible wind indicators, vent warning beacons and draft recommendations for discharge siting and automatic detection.
- 2014May
Key Programme 4 (KP4) Report
HSE reports findings from its 2011–2013 ageing and life-extension inspection programme for offshore installations. It examines structural, process, marine and pipeline integrity, equipment obsolescence and organisational arrangements. Recommendations emphasise forward planning, performance-data trending and assurance, supported by dutyholder case studies covering structural monitoring, gap analysis and hydrocarbon leak reduction.
- 201413 Mar
Loss of consciousness due to exposure to H₂S
Two mechanics lost consciousness and a third became dizzy after hydrogen sulphide escaped during high-pressure water cleaning of a sewage tank. All recovered. The flash identifies omitted toxic-gas hazards, absent gas detection and inadequate planning, and discusses permits, revised procedures, training and confined-space precautions.
- 201420 Feb
Fatality in ballast water tank – working at height in a confined space
A crewman suffered a fatal fall while climbing out of a vessel’s ballast tank after air-quality checks. His gas detector became trapped between him and the ladder. The flash examines absent fall protection, missing entry authorisation and training deficiencies, with lessons on safe climbing, risk assessment and confined-space rescue arrangements.
- 2014Feb
Safety warning after carbon monoxide poisoning on vessel used as overnight accommodation results in loss of 2 lives
This bulletin presents initial findings following two deaths aboard Eshcol during an overnight break from fishing. Carbon monoxide poisoning was indicated after a butane cooker grill was used for heating. It explains appliance maintenance, poor ventilation and poisoning symptoms, and recommends purpose-built heaters and marine-suitable carbon monoxide alarms.
- 201325 Nov
Safety Alert 305 - Explosion, Fire and Fatalities West Delta Block 32 Platform E
This alert describes fatal explosions and fires during piping installation on West Delta 32 E platform. Welding ignited hydrocarbon vapours from a wet oil tank, followed by explosions in three tanks. It identifies failures in hot-work authorisation, isolation, fire watching and supervision, and recommends improved contractor coordination, pre-work meetings and stop-work arrangements.
- 2013Oct
Release of phosphine gas during discharge of fumigated maize cargo from general cargo vessel Arklow Meadow
MAIB investigates a phosphine release during maize discharge from Arklow Meadow at Warrenpoint. Aluminium phosphide retainers remained active, probably because of tight packaging and relatively low hold humidity. The report examines misleading hold-top gas readings, residue handling, inadequate procedures and emergency planning, and fumigator qualification assurance.
- 2013
Dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres
This consolidated Approved Code of Practice explains DSEAR duties for work involving dangerous substances. It addresses risk assessment, storage and containment, ventilation, ignition prevention and hazardous-area classification. Detailed guidance covers equipment suitability, hot work, tank cleaning and disposal, explosion-safety verification, emergency arrangements and employee training.
- 201225 Jun
Failure to follow gas quad procedure
A saturation diving incident involved air supplied instead of oxygen after ordering errors and incomplete delivery, connection and gas-analysis checks. Automatic metabolic make-up introduced the incorrect gas into the chamber; no ill effects were found. Actions addressed procedural compliance, authorised delivery verification and portable analyser use before connection.
- 2012Jun
Carbon monoxide poisoning from portable petrol pump on pair trawler/guard ship Starlight Rays with loss of 1 life
Investigates fatal carbon monoxide poisoning aboard Starlight Rays during use of a portable petrol-driven salvage pump in an unventilated fish hold. Examines failure to prime, exhaust accumulation, further crew exposure during rescue, breathing-apparatus limitations, atmospheric testing and ventilation, alongside shortcomings in risk assessment and equipment assurance.
- 201229 Feb
Major injury suffered in confined space incident
A meter reader sustained severe brain damage after entering a water meter chamber without testing its atmosphere, later measured at six percent oxygen. A colleague attempted rescue but had to withdraw because he could not breathe. The flash stresses atmospheric checks and appropriate confined-space entry and rescue procedures.
- 201127 Oct
Gas detector safety alert
This safety flash relays an HSE alert concerning the Status Scientific Controls Mentor PGD2 portable gas detector. Investigations found that, in certain circumstances, the instruments could remain active despite insufficient battery power for accurate operation. It directs readers to the HSE alert for further information.
- 201120 Sep
DuPont Belle Toxic Chemical Releases
Final investigation of methyl chloride, oleum and phosgene releases at DuPont’s Belle plant in January 2010, including a fatal phosgene exposure. It examines rupture-disc alarms, sample-line corrosion, PTFE transfer-hose failure and maintenance scheduling, supported by metallurgical testing and dispersion modelling. Recommendations address change management, hazard assessment and phosgene safeguards.
- 201123 Aug
HSE issues gas detector safety alert
HSE warns that some Status Mentor PGD2 portable gas detectors with older software may remain active with insufficient power, understate gas concentrations and fail to activate alarms. The alert prohibits use until the correct software version and low-battery alarm configuration have been verified against the manufacturer’s instructions.
- 2011Aug
OCE6 - Hydrogen sulphide
This offshore COSHH information sheet addresses hydrogen sulphide exposure through area classification, gas detection, isolation, ventilation and respiratory protection. It specifies positive-pressure breathing apparatus, equipment checks and testing intervals, alongside emergency planning, rescue training and supervision. Detection arrangements differ according to area category and process-stream concentration.
- 20114 Jul
Confined space – multiple fatalities
A bosun fell into a vessel’s slop tank for unknown reasons. Two colleagues entered to help, and all three became unconscious. Subsequent rescue used ventilation, atmospheric testing and breathing apparatus. The bosun died; both colleagues recovered after hospitalisation. Investigation noted impulsive rescue entries and inadequate understanding of hydrogen sulphide accumulation.
- 2011May
Flammable material release inside building causes explosion! — Process Safety Beacon, May 2011
A bulletin examines a fatal explosion at a North Carolina meat-processing plant following intermittent indoor release of natural gas during pipe purging. It explains flammable atmosphere accumulation and recommends safe discharge locations, collection and treatment where possible, plant purging procedures, hazard analysis when indoor purging is unavoidable, and flammable gas monitoring.
- 2011Mar
OCE11 - Breaking containment – non-hydrocarbon lines
This offshore guidance addresses chemical exposure when opening non-hydrocarbon lines. It describes isolation verification using pressure build-up checks, draining, purging, safe venting and conditional gas testing. It also covers ventilation, personal gas monitors, protective clothing and gloves, joint reinstatement checks, spill containment, decontamination, maintenance and worker training.
- 2011Mar
OCE12 - Breaking containment – hydrocarbon lines
This offshore COSHH information sheet describes exposure controls for opening hydrocarbon lines. It covers isolation verification, draining, purging, safe venting and gas testing, alongside benzene monitoring, respiratory protection and chemical-resistant clothing. Joint management, spill containment, personal decontamination, equipment maintenance and worker training are also addressed.
- 2011Mar
OCE13 - Breaking containment – process cleaning operations
Guidance for internal cleaning of offshore process plant addresses exposure to hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulphide, mercury and naturally occurring radioactive material. It describes isolation verification, draining, purging, gas testing, respiratory protection and exposure monitoring, alongside decontamination, waste handling, health surveillance and worker training.
- 2011Mar
OCE14 - Breaking containment – mercury
Information sheet addressing mercury exposure when opening offshore production systems containing crude, condensate or gas. It describes isolation, draining, purging, flushing, ventilation and mercury testing, alongside respiratory protection and protective clothing. Additional guidance covers mercury collection, equipment checks, airborne and biological monitoring, waste handling, decontamination and worker training.
- 2011Mar
OCE7 - Pigging operations
This offshore guidance addresses exposure control during pigging, including benzene, hydrogen sulphide and radioactive residues. It describes receiver depressurisation and venting, gas monitoring, conditional respiratory protection, protective clothing and cleaning arrangements. Maintenance, personal exposure monitoring, dermatitis surveillance and worker training support the recommended controls.
- 201120 Jan
Bayer CropScience Pesticide Waste Tank Explosion
Investigation of a fatal residue-treater explosion during restart of Bayer’s methomyl unit at Institute, West Virginia. It examines runaway decomposition, bypassed interlocks, deficient startup preparation, operator training and emergency coordination. Detailed modelling assesses the adjacent methyl isocyanate tank’s blast shield, distinguishing actual damage from hypothetical release scenarios.
- 20102 Dec
Gas boilers - flues in voids
This alert explains carbon monoxide risks from concealed gas boiler flues and changes to industry inspection guidance. It describes inspection hatches, interim leakage checks, flue combustion analysis and audible alarms, alongside responsibilities for householders and landlords. A 2013 update allows void monitoring with safety shut-off instead of hatches in some circumstances.
- 2010Feb
Packaging Corporation Storage Tank Explosion — Seven Key Lessons to Prevent Worker Deaths During Hot Work In and Around Tanks
This safety bulletin examines eleven hot-work accidents involving tanks across several industries. Seven lessons address alternatives to hot work, hazard assessment, atmospheric monitoring, adjacent spaces, written permits, training and contractor supervision. Cases distinguish absent gas testing from ineffective testing, emphasising detector calibration, sampling locations and monitoring before and during work.
- 20097 Sep
Use of pre-mixed nitrox gases
A diving near miss involved third-party premixed nitrox with incorrect oxygen content. Monitoring detected 32% against an expected 36%, prompting suspension; subsequent testing found approximately 15% in some cylinders. Lessons emphasise supplier quality assurance, analysis before first use, in-line analysers and attention to individual bottles within racks.