Topic
Hydrocarbon Release
Unintended release of oil, gas or hydrocarbon vapours.
Newest 100 Documents
All 550 in search- 20261 Jul
Mechanical Failure of LACT Pump Caused Fire
An offshore production facility fire followed LACT charge-pump misalignment after motor replacement. Excessive vibration loosened casing fasteners, allowing oil leakage; coupling failure caused further damage. The alert identifies omitted angular alignment and incorrect bolt torques, and recommends manufacturer-compliant installation, personnel training, review of post-installation surveillance and investigation of abnormal operation.
- 202631 Mar
Oil pollution risk management guidance note
Guidance for petroleum titleholders on evaluating oil pollution risks and preparing emergency response arrangements under environmental regulations. It addresses worst-case releases, oil fate and trajectory modelling, ALARP demonstrations, response resources and jurisdictional interfaces, alongside environmental monitoring, personnel competence, exercises and continuing assurance of response readiness.
- 202631 Mar
Source control planning and procedures information paper
This information paper sets out regulatory expectations for offshore loss-of-well-control preparedness across environment plans, well operations management plans and safety cases. It covers capping-stack selection and deployment, relief-well design and dynamic kill analysis, plume modelling, subsea dispersant supply, water-column monitoring, response-time modelling, coordinated operations and readiness exercises.
- 2026Mar
PON1 Guidance for Reporting Oil and Offshore Chemical Releases
Guidance sets out PON1 notification requirements for oil and offshore chemical releases during offshore oil and gas activities. It distinguishes releases from intentional discharges, specifies reporting responsibilities, timeframes and portal submission, and explains quantity determination and ongoing updates. Appendices address subsea systems, drainage, produced-water caissons, vessels, flaring and excessive powder venting.
- 202622 Jan
Mechanic got burns due to fire in portable generator
A marine mechanic sustained minor right-arm burns after spilled petrol ignited during portable-generator refuelling at a dock workshop. Dragging the generator produced a friction spark. The flash identifies missing rubber bushings, absent procedures and risk assessment, inadequate maintenance and housekeeping, and difficult access to fire extinguishers.
- 202612 Jan
NTSB: Engine room fire – put things back properly after maintenance
An IMCA flash summarises a fatal engine-room fire aboard a dredging vessel. NTSB attributed the probable cause to lubricating oil spraying from a generator and igniting off a nearby running engine after a plug was not reinstated. Lessons emphasise post-maintenance inspection, correct reassembly and local test starts where appropriate and practical.
- 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.
- 202518 Dec
BSEE: Anchor-handling causes damage to subsea equipment and triggers gas release
An anchor wire snagged a subsea well during recovery by a dive support vessel, subsequently detaching an annulus valve and releasing gas. The flash summarises BSEE findings on inadequate planning, coordination and emergency preparation, with recommendations for consideration covering readiness checks, change management, communication and current-aware anchor-handling plans.
- 202510 Dec
Application of oil spill modelling in Environment Plans
Information paper on applying stochastic and deterministic oil spill modelling in offshore petroleum Environment Plans. It discusses input quality, non-mandatory exposure values for four oil phases, environmental consequence evaluation, response resources and monitoring preparedness. It distinguishes combined stochastic boundaries from individual spill footprints and addresses uncertainty and presentation of results.
- 20254 Dec
Fire in the engine room – fuel spray fire
Fuel sprayed onto hot surfaces of a starboard main engine after maintenance left return-pipe bolts missing and protective barriers absent. Crew extinguished the fire without injuries or pollution, but water mist failed and shutdown actions were delayed. Lessons emphasise post-maintenance checks, splash protection and familiarity with emergency equipment.
- 2025Dec
Health Safety Insight 2025
Annual review of UK offshore energy health and safety, centred on 2024 performance with historical comparisons. It examines hydrocarbon releases, maintenance backlogs, injury trends, medical assessment outcomes and evacuations, including mental health. Offshore aviation analysis covers fleet utilisation, helicopter safety indicators and the inclusion of wind operations.
- 2025Oct
Refinery Cooling Tower Explosion and Fire — Process Safety Beacon, October 2025
A refinery cooling tower incident in India illustrates how hydrocarbons leaking from a heat exchanger can accumulate in cooling water pipework and escape during commissioning. Ignition was likely associated with nearby hot work. The bulletin discusses exchanger vulnerability, start-up hazards and notifying nearby workers so they can suspend work.
- 202530 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 508 -Review anchor-handling plans now Incident damages subsea equipment triggers gas release
A diver support vessel recovering bow anchors snagged a subsea well with an anchor wire. Attempts to free it detached the annulus valve, releasing gas. The alert identifies deficient planning, contractor coordination and emergency readiness, and recommends that operators and contractors consider stronger pre-mobilisation checks, SIMOPS arrangements and anchor-handling plans.
- 202518 Sep
Auxiliary engine room fire on board the ro-ro cargo ship Finnmaster
Investigation of Finnmaster’s auxiliary engine room fire during departure from Hull. Partial fuel injection pump coupling failure and leaking hot exhaust preceded fuel hose failure and ignition. The report examines defective emergency power, incomplete carbon dioxide suppression, maintenance and supplier assurance, system testing and crew response. No injuries were reported.
- 202510 Jun
BSEE Safety Alert 502 -Fatigue Cracking of Three-Quarter-Inch Pipe Nipple Results in Gas Release
An offshore gas release followed fatigue failure of a threaded ¾-inch pipe nipple on a compressor suction scrubber, prompting platform shut-in and personnel muster. The alert discusses possible installation stresses, vibration and unsupported bridle weight, and recommends considering structural support, proper tightening, regular inspection, vibration monitoring and maintained dampers.
- 202516 Apr
USCG: Hazardous Zone Markings and Safety Protocol Awareness
This flash summarises a USCG alert about a fire aboard a tri-fuel vessel. A failed purge valve actuator released LNG vapours near crew working above the pilothouse; a lighter ignited the fumes, severely injuring both crewmembers. Recommendations emphasise clear hazardous-zone markings and crew awareness of hazardous-area conditions.
- 202412 Dec
Engine room fire on board ro-ro passenger ferry Stena Europe
Investigation of Stena Europe’s engine room fire while approaching Fishguard. Pressurised fuel escaped from a flange joint and ignited on exposed exhaust surfaces. The report examines recurring leaks, incomplete flange modifications, deficient insulation, maintenance and reporting weaknesses, firefighting response, and thermal imaging for detecting hazardous hot spots.
- 202412 Nov
Diver exposed to unplanned release of production gas
A saturation diver removing a blind stab from a subsea skid was pushed backwards by released production gas but remained unharmed. The flash identifies unverified isolation, deviation from procedures, inadequate review of task risks and unused ROV tooling. It highlights change management, procedural hold points and reinforcement of stop-work authority.
- 202417 Oct
Financial assurance for petroleum titles guideline
Guidance explains petroleum titleholders’ ongoing financial assurance duties for costs and liabilities arising from petroleum escapes. It covers robust cost estimation, independent validation and endorsement of methods, accessible assurance arrangements, environment-plan submissions and regular review. Assurance does not cap liability, and registered titleholders retain individual responsibility for compliance.
- 202414 Oct
Fire in engine room
A vessel engine-room fire was most likely caused by a fuel leak following pipe misalignment during reassembly. Blocked detection tubing and drains, unavailable water-mist suppression and delayed ventilation shutdown contributed to escalation. The flash highlights correct assembly, regular inspections, fire drills and checks of emergency procedures.
- 202424 Jun
BP - Husky Oregon Chemical Release and Fire
Investigates the fatal naphtha release and flash fire at the BP-Husky Toledo Refinery in Oregon, Ohio. Examines cascading process disturbances, vessel overflow, manual draining, misleading level indications and alarm overload. Recommendations address engineered overfill safeguards, abnormal-situation procedures, stop-work practice and alarm performance, alongside shortcomings in applying earlier incident lessons.
- 202413 Jun
Collision between fishing vessel Kirkella and pusher tug Shovette
Investigation of Kirkella’s collision with Shovette in Hull following propulsion control transfer with mismatched pitch levers. The tug partially sank and released about 7,000 litres of diesel. The report examines control interfaces, absent interlocks, handover procedures and safety management, recording interim checks and requested system modifications.
- 202410 Jan
Australian dispersant acceptance processes information paper
This information paper compares chemical dispersant acceptance for maritime and offshore petroleum spill response in Australian Commonwealth waters. It explains AMSA product registration and incident-specific approval, alongside NOPSEMA acceptance through environment plans. It discusses surface and subsea application, environmental trade-offs, and activity-specific efficacy and toxicity evaluation.
- 202410 Jan
Considerations for five-year environment plan revisions
This information paper advises petroleum titleholders preparing five-year environment plan revisions for long-term offshore activities. It addresses legislative changes, activity scope, subsea maintenance and decommissioning, spill prevention and response, emissions reduction, consultation and environmental monitoring. It explains expectations for demonstrating ALARP, acceptable impacts and measurable environmental performance.
- 202410 Jan
Operational and scientific monitoring programs information paper
Information paper on designing and implementing monitoring after offshore petroleum spills, with emphasis on scientific assessment and environmental baselines. It addresses impact and reference sites, indicator selection, contaminant bioavailability, statistical design, analytical quality assurance, mobilisation readiness and monitoring triggers. Appendices examine ecological receptors, toxicity testing and source fingerprinting.
- 2024
Annual offshore statistics and regulatory activity report 2024
Official statistics summarise HSE’s offshore regulatory activity and dutyholder performance during 2024, covering inspections, investigations, safety-case assessments and enforcement. The report analyses dangerous occurrences, hydrocarbon releases and reported injuries, explains severity classifications and workforce-based rates, and identifies reporting changes and limitations affecting historical comparisons.
- 202326 Dec
Wendland 1H Well Fatal Explosion
CSB investigates a fatal blowout and fire during tubing-head replacement at a Texas oil and gas well. It analyses inadequate well-control planning, ineffective hydrostatic and valve barriers, and ignition-source management. Recommendations address workover methods for underpressured reservoirs, well-history review and gaps in industry guidance and federal regulation.
- 202321 Dec
KMCO LLC Fatal Fire and Explosion
Investigation of the fatal isobutylene explosion and fire at KMCO’s Crosby facility. Metallurgical testing established pressure-driven brittle fracture of a cast-iron y-strainer. The report examines thermal-expansion hazards, manual versus remote isolation, emergency-response roles and alarm use, identifying weaknesses in hazard evaluation and response that contributed to the incident and its severity.
- 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.
- 20239 Nov
Safety Alert 472 - Tote Tank Drain Nozzles Pose Leak Hazard
Two Gulf of Mexico lifting incidents illustrate how protruding tote-tank drain nozzles can strike nearby objects, causing diesel spillage or a cracked weld and minor leak. BSEE recommends considering nozzle positioning, clear transport paths, protective guards, conditional drain securing or nozzle removal, conspicuous marking and spill-response provisions.
- 202328 Sep
Safety Alert - Pipeline Loss of Containment
A gas export pipeline tie-in spool flange failed after severe corrosion of carbon steel lacking the specified corrosion-resistant cladding. The alert examines material traceability and quality-control failures, misinterpreted inline inspection data and incorrect defect location reporting. Lessons address preserved identification, consideration of positive material identification and diverse integrity inspection measures.
- 202317 Aug
Engine room fire on LPG carrier Moritz Schulte with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal engine-room fire aboard Moritz Schulte in Antwerp. Pressurised marine gas oil escaped during inadequately isolated fuel-filter cleaning and ignited on an adjacent engine’s hot exhaust. The report examines maintenance arrangements, competence assurance, escape equipment and rescue coordination, including thermal imaging. No recommendations were made following actions already taken.
- 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.
- 202312 Jun
MAIB: High pressure oil leak causes a fire in the engine room
A vessel’s gearbox temperature probe was expelled by oil at 25 bar, spraying the engine room and igniting oil-soaked exhaust lagging. Crew contained the fires with foam. The flash identifies an insufficiently tightened compression fitting, describes a redesigned probe housing, and emphasises emergency preparedness and closer monitoring after construction or dry docking.
- 2023May
LPG forklift truck fire risk
This safety alert addresses fires during starting of LPG-powered forklift trucks and similar vehicles. Fuel-system deposits can cause valves to stick, while repeated starting attempts can release unburned gas. It specifies operator precautions and maintenance actions, including stopping further starting attempts, isolating the gas supply and ensuring ventilation.
- 20237 Mar
Investigation of Subsea Leak Identifies the Use of Materials Susceptible to Hydrogen Embrittlement (update)
A subsea jumper leak released approximately 479 barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Investigation attributed fractured Inconel 718 flange studs to hydrogen embrittlement and identified procurement, quality assurance and change-management gaps. The alert recommends operators consider metallurgical evaluation, fastener torque documentation and improved subsea leak alarm monitoring.
- 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.
- 2023
Annual offshore statistics and regulatory activity report 2023
Official statistics review HSE’s offshore regulatory activity and dutyholder performance during 2023, including inspections, safety-case assessments, enforcement, dangerous occurrences, hydrocarbon releases and reported injuries. The report explains inspection scoring, release classifications and workforce-based injury rates, highlighting provisional data, reporting limitations and restrictions on comparisons with other industries.
- 202221 Dec
Kuraray Pasadena Release and Fire
Investigation of an ethylene release and fire during reactor startup at Kuraray’s Pasadena plant, injuring 23 workers. It examines unsafe atmospheric pressure-relief discharge, disabled interlocks, alarm flooding, conflicting operating instructions and restricted flare use. Recommendations address safe discharge design, worker exclusion, operating limits, training and independent process safety assessment.
- 202213 Dec
Oil tank sight glass push buttons wired open
An engine-room visit identified oil-tank sight-glass push buttons deliberately held open with wire, defeating the gauge’s closing feature. The flash explains that accidental damage to the glass tube could allow tank contents to spill, creating slip and fire hazards and depriving equipment of its intended oil supply.
- 202223 Nov
Oil leakage from vessel crane onto quayside
A vessel crane’s hydraulic hose ruptured during retrieval of anchor handling chains, spilling oil onto the quayside. Poor lighting hindered detection during inspection, and crew initially failed to report the incident. The flash calls for awareness of environmental reporting requirements and planned hose inspection and condition-based renewal.
- 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.
- 2022Sep
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 68 (September 2022)
Maritime incident digest examining unsafe work aloft, a timber-cargo overboard casualty, fatal crane-access falls, engine maintenance, navigation errors, tug capsizing and flooding, hot-fuel burns and an eye injury. Commentary addresses continuous harness connection, rescue planning, towage competence, watertight closures, maintenance programmes and accountability during permitted work.
- 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.
- 20228 Jun
Human Factors information paper - Risk migration
Explains how operational trade-offs can gradually erode safety margins, using a well abandonment campaign involving offshore hydrocarbon gas venting. Examines deficient hazard assessment, equipment assurance and modification controls through systems theory, distinguishing possible explanations from verified findings. Introduces guided adaptability to support anticipation, coordinated responses and proactive learning.
- 202228 Feb
UK HSE: Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) leak
This safety flash describes a release of around 15 tonnes of LPG at Fawley refinery, undetected for around four hours. HSE identified excessive pressure for the valve and absent flow-discrepancy detection. Emergency personnel reset the valve. The account stresses maintaining protective layers against major incidents; no fire or injury occurred.
- 202210 Feb
NTSB: Engine Failure leads to fire aboard offshore supply vessel
This safety flash summarises an NTSB finding on a generator engine failure aboard an anchored offshore supply vessel. Bearing seizure was identified as the probable cause of rod ejection, oil release and an engine-room fire. Crew removed fuel and oxygen sources, containing the fire without injuries or pollution.
- 2022
Annual offshore statistics and regulatory activity report 2022
Official statistics summarise HSE’s offshore regulatory activity and safety performance during 2022, covering inspections, investigations, safety-case assessments, enforcement, dangerous occurrences, hydrocarbon releases and reported injuries. The report explains inspection scoring, release classifications, workforce estimates and reporting changes, including limitations on comparisons with other industries.
- 20219 Dec
Oil leakage from cylinder head cover
Following planned maintenance, a misaligned main-engine cylinder cover left a 3 mm sealing gap. Vessel list concealed the oil leakage until a turn to port. Engineers repositioned the cover and removed spilled oil, which was beginning to vaporise beneath the exhaust gas line, then established a fire watch.
- 202119 Nov
Fuel oil hose burst during bunkering
A two-inch fuel oil hose burst during bunkering in port as the transfer rate increased, spilling around 30–50 litres onto the jetty. None went overboard. The cause remained unconfirmed despite recent third-party testing. The flash recommends inspecting hose stowage and considering more frequent repositioning of coiled hoses to avoid localised damage.
- 202121 Oct
Management of Hot Surfaces information paper
This information paper examines hot-surface ignition risks from non-electrical equipment in open process areas. It distinguishes hazardous area classification from assessment of large hydrocarbon releases, explains auto-ignition temperature and operating temperature limits, and discusses dispersion modelling, inspection assurance and evaluation of temperature exceedances against facility-specific standards.
- 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.
- 202123 Apr
Failed Seal on Subsea Safety Valve Causes Leak
A subsea safety-valve seal failure allowed hydrocarbons into hydraulic lines at a Gulf of Mexico production platform, releasing an estimated three to 50 barrels of hydraulic fluid and oil. The alert describes ROV sampling and leak isolation, and recommends considering hydraulic-system monitoring, alarm configuration and pressure management during leaks and platform evacuation.
- 202117 Mar
Offshore Pipeline Integrity Management (Issue 2)
Inspection guidance for assessing offshore hydrocarbon pipeline integrity management, compliance and performance. It addresses ageing and life extension, corrosion monitoring, pipeline and riser inspection, shutdown valve testing, pigging safeguards and emergency preparedness. Success criteria, sample inspection agendas and enforcement assessment guidance support examination of operators’ arrangements.
- 202124 Feb
Failure to Follow Procedures Results in Pollution Incidents
BSEE describes two Gulf of Mexico pollution incidents involving open valves during well workover and synthetic-based mud transfer. The second investigation remained ongoing, with preliminary findings indicating procedural non-compliance. Recommendations address flow-path understanding, valve labelling, physical verification before start-up, defined responsibilities and lockout/tagout barriers for overboard mud-system components.
- 202121 Jan
Risk-Based Inspections of Subsea Leak Detection Technology Reveals Gaps in System Processes
BSEE reviews three subsea oil leaks and inspection findings showing weaknesses in leak-detection procedures and management processes. Operators and contractors are asked to consider clearer alarm response responsibilities, personnel training, system testing, configuration change control and ROV surveys. The alert emphasises investigating abnormal flow and learning from previous detection failures.
- 2021
Annual offshore statistics and regulatory activity report 2021
Official statistics review HSE’s offshore regulatory activity and dutyholder performance in 2021, with historical comparisons. The report covers inspections, investigations, safety-case assessments, enforcement, hydrocarbon releases, injuries and occupational disease. It explains provisional data, reporting changes and population-based rates, including why offshore injury rates cannot be compared directly with other sectors.
- 202016 Oct
Deficiencies in Process Piping Cause Gas Release Incidents
BSEE describes several Gulf of Mexico gas releases involving cracked welds, leaking gaskets and corrosion beneath insulation. The alert links incidents to quality assurance and mechanical integrity deficiencies, with vibration-related fatigue a possible contributor in one case. Recommendations address piping integrity programmes, leak detection, reporting, training and maintenance of compressors and pulsation dampeners.
- 20209 Oct
Crane hydraulic hose caught on protruding grease fitting
A crane hydraulic hose snagged on a protruding grease fitting during outer-jib retraction. Incorrect hose routing and insufficient pre-use inspection were identified, with potential for hose rupture, crane failure and an oil spill. The Master stopped operations, the hose was corrected, and pre-use inspections and checks for similar snagging were recommended.
- 202014 Aug
Hull damage caused oil leakage from settling tank
A vessel’s fuel settling tank was punctured during berthing where protective fendering was missing, causing oil leakage. Port maintenance had not been communicated, while quayside access restrictions limited observation. Lessons address berthing risk assessment, decision-making information, possible shoreside support, alternative inboard tank arrangements and pollution emergency planning.
- 202028 Apr
Fire in engine room and subsequent collision with structure on transport barge
A tug suffered an engine-room fire after fuel oil escaped during pressure testing and ignited on hot engines. A blackout preceded collision with a structure protruding from the transport barge. The flash examines failed emergency and fire systems, permit shortcomings and recommendations for controlling non-standard work and improving crew familiarisation.
- 202031 Mar
Safety Alert 380 - Subsea Jumper Failure Leads to Leak
BSEE describes a subsea jumper failure involving internal corrosion and mechanical stress from pipeline and PLET movement. The October 2017 leak released an estimated 16,000 barrels of oil and remained undetected for over 24 hours. Recommendations address operator training, improved leak detection, corrosion mitigation and verification of pipeline design tolerances.
- 2020
Annual offshore statistics and regulatory activity report 2020
Official statistics summarise HSE’s offshore regulatory activity and dutyholder performance in 2020, alongside dangerous occurrences, hydrocarbon releases, injuries and occupational disease. Historical comparisons accompany explanations of reporting changes, provisional data and workforce denominators. The report also describes inspection prioritisation, enforcement and safety-case assessment requirements.
- 2020
The safe approach, set-up and departure of jack-up rigs to fixed installations (REV 1)
Guidance for duty holders managing jack-up approach, positioning and departure beside fixed offshore installations. It examines collision and hydrocarbon-release risks, pipeline protection, human factors and personnel limits. Site-specific ALARP demonstrations underpin decisions on production shutdown, depressurisation and venting, with live approaches requiring justification of changed circumstances.
- 20192 Oct
Safety Alert 367 - Saturated Glycol Handling Leads to Fire
A production-platform fire followed unattended glycol reboiler start-up after an extended shut-in. BSEE attributed ignition to high water content and rapid heating, which flooded the still column and expelled fluids onto the stack. Recommendations for consideration address advanced training, attended start-up, circulation before heating and stack insulation.
- 201930 Sep
UK HSE Investigation into Offshore Gas Explosion
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.
- 201920 Aug
Catastrophic rupture of dead-leg pipe-work
This safety alert examines refinery pipework ruptures associated with highly localised internal corrosion in dead-legs. It explains how routine thickness checks missed deterioration and outlines inspection expectations, including risk assessment, wider wall-thickness testing and timely replacement. Operators should consider removing non-essential dead-legs and account for thermal gradients, liquid interfaces and condensation.
- 201912 Jun
Pryor Trust Fatal Gas Well Blowout and Fire
Investigation of an Oklahoma gas-well blowout and fire that killed five workers in the driller’s cabin. It examines underbalanced drilling, tripping methods, missed influx indications, disabled alarms, procedural and change-management deficiencies, blocked escape routes and unsuccessful blowout-preventer closure. Recommendations address drilling regulation, barrier assurance, alarm design and operating practices.
- 201925 Apr
Oil spill during bunkering
A vessel bunkering alongside spilled around three litres of fuel after a hose coupling was loosened to investigate back pressure. The flash identifies failures to check drainage and residual pressure, describes containment and clean-up on deck and pier, and records a full review of bunkering procedures.
- 201817 Aug
Oil spill dispersants at a glance - July 2018
This information sheet explains how chemical dispersants support oil spill response through surface or subsea application. It outlines environmental trade-offs, the need to demonstrate a net environmental benefit, and NOPSEMA’s assessment of oil pollution emergency plans. Timely deployment within the limited effectiveness window is a central planning requirement.
- 201817 Aug
Oil spill modelling at a glance - August 2018
This factsheet contrasts stochastic modelling, which combines hypothetical spills to indicate potentially affected areas, with deterministic modelling of individual spill scenarios. It explains their complementary roles in offshore petroleum spill risk assessment, preparedness and response planning, and cautions against treating stochastic maps as representations of a single spill.
- 201817 Aug
Oil spill response strategies at a glance - July 2018
This information sheet outlines oil spill response options for petroleum companies, including source control, surveillance, chemical dispersants, containment and recovery, and in-situ burning. It also covers shoreline and inland-water response, waste planning, wildlife rehabilitation, environmental monitoring and remediation, emphasising that techniques are not suitable for every spill scenario.
- 201820 Jul
Fuel spray fire
A vessel’s cracked fuel-system isolating valve released approximately 1 m³ of fuel. Engine vibration and assembly weight caused the failure following a pipework alteration. The flash describes replacement with a stainless-steel fitting, installation of a spray deflector and lessons on assessing short- and long-term consequences through management of change.
- 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.
- 20189 Jul
Oil spill response arrangements - July 2018
This information sheet explains oil spill response responsibilities for petroleum activities in Australian Commonwealth waters. It describes NOPSEMA’s assessment of response plans, inspection of capability and regulatory intervention, alongside companies’ obligations to implement agreed arrangements, secure supporting resources and fund the full response.
- 201824 Apr
BSEE: potentially catastrophic crane and lifting incidents
This flash summarises four BSEE lifting incidents involving a dislodged slick joint, a parted crane line, a falling boom and tubing escaping a bundle. One incident released diesel. Recommendations address lift planning, safe zones, training, crane inspection and maintenance, cable and sheave compatibility, and balanced, secured loads.
- 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.
- 20182 Mar
Loss of Containment (LoC) - Version 2 March 2018
Inspection guidance for assessing offshore oil and gas duty holders’ containment safeguards. It covers design, commissioning, operating limits, instrumented protection, relief, isolation, reinstatement and change management. Specialist sections address process hazards, FPSOs, tubing and hoses, alongside investigation, performance indicators, assurance and leadership.
- 201820 Feb
Safety Alert 329 - Potentially Catastrophic Crane and Lifting Incidents
This alert describes four crane and lifting incidents involving a dropped riser joint, a parted crane line, a falling crane boom and tubing escaping a bundle. One incident released diesel into the Gulf of Mexico. BSEE recommends operators consider lift planning, crane inspection and maintenance, participant training and verification of load security.
- 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.
- 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.
- 201718 Sep
ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery Chemical Release and Fire
This safety bulletin examines an isobutane release and fire at ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge refinery that seriously injured four workers. It analyses plug valve gearbox removal, pressure-retaining bolt arrangements, design ambiguity and organisational practices. Lessons address safer valve designs, human-factors hazard analysis, written removal procedures and operator training.
- 20176 Jul
Well annulus leaks gas-lift inventory from failed instrument line
An instrument tubing failure released production-annulus hydrocarbon gas for 3.5 hours. Its position between the wellhead and gas-lift shutdown valve prevented shutdown from isolating the annulus inventory. The alert discusses small-bore integrity, secondary barrier vulnerability, two-barrier practice and recommended shutdown-valve placement and activation.
- 201727 Jun
Fuel spray fire – Déjà vu: Prepare and prevent it from happening to you!
A ruptured flexible fuel hose sprayed diesel onto a turbocharger in an offshore supply vessel’s unmanned engine room. The resulting fire caused significant damage but no injuries. The flash describes the crew’s response and USCG recommendations for machinery-space inspections, examination of heat sources and reduced use of non-metallic flexible hoses.
- 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.
- 201725 May
Near-miss: Fire hazard from leaking fuel supply line
A vessel’s low-pressure main-engine fuel line leaked through a failed T-piece weld, creating a potential fire hazard. Unable to isolate the pipe, engineers applied a temporary tape and resin repair. Age-related degradation was believed to be the root cause. The flash highlights watchkeeping, repair preparedness and repeated fuel-piping failures.
- 201718 May
Delaware City Refining Company
CSB safety bulletin examines a flash fire during maintenance preparation at Delaware City Refining Company. Hydrocarbons backflowed through a leaking closed valve while vessels were being emptied. It discusses isolation integrity, informal preparation instructions and management of change, with lessons on more protective isolation and an appendix reviewing other maintenance-related incidents.
- 20179 May
Oil spill sampling and source identification
An environmental alert examines unsuccessful sampling of an oil sheen near a titleholder’s facilities, which hindered source identification. It highlights representative sampling, sample integrity and recorded custody, personnel competence, timely equipment deployment and reference characterisation of produced hydrocarbons, alongside petroleum environmental requirements for pollution monitoring and response.
- 201721 Mar
Near miss: Fire hazard arising from failed fuel pipe connection
A vessel in transit experienced smoke when a high-pressure fuel pipe coupling failed, releasing fuel onto hot engine components without a fire. The crew mustered, stopped the port engine and isolated its fuel supply. The flash discusses recurring piping failures and recommends checking similar systems, pressure testing and seal renewal during overhaul.
- 201622 Dec
Collision between general cargo vessel Daroja and oil bunker barge Erin Wood
Investigation of the collision between Daroja and Erin Wood south-east of Peterhead on 29 August 2015. It examines absent lookouts, lone watchkeeping, unused navigational aids, crew competence and safety-management shortcomings. Collision damage and open weathertight doors caused flooding; the report also analyses emergency pumping, fuel leakage and regulatory oversight.
- 201620 Dec
Fire in engine room
A vessel’s engine-room fire followed failure of a low-pressure fuel hose, with leaking fuel igniting on the exhaust. The fixed firefighting system extinguished the fire; nobody was injured and damage was minimal. Recommendations address hose inspection and replacement, maintenance frequency and crew familiarity with firefighting arrangements.
- 201620 Dec
Fuel spill during in-port bunkering
A platform supply vessel spilled fuel during bunkering in port. Fuel leaking from a sample/drain cock entered a drip tray and drained overboard with fresh water from a leaking manifold valve. The investigation identified incomplete pre-bunkering checks and inadequate watchkeeping. Pumping was stopped and containment booms deployed.
- 201622 Nov
Fuel oil bunkering safety
This safety flash briefly describes fuel oil spilling into a vessel’s engine room during bunkering. Preparations included a correctly completed checklist and a crew toolbox talk. It provides no spill quantity or cause and directs readers to the Marine Safety Forum for the underlying flash.
- 201619 Oct
Williams Olefins Plant Explosion and Fire
CSB case study examines the fatal Williams Geismar reboiler rupture, BLEVE and fire. It analyses likely liquid thermal expansion in standby equipment lacking effective pressure relief, alongside shortcomings in change management, hazard analysis and operating procedures. Metallurgical testing, finite element analysis and process modelling inform the failure assessment and recommendations.
- 201612 Sep
Safety Alert 323 - Subsea Flowline Failure Causes Pollution Incident and Delayed Detection Leads to Larger Spill Volume
A subsea flowline released production fluids while personnel interpreted alarms as slugging or plugging, delaying shut-in for several hours. With the failure cause still under investigation, BSEE recommends thorough alarm investigation, revised leak-detection escalation, monitoring of operating data, conditional ROV integrity checks and transient analysis of small-volume leaks.
- 20161 Sep
Fire in the engine room on the suction dredger Arco Avon with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal engine-room fire aboard Arco Avon during an attempted fuel-pipe repair. It identifies portable angle-grinder sparks as the probable ignition source and examines pipe fretting, hot-work controls, lone working, protective clothing, CO2 system operation and medical response. Recommendations address maintenance inspections and safety-management implementation.
- 20164 Jul
Minor fuel spill during offshore transfer
During offshore fuel delivery by a platform supply vessel, fuel sprayed from an unused connection shortly after pumping began at a low rate. Operations stopped immediately; less than one litre was estimated to have reached the sea. The flash highlights checking every connection, closing and capping valves, and regular manifold inspection and maintenance.
- 20164 Jul
Stored pressure: Corrosion coupon plug ejected from pressurized pipeline
A corrosion coupon plug was expelled at high velocity during retrieval from a crude oil pipeline pressurised to 103 bar, releasing oil without injuries. The investigation identified worn access-fitting threads as the most likely cause, noting nearly thirty years of service and over 140 retrieval and installation cycles.
- 20166 May
Condensate leak
A condensate outlet line cracked under vibration following changed plant flowrates, releasing around 8 kg per second and taking 90 minutes to stop. No injuries occurred. The flash highlights design shortcomings, habituation to vibration and specialist competence gaps, stressing engineering advice and the risks of constraining vibrating pipework.