CARBON MONOXIDE
Recently, an incident involving the accumulation of carbon monoxide (CO) in a well bore
and subsequent release of the gas on the rig floor occurred on a platform in the Pacific
OCS Region. This incident occurred following extensive perforating operations (several
thousand shots), and resulted in personnel having to don protective breathing equipment.
In the interest of safety, operators are advised to take reasonable precautions to
protect personnel when long intervals are being perforated. MMS recommends, as a minimum,
that CO monitoring equipment, large capacity fans, and supplied air breathing units be
made available and maintained operational during all extensive perforating operations, and
that this subject be covered during your pre-operations safety meeting, which should also
be attended by your contractors.
